Your pet fox will likely prefer the outdoors.
Pet foxes require the same basic care as a domestic cat or dog. But as a wild and exotic animal, a fox will require some modifications in traditional raising and training procedures. To effectively establish a strong bond with your pet fox you need to know utilize the best socialization practices to encourage the fox to become more friendly toward humans while maintaining its natural behaviors and wild tendencies. Anyone who owns a fox should also have a local veterinarian trained to work with these animals.
Instructions
1. Obtain a young fox (often called a kit or cub) from a reputable breeder. Spay or neuter your fox before it reaches sexual maturity, which typically happens between the ages of 10 and 12 months.
2. Build a private outdoor pen enclosure that measures at least 250 square feet. Make the foundation at least 2 feet deep and construct the walls and roof with fine mesh to ensure the fox won't escape.
3. Pour straw and sand piles onto the foundation to give your fox a variety of places to dig and play. Place a doghouse inside the pen and include a large pet bed inside the doghouse. Rearrange the pen every two months.
4. Teach your fox to use a litter pan the same way you would train a cat. Set the fox inside the pan often and offer praise or treats for successful use of the pan. Place any defecation "accidents" into the litter pan immediately and show them to the fox. A covered litter pan will help keep a thin layer of litter in the pan. Put one pan in your home and one in the outdoor pen.
5. Build a solid roof out of lumber over the doghouse and outdoor litter pan to keep the fox den protected from rain, sleet, full sun and snow.
6. Feed the fox natural dog kibble once a day, plus 1/4 cup of fruits and vegetables mixed with wet dog food or cat food and an egg once a day. You can also provide cooked poultry or deer meat once every other day. Keep your fox's food and water dishes in an enclosed shelf at its eye level. Change the water daily.
7. Talk to the fox often, and try to interact with it as much as possible. Brush and pet the fox to increase your bond. Like many dogs, some foxes also enjoy being scratched behind the ears.
8. Put a harness on the fox and walk it in the woods or in a private area with a leash at least twice a day to keep its stress levels low and provide healthy exercise.
9. Fox-proof your house by closing up any windows, doors, or holes that are large enough for the animal to slip through. Store breakable items in closed closets and cover or put away any leather objects or furniture.
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