Fennec Foxes

Considering a Fennec fox for your next pet? Take the time to read up on some the important facts you should know before making a final decision.

Fennec foxes have a minimum life span of about twelve years and can live to be sixteen years old, so be prepared to make a long term commitment. These animals grow up to about eighteen inches in length and about ten inches in height at the shoulders. They generally weigh between two and four pounds at maturity. Hailing from the desert areas of North Africa, Fennec foxes are naturally social and require a lot of attention, so be sure to consider whether you can provide this. Generally, if you bring the animal home when it is still young and work hard at socialization and training the Fennec fox can become quite domesticated.

Be aware they tend to be naturally curious, energetic and active. In addition, you’ll need to make sure you have proper housing that is firm and secure because they are very good at both climbing and digging so they tend to also be good at escaping. If you plan to take your fox out away from your home you’ll need to put him on a leash and hold onto to him fast and tight.

One of the best benefits of this type of fox is that they do not tend to have a strong odor like most other types of foxes. You’ll need to take care to keep the environment and temperature just right to keep your new pet comfortable. This animal prefers temperatures warmer than 68 degree Fahrenheit but not extremely hot.

Because this animal tends to be so curious, it’s a good idea to make sure he is either supervised or contained. When you’re not home or can’t watch your fox, it’s a good idea to keep him in either an indoor dog crate or an outside pen with covered fencing.

Some owners have found they are able to train their Fennec foxes to use the litter box, especially when using rewards as an encouragement.

Ideally, your Fennec fox should be fed a combination of premium cat or dog food along with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Because they are omnivorous in the wild you may also wish to feed your fox crickets and pinkie mice as well.

Like any other animal you’ll need to make sure you arrange health care maintenance for your fox including routine vaccinations for rabies, distemper, etc.

 
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