Have you ever wished you had a one in a million type of pet? Get introduced to the Fennec Fox, who is the smallest fox that is owned by nature and might just be one of the cutest exotic animals out there!
These cute desert fox animals have enormous ears, equal to their body size, and incredibly cute fur tails, and people with pet adoration all over the globe are starting to take notice. But, it is crucial to read some important things before being enchanted by big ears and nice faces.
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Having a fennec fox pet is not like having a normal cat or dog .They are native to the sandy deserts of North Africa, but now many people have these special animals in their homes, so they have to know a thing or two about them.
In this article, we will explore everything you ever want to know concerning this small animal that you might have thought of adopting to be your pet; the cost, the diet, the training and many more basic needs for a happy and healthy fennec fox. Now, let’s dive into the extensive world of fennec fox animals.
What Makes a Fennec Fox Species Special?
Fennec fox undoubtedly is one of the extraordinary creations of nature. Imagine an animal that could fit in your backpack, that’s how tiny they are! Nevertheless, adult fennec foxes are not very large animals; they max out at a whopping 2-3 pounds , similar in size to a domestic cat.
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Physical Characteristics
The first thing which will strike everyone’s attention is large ears, they cool the fox in the desert, detect insects movement on the ground and they have abilities like natural air conditioners.
Their body length is between 9-16 inches and the tail is additional 7-12 inches. Body and legs are well adapted to life in the desert: large eyes for the best night vision, thick fur for warmth during the night, and fur foot pads to avoid burning the paws on hot sand.
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Natural Habitat & Life Stages
Fennec fox species are native to the Sahara Desert as well as other regions of North Africa. Originally, they prefer building their residences in sandy deserts, the desert plain, the desert steps, and the rocky badlands. They burrow holes that are deep to avoid a hotter temperature, are out only at night when the temperatures are relatively low and they can live for some time without water.
Fennec fox babies are born extremely tiny and may be completely dependent. Their eyes open after ten days of birth, and they develop the ability to walk after two weeks of birth. For about 3 months, they travel together with the mother and will learn basic survival activities. Both species achieve their adult size at 6-7 months old and with good care they can live between 10-15 years.
Legal Considerations for Owning a Fennec Fox Pet
The Fennec Fox is best kept as a pet if the owner has sufficient knowledge of the legal statutes with regard to this species as most countries have banned keeping of exotic animals.
Some of the permits or licenses may be required depending on one’s area of operations, and these are important as they are likely to lead to the violation of the law in case the potential owners fail to obtain them. Hiring the services of local wildlife authorities is highly recommended before adopting Fennec Fox.
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Ethical Ownership
While pretty and legal to own, Fennec Foxes do require certain responsible commitment. These are not household animals like dogs and cats and need that extra-special care. Anticipated proprietors need to consider to what extent they can effectively address these specific requirements while operating legally.
State Laws and Regulations
Most states have different laws when it comes to owning a fennec fox. Some states do allow people to keep fennec foxes as pets while some do not or they allow the keeping of fennec foxes but under extreme measures.
For instance, while firms and people in the states such as Nevada and Florida are allowed to own guns as long as they have proper licenses, Californian and New York states do not allow any form of ownership.
Cost of Keeping a Pet Fox
Ever thought of being a pet fox owner like the adorable Fennec fox, Well, it comes with a very big price. In addition to the costs of the purchase there are ongoing costs for their maintenance, food, shelter, and legal requirements. To this end, a comprehensive understanding of these cost structures will enable prospective owners to make sensible decisions.
Initial Purchase Cost
The breeder price for the Fennec Fox varies from $2,500 to $5,000 depending on breeder, location, and demand for Fennec Fox. It’s necessary to ensure that the fox is sourced from a responsible breeder to avoid contributing to unethical wildlife trade practices.
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Housing and Habitat
The Fennec Foxes need an optimum habitat that is safe and resembles the wildlife habitats for these animals. Building an outdoor hutch from heavy gauge wire and panels with a covered area will range between $1,000 and $ 3,000.
For the part of living spaces, owners should fox-proof the rooms to avoid the havoc; this may include buying sturdy protectors for your furniture , securing the electrical cords and designing a proper playpen.
