Can anyone give me some good advice on descenting baby skunks? Had the opportunity to grab some this weekend but wasn't quite sure if they could blast me & if they could, how I could remove that feature from them. Thanks in advance!
Troy
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They have to be surgically removed by a vet. If thats what you're asking about.
Coyote
I would like to sell them for taxidermy purpose. Thanks
Though that was an idea and practice some 20 years ago, no reputable veterinarian will EVER descent a skunk today. They have found that removal of this gland ofter perforated the anus colon causing peritonitis/gangrene/death. Those that were successful later developed severe problems with bowel movements and sphincter muscle control. Best idea is to come up with another idea.
Sorry George, but vets do remove the scent glands from skunks. How do you think people have them as pets. Skunks do get their glands surgically removed from a vet at an early age. Usually when they reach the age of 4 to 6 days old is when the vet will take out the scent gland. Also skunks require a canine distemper shots, just as a puppy would, and with a yearly booster shot. Spaying and neutering is critical. If not done the stress of a heat cycle can impair the health of the females. And unneutered males can become aggressive. They should also get a regular worming which is essential in all skunks. Also if your thinking of owning a skunk, check with your wildlife department. Because some states consider a skunk a wild pet, and may not br legal in all states.
Coyote
That may well be true, but I was TOLD that it's not an accepted practice any longer anywhere in the US. Now it was a Delaware Vet who told me this, so she may be mistaken.
A friend of mine raised skunks and his was the one that removed the glands from his kits. I use to go with him when he had the operations done. He's out of it now. So maybe it has changed. Oooh well...lol
Coyote
meant to say that his vet was the one that removed the glands. He was from upper northern Michigan.
Coyote
Fellas, This is not for keeping as a pet. I'm looking to sell them for taxidermy if I can get them to the point of not stinking for whoever would buy them.
You didn't get the gist of it. A Veterinarian would HAVE to do it regardless of what the animal was used for. Here and a lot of places, veterinarians AREN'T GOING TO DO IT. Anything less would be cruelty and butchery.