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Fennec Fox Caresheet
Update August 2009: We now have 2 young unrelated pairs who should produce kits in spring 2010
Names
Family: Canidae
Latin: Vulpes zerda, formerly Fennecus Zerda
Commmon: Fennec Fox or Desert Fox
Spanish: zorro, zorrito
French: fennec, renard des sables
German: Fennek, Wstenfuchs
Swedish: fennek, rkenrv
Danish: rkenrv
Icelandic: tfa, refur
Swahili: mbweha
Arabic: tha`lab saharawi
Swahili: mbweha
Dinka Bor: tha ngwan
Description
Fennec Foxes are the world's smallest foxes weighing a maximum weight of about 2 to 3 pounds. Fennec Foxes are also known as Desert Foxes since they live in the arid sandy deserts of north Africa. Being desert dwellers, they are sand colored with black tipped tails, and their most noticable characteristic is their large ears which are used for diffusing heat in the daytime and for hunting at night.
Statistics
Size of average adult Fennec Fox:
Weight:
Males: 2 to 3.5 pounds
Females: 1.5 to 2 pounds
Diet
Wild: mice, birds, lizards, beetles, insects, plants
Captivity: carrots, green beans, apples, cantelope, mixed veggies, cat and dog food.
Housing
Fennec Foxes may be kept indoors. A safe "fox proof" room or enclosure is recommend to house your pet when you are not around to supervise. Bear in mind that it may be impossible to litter train your fennec and housebreaking it like a dog is not recommended. If you cannot tolerate poop in inappropriate places a fennec may not be right for you.
A minimum of 150 square feet is recommended for outdoor enclosures. Fennecs need both shelter from the elements, as well as the ability to sun. At least 6 inches of sand for them to dig in is recommended. Shelves and toys and other enrichment will be greatly appreciated. 1 inch by 1 inch wire is the largest wire you should use in order to be sure there will be no escape. Both a top and a bottom are required.
Breeding
Sexual maturity: 9 to 12 months
Breeding season: March to April
Gestation: 50-52 days
Litter size: 2-5 kits
Lifespan
Approximate life span:
Males: 10-20 years
Females: 10-20 years
Background
Natural Habitat Range
Fennec Foxes are also sometimes known as the "Desert Fox", because they are originally from the hot deserts of North Africa, throughout the Sahara including Morrocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, and south to the Sudan to approximately 17 N.
Distribution of Fennec Foxes in North Africa
Status
The Fennec Fox is on Appendix II of CITES. It is not on the USDI list of Endangered/Threatened animals.
In Capitivity
Fennec Foxes are one of the best exotic pets out there. For someone who has never owned an exotic pet before, the little fennec is a great place to start. Quality, bottle fed baby Fennecs tend to be happy, social and extremely energetic animals. They easily bond with you and your family.
A fennec's size is both a good and a bad thing. Their small size allows them to be kept in small spaces inside such as apartments. Outside a full grown fennec fox can slip through chain link fencing. Fennecs also love to dig...with their abundance of energy and curiosity they can be quite a challenge to keep in an enclosure as they will do their best to find whatever you may have missed when building it. If your fennec is an inside pet, always be aware of where it is when opening a door. Once loose your beloved pet may be impossible to catch and may or may not come when called. I've had many potential owners feel that a privacy fence is adequate for playtime outside. Your fennec will find a hole to go through and/or climb right up the fence.
The single worst trait I've found in our little gremlins is they can be difficult to litter train. My clients tell me they've had the best luck when there have been cats around to teach them where the litterbox is and how to use it. If you cannot tolerate poop in inappropriate places, a fennec fox is not for you.
When considering a fennec fox, also keep in mind what other pets you have. While fennecs love kittens and get along with dogs as well, they may look upon your pet bird, hamster, lizard, or sugar glider as a tasty meal. Fennecs, like dogs, have a good set of needle sharp teeth, therefore I do not recommend a fennec fox, or any exotic animal really, in homes where there are young children (under 6 years).
Disclaimer
Please remember that the animal health and husbandry information contained on this page is merely what has worked for us. Please realize that we do not claim to know all the answers about each animal, but can only offer you the best information we have based on our experience. This information is not meant to be a substitute for common sense and proper veterinary care. Remember that age, health, sex, metabolism and individual temperament can vary from animal to animal to dictate the proper environmental and nutritional requirements for each individual animal. Please use common sense and monitor your animal's condition daily. If you have questions, please consult your veterinarian directly if the health and welfare of your animal is in question.
This caresheet is just a beginning and is not intended to be your entire education about Fenec Foxes. There are so many things to know and talk about that we simply cannot remember to list everything you will need to know. We are also just one opinion, and you should solicit other opinions to see what others think before you make up your mind. It is your responsibility to find out as much as you possibly can BEFORE you decide to buy a Fennec Fox.
Resources
For more information on Fennec Foxes, you can join the free Yahoo! Groups discussion list at:
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