Diet and Nutrition
Feeding a Fennec fox adequately is as important as anything to do with its welfare. Most often they are fed with quality commercial exotic animal food, raw meat, fruits and vegetables. They consume up to 150 dollars every month for feed depending on the size and feeding frequency of the fox.
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Veterinary Care
For instance, Fennec Foxes are now considered exotic pets, and their treatment will cost a million more compared to typical pets. Annual checkups, vaccinations, and treatment of various illnesses come to between $300 and $500.
Legal and Licensing Fees
In certain countries where Fennec Fox is legal to own they are allowed after obtaining a permit or license. Some of these permits may attract an application fee and are renewable, with the fees being between $50 and $200 for the year. One is the local laws are very strict, and failure to observe them will attract fines or legal charges and therefore an added cos
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Grooming and Maintenance
Although Fennec Foxes are clean animals, occasional grooming is necessary. Personal accessories like combs, clippers, and pet-safe shampoos will cost $50-$100 at the outset. In case the pet requires a professional groomer for the exotics, then this will be extra expenses as well.
Total Annual Cost Estimate
Hearing all of this, the monthly cost of caring for fennec foxes is between $200 and $500; however, purchase and accommodation expenses are not included. Such expenses are the actual price a person has to pay for proper care of such an extraordinary pet.
Housing Requirements for Fennec Foxes
Adequate housing is important to the health of a Fennec Fox to enable it to survive and live a comfortable life. Besides safeguarding their bodily integrity, a good organization of the environment also enhances their procedural needs for mental development.
Outdoor Enclosures
If you are to keep your Fennec Fox in an outdoor environment then the habitat has to be safe, large, with the fox having no means of getting out. For outdoor terrains, the enclosure should be at least 200 square feet large; more space is desirable. They should be given an opportunity to dig into sand or soil.
Indoor Living Spaces
For those keeping a Fennec Fox indoors, creating a safe and secure area is essential. Owners should tie or fasten cords, remove anything that could be broken and provide a baby gate or other means in order to restrict certain areas. Every indoor environment should contain a large crate or pen with soft bedding for napping.
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Temperature and Climate Control
Fennec Foxes can live in desert areas but they can also stand a multitude of temperatures for short periods of time. Nonetheless, such conditions as exceedingly low temperatures or high temperatures are dangerous.
Living in an enclosure environment should recommend a temperature range of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Their housing may need portable heaters or air conditioners depending on climate.
Caring for Your Fennec Fox Animals
These are active, appealing, and engaging pets, although they become ill easily, hence the need for proper care to make them live long healthy lives whenever they are taken as animals to be domesticated. The following are the basic factors in the care of the Fennec Fox.
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Diet and Nutrition
Like all animals, Fennec Foxes have their own particular needs when it comes to feeding them in order that they can stay healthy. In their native habitats they are mainly considered as omnivores with their diets comprising seeds, insects as well as small vertebrates.
Fennec Foxes as pets should be fed a balanced diet of high quality commercial exotic animal food. They can be offered raw meats like chicken or turkey, fruits, vegetables and; once in a while, insects like mealworms.
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Their diet should be protein inclusive and the foods should exclude fats given that most foxes held captive are obese. Water, particularly plain water, should always be produced in order not to posture them to heat stroke incidents because they are more sensitive to it.
Sometimes, owners prefer giving the pet some supplements in a bid to guarantee that he has taken all the vitamins as well as nutrients but it is advisable to consult the exotic animal veterinarian before feeding your pet some supplements.
Grooming
They have thick, silky coats which may tangle very quickly and therefore should be groomed regularly at least once a week. During shedding seasons, the fur might have to be brushed more often to get rid of excessive hair ball formation for Fennec Foxes, their nails should also be trimmed often because if allowed to grow, may cause discomfort or even injury.
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Enrichment and Mental Stimulation
Fennec Foxes are smart animals and get easily bored therefore they ought to be mentally challenged. Playful and stimulating through toys, tunnels, climbing structures and puzzle feeders assist in keeping them occupied. These foxes are burrowing animals, therefore a sandbox or a dig box should be provided in the foxes’ enclosure for the foxes to naturally dig.
Rotate toys regularly to keep them fresh and interesting. As for the toys, you can also offer different sorts of activities to activate your fox’s predatory reactions more, for example, hide food somewhere in your home, use special toys that contain treats.
