Fennec, also known as desert fox, is a small, petite animal. They are the natives of the Sahara Desert, from Morrocco and Mauritania to northern Sudan and other parts of North Africa. They are also found in Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula.
The fennec fox has a light, sand-colored fur that reflects sunlight during the day and helps keep it warm at night. Its nose is black, and its tail is long with a black tip. The back of its large ears has reddish stripes; inside, they are covered with thick hair, making the ear openings invisible.
The scientific name of Fennec Fox is ‘Vulpes zerda’. Fennec foxes are mainly active at night and spend the hot daylight hours in underground burrows. They feed on insects, small animals, and fruits.
Size Information and Lifespan
Fennec foxes are small in size, approximately 9-16 inches long, and weigh only 1.5-3.5 pounds. They can live up to 12 years in captivity with proper care and requirements but can live 9 to 10 years in the wild.
Male vs. Female
Male fennec foxes are larger and heavier than female foxes. Compared to female foxes, male fennec foxes have larger heads and more pronounced cheekbones. The penile sheath of male fennec foxes is situated at the base of their belly and is frequently more noticeable than the genital aperture of female foxes. This sheath is a clear sign that this is a male. Fennec fox. Their behavior is also quite different. Male foxes are more territorial and vocal, whereas females have nurturing behavior, especially during the mating season and raising their children.
Behavior and Temperament
Fennec foxes are quite different and moody. They live in groups when they are in the wild but in captivity, they mostly prefer to stay alone and independent. Sometimes, they love to play with their owners but at other time, they prefer to play alone.
Fennec foxes are active at night because of their nocturnal nature to avoid desert heat during the day. They forage at night for insects, small rodents, fruits, and plants. They are expert diggers; they can dig 20 feet deep, and create burrows for shelter and protection from predators. In captivity, they may act in digging behaviors even without a need to burrow. So you can give them space to perform their activity.
Fennec foxes are very cautious animals. If they feel any danger from humans, they flee away quickly. If something irritates them, they bite also. They are very loud pets, so, it’s not suitable for them who like quiet or silent pets. Fennec foxes also mark their territory with their scent gland or urine, especially male foxes. Also, they used different kinds of vocalizations to communicate with each other, like barking.
How to Care For Fennec Fox?
To maintain your fox’s health, you need to be careful with their requirements, whether it’s diet, grooming, housing, or exercise.
What do Fennec Foxes Eat?
Fennec foxes are omnivores, they can eat animal protein and plant-based foods. In the wild, they eat insects, small rodents, fruits, and some plants. If you have a pet, then you must ensure to give a balanced diet to your fennec fox, including their natural diet. Some owners also give cat or dog food for extra protein and nutrients. But you must ensure that the cat or dog food which you are giving to your fox is high-quality, or grain-free.
Except that, fennec foxes can have insects, like mealworms, crickets, grasshoppers, and other bugs, and protein like cooked meat, hard-boiled eggs, or scrambled eggs. You can include some fruits like apples, bananas, berries, and melons and leafy greens like kale, spinach, and lettuce, along with other vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and peas. As fennec foxes are prone to calcium deficiency, you can provide them with calcium supplements like bone meal or eggshell powder. You can visit a veterinarian and consult with them for the right quantity. Fennec foxes should be fed twice a day and always provided with fresh, clean water.
List of Foods to Avoid for Pet Fennec Foxes
- Sugary foods like chocolate or candies.
- Processed meat.
- Snacks like chips.
- Grapes and raisins.
- Avocados
- Onions and garlic.
- Dairy products.
- Seeds and pits.
Enclosure
Fennec foxes are very playful and energetic animals, so you should make sure to give better habitat to them. They need large spaces to jump, run, and play. The enclosure should be escape proof, as they are very clever and made of mesh or wires, which are safe for them, but ensure don’t leave any sharp edges. The size of the enclosure can be 8-10 square feet per fox and height can be 3 feet tall for indoor enclosures. But outdoor enclosures are preferable to them, where they can get more large space.
Fennec foxes are desert animals so, they require at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature. Do not keep them below this temperature. They are natural diggers so you must either have solid flooring or provide them with soft sand and dirt to mimic their act.
Specific Substrate Needs
Being desert animals, you must make sure to keep them in a warm environment, whether it’s an outdoor or indoor enclosure. You can provide them with wooden platforms or tree limbs to climb. You can also give them some toys or accessories like balls, ropes, and tunnels to keep them entertained. Make sure the enclosure should be cleaned regularly to maintain hygiene.
Some Threats to Fennec Fox:
- Air conditioner
- Toxic elements
- Sprays
- Candles
- Cleaning chemicals
How to Handle a Fennec Fox?
