If you are interested in purchasing a pet that is a little different from the norm, but you are a canine lover, you may want to consider purchasing a fennec fox. The fennec fox, which is also known as the desert fox, is a small canine that normally weighs between 2 and 3.5 pounds as an adult. Although not too many people own a fennec fox, they can make great pets if the proper precautions are taken.
Getting to know the Fennec Fox
As a member of the canine family, the fennec fox acts like domesticated dogs that are kept as pets. At the same time, it is important to remember that this type of canine has not really been domesticated. Therefore, you will need to take special measures to socialize your fennec fox, as well as to prevent it from escaping.
Unsurprisingly, the fennec fox is a very active and fast canine. In addition, they are usually quite agile. In nature, the fennec fox tends to be a nocturnal animal. However, when kept as a pet, these canines can somewhat adapt to their owner’s schedule. It is a good idea to help your pet adjust to their schedule as much as possible, as they emit a high-pitched cry that can be annoying at night.
Caring for a Fennec Fox
Although the fennec fox is similar to domestic canines in many ways, there are some differences. For example, the diet of a fennec fox is a little different than that of a typical pet dog. In nature, these creatures prefer a diet consisting of rodents, insects, fruits, plants, and reptiles. Therefore, the ideal food for your pet would be a commercial canned diet that is prepared specifically for wild animals. However, many owners choose to feed their foxes a mixture of dog food, cat food, fruits, and vegetables, while others prefer to feed their foxes a mixture of raw meat, vegetables, and vitamins.
Like a cat, it is possible to litter-train a fennec fox, although some people seem to find the process easier than others. Therefore, whether or not you intend to litter train your fox or simply take him outside to use the bathroom is a personal decision you must make. Either way, you want to make sure you give your fox plenty of opportunities to run outdoors, as they are very active animals that need an outlet for all of their excess energy.
It should also be noted that the fennec fox is a very curious creature that has a tendency to get into everything, which means that it also has a tendency to dig. Therefore, if you keep your fox outdoors, be sure to keep it in an enclosure specifically designed to prevent it from burrowing and climbing. This can be accomplished by burying a good portion of the fence so that the fox cannot dig under it. You should also turn the fence inward at the top so that it cannot escape.