Health Considerations for Fennec Fox Pet
Fennec Foxes are strong animals but as exotic pets they have some certain health risks that should be under control. Learning about possible health problems, the Fennec Fox’s routine health check-ups, and health precautions, any owner may guarantee his pet a happy healthy long life.
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Common Health Issues
Fennec Foxes are particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections. Like many small animals, they are also prone to dental diseases, tooth caries, and incorrect occlusion Fennec Foxes can be affected by the internal and external diseases and parasites such as fleas, ticks and worms.
Because of their big ears they as well have a tendency to get affected by some ear problems. Their ears are also affected by moisture, dirt, and wax, which makes it easy for them to get an infection. Though Fennec foxes are well suited for hot desert climates, they can still has heat stroke if they are exposed to high temperatures, especially given the fact that people’s homes often do not regulate temperatures well.
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Preventive Health Measures
Preventive care is essential for the long-term health of a Fennec Fox. Some key preventive measures include:
- Vaccinations: It is important to check for the vaccinations exotic pets need in your region every now and then.
- Parasite Prevention: As much as Fennec fox is relatively resistant to parasites, it is wise to give your fox flea and tick treatments and deworm it from time to time.
- Proper Diet: The need to offer an appropriate diet that will not lead to alter and growth of complicated illnesses cannot be overemphasized.
- Hydration: Make sure that at any one time your Fennec Fox is supplied with clean water.
- Exercise and Enrichment: Activities include play, mobility, exploration as well as, use of manipulative toys for proper physical and mental health.
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Signs of Illness to Watch For
If you have Fennec Foxes, they are kings at masking the signs of discomfort hence the need to keenly observe signs of discomfort. Some signs of illness to watch for include:
- Weight loss or even a loss of appetite
- Lethargy or lack of energy
- Some changes of different color in their coat like shedding too much hair or their fur look lifeless.
- Some dangerous signs include; A sudden change in behavior from normal that include being aggressive or becoming all of a sudden withdrawn.
- Shortness of breath or coughing
- Vomiting or diarrhea
If any of these signs appear, it’s important to contact a veterinarian promptly to address the issue before it worsens. Moreover, Fennec Foxes require regular veterinary check-ups to monitor their overall health.
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Pros of Owning a Fennec Pet Fox
Let’s have a look at all the pros of owning a fennec pet fox..
Unique and Exotic Appeal
The Fennec Foxes are small and exotic creatures and are famously infamous for their friendly disposition and ultra large ears. This is capable of being very fulfilling to the owners who have a great fascination with wildlife animals.
Intelligent and Energetic
These animals are smart and energetic, to say the least they are always very entertaining. In the right surroundings they have the potential of building intimate relations with their owners.
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Compact Size
Comparing it with some of the largest exotic pets, Fennec Foxes are small and hardly weigh much, hence they are easy to accommodate provided we meet their needs.
Cons of Owning a Fennec Fox
People who decide to have such a pet will have a great time, but there are specific difficulties that may occur in such a process
Legal Restrictions
In many areas it may be prohibited to own a Fennec Fox in the first place or one might need a permit to do so. Consult local laws in order to determine compliance or otherwise.
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High Maintenance
Their dietary, shelter and environmental requirements are unique and need lots of time, effort and of course, money to meet them.
Noisy and Energetic
Fennec Foxes are very noisy especially at night, they move around a lot and need to be supervised most of the time, and entertained all the time.
Behavioral Challenges
While fennec foxes are wild animals they can be shy, invasive and destructive, being inclined to dig and chew.
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Conclusion
Deciding to have a fennec fox in your household is not a decision to be made on a whim or on impulse. These adorable desert fox pets can bring joy and excitement to your life, but they also need lots of special care and attention.
Think about everything we’ve talked about: the place they require, the meals they take, as well as time you will spend with them. It is important to also note that these ones are not even like your normal domesticated animals; these ones are wildlife that have domesticated themselves to an extent.
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You will find that your pet fennec fox will require a special vet, proper permits, house setup to ensure that they will remain safe and happy. But if you have the time to devote 10-15 years of your life to, say, raising a fennec fox, then perhaps these are the exotic pets of your dreams!
But if you are unsure of any of these things then feeling inspired by these incredible fennec foxes is perfectly acceptable. The most important thing is telling yourself the truth if you can provide one of these special animals the life they need.