Fennec foxes are very energetic and quick animals. Also, they are generally very playful creatures but also prefer to stay alone. They don’t like to cuddle or be held with their owners. They select people who will pick them up still doesn’t seem more enjoyable.
It’s not a good choice if you want your pet to lay in your lap and play with you. It’s better to see them and enjoy their behavior by watching them.
Exercise
Regular exercise is important for your fox’s mental and physical health. But these foxes mark their territory from their urine so it’s not a good idea to let them exercise inside your house. They can break or damage furniture and other elements.
So you can make them exercise outdoors. Let you train them to walk and run outdoors. You can hide some treats and let them find them, which will encourage their natural behavior. Also, you can provide them with some toys, which are easily available on E-commerce websites. You can play puzzle games or tug of war with the soft ropes, which stimulates their health.
Health Issues
Fennec foxes are very fragile animals, so you need to take some precautions to prevent their injuries. Like dogs, they also need regular checkups and vaccinations. They are also prone to calcium and other nutritional deficiencies, as in captivity, sometimes, they do not get a proper, balanced diet, which can lead to health issues like weak bones, poor coat condition, and digestive problems.
Fennec foxes are desert animals, so they need extreme temperatures, but in captivity, if they are not provided with the right amount of cooling, they can suffer from heat stress, which leads to dehydration, lethargy, and overheating. Dry, flaky skin or infections can occur because of poor diet.
Fennec foxes can be affected by parasites such as ticks, fleas, and worms. So, veterinary regular checkups are important to prevent parasites.
Can Fennec Fox Get Rabies?
Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the nervous system of pet fennec foxes and can be transmitted to humans and other animals through the saliva of an infected animal by their bites or scratches. Infected foxes may show unusual behaviors such as aggression, lethargy, or nervousness.
Symptoms are excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing, paralysis, and seizures, but you need to diagnose your fox as only symptoms are not enough. To prevent them from rabies, you ensure that your pet fennec fox is getting vaccinated regularly. Do not allow them to interact with other wild foxes. You need to take some control measures that can prevent your pet as well as humans.
Veterinary Treatment
Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential for monitoring their overall health. Treatments may include vaccinations to prevent diseases such as rabies, nutritional adjustments to prevent dietary deficiencies, and parasite control for both internal and external parasites.
For specific conditions like heat stress or respiratory issues, the right amount of cooling measures and medications are provided. Additionally, dental care and skin treatments are important to prevent and manage common health problems. Your fennec foxes can get a healthy life with expert care.
Grooming
Fennec foxes are excellent groomers and clean themselves. They do not require daily bathing, you should clean yourself before interacting with fennec foxes. Like cats, they lick their forepaws to groom their head. Since fennec foxes have large, sensitive ears, regular checks and cleanings are necessary to prevent infections.
You should brush your coat regularly to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris. Also, their nails should be trimmed regularly to avoid overgrowth and discomfort. Dental care is also crucial, you should brush your teeth regularly, which can help prevent plaque buildup and dental issues.
Fennec Fox Potty Training
Fennec foxes are territorial and mark their territory with their urine or feces, especially male foxes. It is important for you to potty train your fennec fox. You need to be patient to train them. Observe and understand their routine. After feeding, nap, and playtime, always place them in a specific area like the bathroom, and encourage them. You can give some treats and rewards when they use that specific spot. With time and patience, your fox can learn to use their designated bathroom area. It helps to maintain their living environment cleaner and more comfortable.
Ethics and Legality of Owning Pet Fennec Fox
Legality
The legality of owning fennec foxes as pets depends on various areas. You need to know about the legal law and order of your locality, then only permissions to own fennec foxes at their homes, and on the same side, maybe it is illegal to keep them because of wildlife protection laws. Therefore, before buying and thinking about owning a fennec fox, gather knowledge about local regulations and laws. You need to get the necessary permissions and check the rules and regulations of your area.
Ethics
To own fennec foxes as pets ethically, you have to consider some main points, like can you arrange appropriate housing for them, providing a balanced diet, training them, and keeping them healthy and safe from various diseases. They are desert animals, so you need to make sure to provide appropriate temperatures for them. It may be legal to have them in your area, but the main thing is to fulfill the requirements of Fennec Fox.
Where to Buy?
The most reliable way to purchase a fennec fox is through breeders who specialize in exotic pets. These breeders often have experience raising fennec foxes in healthy environments and can provide you with information about their health, diet, and care requirements. Some pet stores that specialize in exotic animals may offer fennec foxes for sale. Be sure to choose a pet store with knowledgeable staff who can guide the proper care of them. The price for the Fennec Fox can range around $4000.
Reproduction and Breeding
Fennec foxes are monogamous and breed in January and February and female fennec foxes give birth to the babies in March and April. Female fennec foxes nurture the babies while male foxes get food during the raising months until the baby is about 4 weeks old. Male fennec foxes mark their territory by leaving urine on some objects, they urinate when females are in estrus.
