Fennec foxes have a mature weight of just 2 -
3.5 pounds, with a soft, thick, short coat that is off white on the underside
and reddish or tawny on the back, with some black markings on the back and
tail. They are very active, quick and agile, and have a high pitched yelp.
These foxes are nocturnal in the wild although pet fennecs adapt somewhat to
their owner's schedule. They are clean animals and can be litter trained, although
owners have varied opinions on how easily.
In the wild, fennec foxes are omnivores, eating
a diet of insects, rodents, plants, fruit, and reptiles. The ideal diet for pet
fennec foxes would probably be a commercial wild canid diet (such as zoos would
feed), but most owners will feed a mix of dog food, cat food, vegetables and
fruit with good success. Some breeders will alternatively recommend a diet of
raw meat, vegetables, and a vitamin mix.
Fennecs are very active and need an outlet for
their energy. They are curious, and will get into anything and everything.
They are also known for their digging. Outdoor
enclosures must be designed to prevent them from digging under or climbing over
the fence, both of which they will do quite readily. Burying a significant
portion of the fence and turning the fence in at the top (or completely
covering the enclosure) should prevent escape. Some owners have taught them to
fetch like dogs, and this makes a good outlet for their energy. If out of a
secure yard, however, they must be leashed. They are extremely quick and if
they run after something as they would in the wild they can be very difficult
to recapture. As long as adequate shelter is provided they are fairly tolerant
of both hot and cold weather. One of their favorite activities is basking in
the sun.
Fennec foxes are quite similar to dogs, and
hand raised pups are usually docile, only biting if feeling cornered or
threatened. They can be trained to a leash and to come when called (still, they
should always be leashed when out of the house/yard). They are also generally
not afraid of strangers and are friendly to everyone. They may bother other
pets in the household, if only because fennec foxes will want to play with them
all the time.
Also be sure to have a veterinarian available
who will treat fennec foxes. They are quite hardy animals, but will require
vaccination against standard canine diseases and medical care similar to a dog.
