Retro

I just had to share this pic again (I posted it originally on Butterneck Toad) ... it's from about a month after we got The Stink - she was probably only about six months old.

I used to take her to work with me a few times a week and would transport her in my Coach purse. She was pretty tolerant with the whole idea.

Q & A #3

Stinkerbell's biggest fan asked some good questions...

Vaguely interpreted I assume the first was asking if/why the dog runs from the skunk, and second, "Was it easy to house train her?"

Buster generally stays out of Stinkerbell's way because she likes to bite him. She doesn't draw blood, but her teeth are rather sharp and she likes to nip at his tail and feet. Sometimes they will chase each other around the living room, when Buster is chasing Stink he'll run up to her and stick his nose right up to her butt.

For the most part if we see her sneaking up on him, we say "No Bite!" in a stern voice and she'll back off, at least for a bit.

As for the ease of house-training her, yes and no. I would say that she's not totally house-trained even now.

Skunks are like ferrets and rabbits and other rodent-types in that they are corner poopers. When she is in her cage she poops in a particular corner, and in the house she likes to poop in particular corners as well.

One of her favorite corners has often been the corner next to Scott's side of the bed. Fortunately we've been able to dissuade her from there for the most part.

The cat's litter box is in the laundry room and Stinkerbell poops primarily in or very close to it. On the rare occasions that she chooses somewhere else it's next to the bathtub.

Q & A #2

A reader asked this question:

" Is there some kind of association you joined to learn how to take care of such an exotic pet?"

When I was given Stinkerbell as a birthday present, I was working at the pet store as the General Manager. In the state of Florida, skunks are considered an exotic pet and in order to own or sell an exotic pet you must have a Class 3 Wildlife license.

This is obtainable through the Florida Fish & Wildlife department. The application and questionnaire can be downloaded and printed, and must be mailed in. There is no fee, but you must do a little research in order to complete the questionnaire to the satisfaction of the FWC.

The purpose of the questionnaire is to ensure that someone obtaining an exotic pet knows what they are getting into and is willing to care for that pet in an appropriate manner. Skunks are not like rabbits or ferrets, which are caged the majority of the time. They need exercise on a regular basis and enjoy being a part of the household like a dog or cat.

I did the majority of my research online, wikipedia and google were both very helpful, as was the FWC's info on pet skunks and their requirements according to state regulations.

Once I sent in the application and questionnaire, it was only about a week until I received my license in the mail.

While I was waiting, she stayed at the pet store, which also gave us time to get the house prepared.

Daddy Writes, Too...

I've authorized Scott to author this blog as well... so there will be posts from his point of view as well...

Welcome Scotty!

Hilarity Ensues

This is the under-the-sheets trick:



And these are more of her playing on the floor. She was very active this evening...

This is what is affectionately referred to at our house as a "monkey foot." When she's sleeping she lets me play with her feet. The pads are quite soft, and having your skunk comfortable with you messing with her feet makes nail-clipping MUCH easier.


This is Stinkerbell and I smiling for the camera. One of us needs to wax our upper lip.

Is that a Skunk in your bed or are you happy to see me?

Stinkerbell's latest trick is climbing the side of the master bed box spring and mattress, then climbing underneath the fitted sheet.

Apparently she decided this is a good place to hibernate during the day.

Skunk Play and Dinner Prep

This is a short clip of Stinkerbell playing. Buster apparently wanted his fifteen minutes, too, but got a few good shots of her scampering around and stomping at me.

We are going to Seattle for six days and Carrie is house/animal sitting. I made up ziploc baggies for each day we are gone with Stinkerbell's dinner in them so all she has to do is put them in her bowl and add some skunk vitamins and maybe some yogurt or applesauce.

So Easy to Love

Happy Hallostink!