How to Take Care of a Pet Fox
Pet Fox Care
This article will only address red and arctic foxes. When the word "fox" is used, it refers to these species unless stated otherwise.
Foxes are beautiful, sneaky, and entertaining members of the canine family. Many people are captivated by them and would love to own one as a pet. Of course, there's absolutely no problem with that, except that foxes have some specific traits, behaviors, and care needs that many people are ignorant about when they purchase one.
Contrary to popular belief, foxes are not "cat-dogs." They have many species-specific behaviors and vocalizations. If you want something that behaves like a cat, get a cat. Expecting a fox to act like an entirely different species is illogical and will only cause a lot of problems.
This article will inform you of the basic care required for pet foxes. It by no means should be the only thing you read if you intend to purchase one. You can never do enough research on an exotic pet!
The Enclosure for a Fox
Having a proper, secure enclosure setup is one of the most important requirements when owning a fox. Fox kits may tolerate staying indoors, but once they hit sexual maturity, they start marking their territory with their urine and feces and become extremely destructive. I know of people who have experienced territorial aggression with their indoor foxes as well; they don't adapt well to staying indoors.
Having an enclosure is also great because even if you keep your fox indoors, they cannot be left unsupervised. Enclosures give your fox plenty of space to roam and play, even when you aren't home.
Fox Enclosures: Quick Overview
Enclosures should be no smaller than 8'L x 8'W x 6'T.
The floor should be dig-proof: line it with a chain link. Foxes are proficient diggers.
The top should be completely enclosed.
Chain link, if used, should be no more than 14 gauge to avoid being chewed through and have welded wire.
In terms of enrichment, the enclosure should also include ramps, platforms, hanging toys, tunnel tubes, sandboxes, and toys. Enclosures should have a nesting box (or dog house), food and water dishes (which are best clipped to the fence to avoid your fox marking inside them and soiling the water), and optionally a substrate such as aspen bedding or straw. They should also be cleaned twice a week, or every day, depending on the size.
Diet and Feeding
Foxes are carnivorous. Most people feed either high-quality, grain-free kibble like Blue Buffalo or Taste of the Wild, with tidbits of raw meats like chicken liver. Taurine is an essential acid for foxes, much like it is for felines, so to keep your fox healthy, you will need to supplement its diet with taurine (unless you are raw feeding).
Most Common Dog Food Choices for Foxes
Blue Buffalo
Taste of the Wild
Merricks
Canidae
DIY Homemade Fox Food Recipe
Some people prefer to raw feed their foxes or prepare homemade meals. Here is a well-researched, excellent recipe created by Ragtatter over at The Pet Fox Blog:
Ingredients
2 lbs raw ground chicken
2 lbs raw ground turkey
8 hardboiled eggs (shells powdered and included)
4 oz raw tilapia
1.5 cups rolled oats
1 (411g) can of green beans
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1 tbsp carrot juice
4 tsp wheat germ oil
1 tsp cod liver oil
Foxes will cache their food. They will also mark it with their feces or urine. Therefore, it is important that you keep your feeding areas clean and ensure that leftover perishable food is not being cached.
A way to prevent your fox from marking its food if this becomes an issue:
"...put their food and water dish in some type of enclosure, so the fox can only reach his/her head in the enclosure. A covered milk crate, a sturdy cardboard box, a wooded box would be good too." —Pat, Sybils Den
Behavior and Vocalizations
Foxes have a variety of behaviors, some similar to other canines. Here's a quick list of some of the more common behaviors and vocalizations.
Behavior
Whiskers: The position of a fox's whiskers can indicate interest (if perked forward) or fear and anger (if bristled). Calm foxes have relaxed whiskers.
Body language: Like most canines, foxes are very expressive, so I won't go too in-depth. Foxes have very typical canine body language, although they do not snarl. Foxes will perform body slams when being defensive and will pin high-value items underneath them if they feel threatened.
Scent: Foxes will rarely utilize their supracaudal gland, or violet gland, to release a powerful, foul-smelling odor. This is done when your fox is extremely fearful or upset, if you stepped on its' tail, for example.
Resource guarding: Foxes are prone to resource guarding food, toys, and high-value items. If you need to take something from your fox, do not simply walk up and try to take it! Instead, try trading for another high-value item.
Territorial marking: Foxes mark their territory with their feces and urine. Their urine smells especially pungent, almost like a skunk's. They will also mark their food and caches.
The October crazies: A term coined by fox owners. This refers to the first autumn of a fox's life when wild foxes are chased off by their parents to become independent. Your fox will exhibit extreme, drastically different behaviors, often becoming aggressive and highly vocal. For first-time, uneducated fox owners, this is misperceived as their fox "going wild." These changes are luckily temporary- think of it as puberty for foxes.
Vocalizations
Gekkering: A high-pitched, multi-syllable "gek gek gek!" noise made when foxes are fighting or when a fox is very angry.
Alarm bark: A short "arf," usually done while staring intensely at the cause of concern. Often accompanied by other actions associated with discomfort or fear.
Happy squealing: A high-pitched "eeeee!" squeal accompanied by positive body language. Made when extremely happy or excited.
I recommend watching videos of pet foxes to get a better visual understanding of their behavior and vocalizations. Simply search "pet fox" on YouTube.
Enrichment Ideas
A bored fox is an unhappy fox, and an unhappy fox is a destructive fox.
To keep your fox happy, they will need daily enrichment. This can be given in the form of play, toys, or anything that captures your fox's attention.
Enrichment Ideas for Foxes
Puzzle feeders
Kiddie pools (with or without fish)
Sandboxes
Hanging toys
Squeaker toys (as long as your fox isn't eating them)
Scent enrichment
Tunnel Tubes
Going on walks (if your fox is harness trained). Harness training must be done at a young age for your fox to become accustomed to it. Do not walk your fox in public places or busy places, and always ensure that your harness is slip-proof
The only limit to what can be done for enrichment is your creativity: get creative!
Legality
Sadly, foxes are illegal in most states, either due to being native animals or rabies vectors.
Before purchasing a fox, it is vital to check your state, county, and city laws! Many people purchase a fox, unaware that it is illegal to possess one where they live. These illegally harbored foxes will be seized by the state and most likely euthanized.
I do not have a complete list of every state's laws, nor should you trust any list you see over the internet. They are often outdated or incorrect. You must check your local laws yourself.
To check your local laws, first, you must contact your local Fish & Wildlife Services (or the equivalent of what your state has, often, they are named differently state by state). Call them, inquire about whether or not it is legal to privately own a fox, and be sure to state what species.
It also helps to write down the name of who you have talked to, so you can quickly contact them again if needed. Emails are fine too, but I have had less luck getting correct replies that way.
Pros and Cons
Let's take a look at the pros and cons of owning a pet fox to quickly summarize everything in this article.
Pros
Beautiful, entertaining animals
Interactive and playful
Can be harness trained if started at a young age
Can be litter box trained, although they will still mark their territory
A unique animal that presents new challenges for dedicated pet owners and animal lovers
Cons
Musky odor, urine smells like skunk
Highly destructive
Need outdoor enclosures
Vocal, especially during the breeding season
Illegal in most states
Prone to resource guarding
Do not rehome well
Foxes Are Amazing Pets for the Right People
Foxes make amazing pets for the right people: people with an understanding of their behavior and a dedication to caring for them. Like any pet, foxes are a commitment, and you should do your very best to provide the exceptional care and love that they deserve.
This guide only covered the basics of fox ownership, and there is plenty more to learn! If you want to own a fox, do more research, visit them in real life, and talk to other owners.
Thanks for reading!
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately
© 2017 Kaycee F.
