The fennec fox is the smallest fox. It lives in the Sahara desert. It is nocturnal and very energetic. Some people keep fennec foxes as pets. They can be fun but are a lot of work.
Fennec foxes need a lot of space to run around. A small yard is not good for them. They also need to be kept busy. They get bored if left alone too long. Fennec foxes like toys and activities.
It can cost $2,500 to $3,500 to buy a baby fennec fox. It is legal to own them in most U.S. states. But some states do not allow people to have a fennec fox as a pet.
Fennec foxes are not very cuddly. They do not sit on your lap. It takes work to tame and train them. Fennec foxes have special diets and care needs. An owner must be ready for this responsibility. If not, a fennec fox will not be happy.
How much does a fennec fox cost?
Fennec Foxes typically sell for about $2,500 each. Exotic pets like foxes are expensive due to unique care, inability to produce litters, special diets, high demand, fees, and charges. Breeders of Fennec Foxes can’t allow breeding stock to roam freely. Both before and after breeding, males become aggressive to defend females. Females will protect new litters aggressively. Several pairs may require entire rooms or outdoor enclosures.
The fennec fox price depends on the pet’s quality, breeder, age, and breed. Fennec foxes sell for between $1,350 and $3,400. You won’t find them in stores, as they’re wild animals. Even if you do, they’re probably already sold as waiting lists are longer than a year. This is because breeders are limited and fennecs only have two litters a year.
If a fennec fox is your first exotic pet, expect to pay $2,500 to $3,500 depending on the breeder. You’ll pay more for shipping and initial and ongoing costs. Fennec foxes are more expensive than pets like red foxes ($300-$1,000) or arctic foxes ($400-$3,000).
Buying a baby fennec fox under 6 months costs $1,500-$2,000. An adult costs $800-$1,200. Prices vary by breeder. Ongoing costs include food, bedding, toys, and veterinary care.
Fennec foxes live 10-15 years so buying one is a long commitment. They’re legal everywhere in the U.S. except Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada and Washington. States like Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Texas require a permit or health certificate.
Their main predators are African eagle owls. Other predators are caracals, jackals, hyenas, and Salukis. To protect themselves they live in underground dens. Interesting facts: thick hair insulates them; hairy feet serve as boots.
Yearly fennec fox care costs $1,890-$2,040, cheaper than other dogs ($3,000-$5,000). Petfinder lists fennec foxes for adoption. To save money, know how to minimize pet costs. With these tips, you can keep costs low.
A fennec fox is a wild animal and does not make a good pet. However, they were bred in captivity and have wild instincts. They usually aren’t very cuddly. Most allow handling but may not enjoy it. They love to play but may not want to play with owners.
Buying a fennec fox costs $2,500-$3,500 plus shipping. Research the breeder to ensure ethical treatment and health. Fennec foxes bite but it’s usually not serious, although painful. When outdoors, use a harness and leash to prevent escaping most fences. You can bathe them or use wipes. Inquire about vaccines. Some adapt to litter boxes.
Are fennec fox aggressive?
Fennec foxes can be aggressive when necessary. Males get aggressive with territory and will mark with urine. They also become aggressive during mating season. Females will be aggressive when defending their young.
The common belief is fennec foxes are docile and friendly creatures. While less aggressive than other fox species, they can still display aggressive behavior, especially if threatened or stressed.
Fennec Fox Vocalizations are an important aspect of behavior, with sounds used for communication and interaction within their pack.
There is a wide range of possible weights for a fennec fox, from 0.6 to 1.5 kg. Female fennec foxes weigh about one to 1.3 kilograms, and males weigh about 1.5 kilograms. Female fennecs are smaller than males. Foxes typically range in length from fourteen to sixteen inches on average, with a height at shoulder of about 8 inches.
They have long, red vertical stripes towards the outer edge of their ears. The dense fur inside protects their ears’ delicate flesh. Their light brown fur is reflective, protecting them from the sun during day and cold at night.
It is legal to own a fennec fox everywhere in the U.S. except Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, and Washington. States require either a permit or health certificate for fennec foxes. New York statutes list it as a companion animal.
As a pet, a fennec fox can be very high-energy. This pet will need running around and playing. Fennec foxes are very social animals, which is another reason they are not great pets. They will constantly want attention from their one person and cry if they don’t get it. The only time a fennec fox should stay inside is when sick or freezing outside. All other times, this animal needs lots of room and running space for exercise. If house and yard are too tiny for a fennec fox, it’s not a suitable environment.
How does a fennec fox protect itself?
Fennec foxes protect themselves by blending into their surroundings. Their coats are cream or beige, allowing them to blend into the desert.
What does a fennec fox use for shelter? Fennec foxes dig burrows as shelters to sleep and rear kits. Scrub vegetation lines dens and may be eaten as a source of water.
Do fennec foxes have predators? Predators are Verreaux eagles, jackals, and large mammals.
How does a fennec fox adapt to the desert? adaptations include fur-covered feet, heat-radiating ears, and pale fur for camouflage in sand. Thick fur insulates from heat and cold.
How do fennec foxes attack prey? Hunt alone at night, using large ears to listen for prey under sand. Dig to expose prey, catching animals larger than themselves.
How does a fennec fox benefit the environment? Help control rodents and locusts. Rodent overpopulation threatens crops and environment.
How does a fennec fox protect itself against predators? Mostly by blending into the desert surroundings with its cream or beige coat.