They give one litter of babies per year and give 2 to 5 young babies in a litter. The gestation period is around 50–53 days. Young fennec foxes are fully furred but blind. They open their eyes after 11 days and walk at 2 weeks. They will reach maturity at 9–11 months.
Related Species
The species related to the fennec foxes are:
- Russian Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
- Anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla)
- Kinkajou (Potos flavus)
Pros and Cons of Owning Pet Fennec Fox
Pros
- Unique and Exotic Pet: Fennec foxes are rare, fascinating animals with large ears and playful personalities.
- Small Size: Their small size makes them more manageable compared to larger exotic pets
- Low Odor: Fennec foxes are clean animals with minimal odor compared to other exotic pets.
- Energetic and Playful: They are active, energetic, and playful, which makes them entertaining.
- Bonding with Owners: Fennec foxes can bond closely with their owners and affection with proper socialization and care.
Cons
- Wild Animal Behavior: Being in captivity, they retain wild instincts like digging, marking territory, and being nocturnal, which can be challenging in a home.
- Too much Active: Their boundless energy requires a lot of space, stimulation, and attention, making them unsuitable for sedentary owners or small environments.
- Specialized Diet: They require a specialized diet, veterinary care, and housing that mimics their natural environment, which can be difficult and expensive to maintain.
- Legal Restrictions: In many places, keeping fennec foxes as pets is illegal or requires special permits due to their status as exotic animals. There are ethical considerations about keeping wild animals as pets, including their need for natural behaviors and the potential negative impact on conservation efforts.
- Noisy Creatures: Fennec foxes can be very vocal, especially at night, with loud yips and screeches, which might disturb a quiet household.
Interesting Facts about Fennec Fox
- Fennec foxes are the smallest fox species in the world.
- Fennec foxes’ large ears can grow up to 6 inches long.
- As fennec foxes are adaptable to desert life, they don’t require much water because they get most of their hydration from the food they eat.
- They are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night.
- Fennec foxes are amazing jumpers and can leap up to 2 feet (0.6 meters) high.
- Male Fennec Foxes mark their territory with their urine.
- Fennec foxes communicate with a wide range of sounds, including purring, barking, yelping, and growling.
- The fennec fox is the national animal of Algeria, where it is considered a symbol of resilience and adaptability to harsh desert life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Should I get my fennec fox neutered or spayed?
Answer: Yes, all fennec foxes should be spayed or neutered at around 6 months of age.
Question 2: Do I take my Fennec fox on a walk?
Answer: Yes, you can take your Fennec fox for a walk, but it’s important to ensure safety. Use a secure, escape-proof harness designed for small animals, as Fennec foxes are agile and quick. Walks should be in calm, quiet areas since they can be easily startled.
Question 3: Are fennec foxes legal to keep as pets?
Answer: The legality of owning a fennec fox varies by country and state. Some regions require special permits, while others prohibit their ownership entirely due to wildlife protection laws.
Question 4: How long do fennec foxes live?
Answer: In the wild, fennec foxes have a lifespan of around 10 years, while in captivity, they can live up to 14 years with proper care.
Question 5: Do fennec foxes make good pets?
Answer: Fennec foxes can be affectionate and playful but require specialized care, including an appropriate diet, large living space, and environmental enrichment.
Question 6: Do fennec foxes bark or make noise?
Answer: Yes, fennec foxes are vocal animals and can make a variety of sounds, including barks, yips, and growls. They can be noisy, especially at night.
Question 7: How do fennec foxes handle extreme temperatures?
Answer: Fennec foxes are well-adapted to extreme desert conditions. Their large ears help dissipate heat, and their thick fur provides insulation against cold desert nights.
Question 8: Are fennec foxes endangered?
Answer: Fennec foxes are not currently considered endangered. They are classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, but habitat loss and the illegal pet trade pose potential threats to their populations.
Question 9: Can fennec foxes be potty trained?
Answer: Yes, fennec foxes can be potty trained with patience and consistency. A designated litter area or box is recommended.
Question 10: How much space do fennec foxes need?
Answer: Fennec foxes require a lot of space to explore and dig. A large, secure outdoor enclosure or a spacious indoor area with plenty of enrichment is essential for their well-being.
Conclusion
Taking care of a fennec fox may be a rewarding and difficult task. These energetic, small animals fill your life with a certain kind of wild charm and energy, but they also have specific requirements that go beyond those of a regular pet. It’s critical to provide an environment that supports their natural behaviors, from giving them the proper food and scheduling frequent veterinary checkups to making sure they have enough room to dig and explore. A fennec fox can make an extraordinarily fascinating friend if you’re prepared to provide it the time, care, and affection it needs.
