The Enclosure
Foxes require a large and secure enclosure to meet their needs, a minimum of 150 square foot per fox is recommended, with an additional 50 square foot per additional fox. There are four primary escape routes for a fox: the walls, the floor, the roof, and the door. Many have underestimated the ingenuity of foxes, leading to serious dangers. It is essential to examine these areas to ensure foxes remain safe, secure, and content. When selecting building materials, choose sturdy options that can withstand harsh weather and a crafty fox’s curiosity. Heavy-duty, thick pressure-treated timber is a wise choice; remember to treat it annually to prolong its life and prevent rot.
Foxes can chew through chicken wire surprisingly quickly, so it is crucial to use robust welded wire mesh securely fastened to the wooden framework with heavy-duty netting staples at regular intervals. Ideally, attach a strip of wooden baton to the framework to sandwich the sharp edges of the wire between two layers of wood, strengthening the enclosure and concealing any sharp points that could harm delicate noses and paws. Given that foxes are expert diggers and climbers, a secure floor and roof are essential. The roof should use the same thick gauge wire as the sides, with part of it covered to provide protection from the elements.
Silver foxes, descended from North American fur-farmed animals, are remarkably hardy. Many enjoy lounging outdoors, especially in winter, marveling at the frost. However, even resilient foxes seek shelter during heavy rain, so providing a dry, protected space is crucial.
For the enclosure base, options include using the same wire or opting for heavy paving slabs or poured concrete. A combination of wire and slabs is often recommended, allowing for good drainage while preventing foxes from walking directly on the mesh when digging. This added security has proven invaluable, as many fox keepers have witnessed their foxes easily lifting slabs that weigh double their body weight. While some keepers use solid concrete floors, many require modifications for effective drainage during wet weather or after deep cleaning.
The final escape route is the doorway, which can be secured with a double-door system. This setup features an external door leading to a fully enclosed porchway, providing ample space to stand and turn around. Once inside the porchway, the external door can be securely closed before opening the internal door, effectively making the entryway escape-proof.
Enrichment
It is also essential to ensure that foxes are not only contained but also happy and content within their enclosures. Boredom in foxes can lead to destructive behaviors and increased risk of escape attempts. By incorporating a variety of activities, such as puzzle toys, interactive play, and sensory experiences, you provide mental stimulation and physical exercise, which are crucial for preventing boredom. Maximising usable floor space allows foxes to climb, run, and expend energy.
A well-structured enrichment schedule will help keep your fox engaged and satisfied, reducing stress and promoting a more balanced and fulfilling life. Regular enrichment not only enhances their quality of life but also strengthens the bond between you and your pet, ensuring a happy and well-adjusted companion.
Creating a daily enrichment plan for your fox is an ongoing process that requires careful planning, commitment, consistency, and regular re-evaluation. It’s important to consider the entire environment and address the individual needs of the fox proactively, preventing problems before they arise.
Enriching environments provide animals with choices and are designed around their biological, social, and cognitive needs. Involving all household members in the enrichment process can enhance its effectiveness. A structured enrichment plan can promote natural behaviours and should include the following components:
Setting Goals: Define what you want to achieve with the enrichment and set a timeline.
Planning: Outline how you will reach those goals, assess potential risks, and gather necessary materials.
Implementation: Decide where to place the enrichment activities and how to incorporate them into your daily routine.
Documentation: Keep track of how your fox responds to the enrichment.
Evaluation: Review whether the goals were met and identify any issues or benefits.
Readjustment: Make necessary improvements to the plan as you learn from the process.
A successful enrichment program should be a part of daily care for your fox and relies on a solid framework, a positive attitude, and ongoing training. An example of an enrichment schedule suitable for silver foxes, can be found below:
Time Inside the Home
When allowing a fox to play inside the house, it is vital to keep every window and door firmly closed during their time indoors. Several pet foxes, despite being housed in secure enclosures, have managed to escape through an open front door or an unlocked cat flap when startled during playtime. Additionally, it is essential to fox-proof the home by installing barriers or locks on the windows and using a double-door entry system to further minimize escape risks.
Foxes are curious creatures known for their cleverness and resourcefulness, which can lead to potential hygiene issues. They may rummage through cabinets and bins, seeking out food or items to play with. It is crucial to keep all food stored securely and to lock away anything that could be harmful to them or that they might inadvertently ingest. This vigilance is essential not only for the safety of the fox but also to maintain a clean living environment.
Foxes have a natural tendency to cache food or objects, hiding them in various locations. This could involve them stashing food behind furniture, under cushions, or in other hidden spots around the house. This behavior can be messy, as forgotten food items may spoil or become difficult to locate.
Foxes will scent mark by rubbing their body and face on objects and will also use urine to mark their territory. This behavior is instinctive and serves to claim spaces and communicate with other animals, even in a domestic setting. Owners should be aware that this can lead to strong, lingering odors inside the home, especially as foxes may mark furniture, walls, or even clothing. Even when the fox is not present, visitors using the same furniture may notice the lingering scent, making it necessary for potential owners to consider how this might impact their living environment.
Walks
While there are notable concerns about taking pet foxes into public, confident foxes can benefit from walks in fields or local woodlands under the care of responsible owners. It is essential that foxes are comfortable wearing a snug, fitted harness and lead with a collar. Using a split lead (such as twin terrier couplers) allows for two points of connection, providing a backup in case the collar slips or the harness is backed out.
Investing in a GPS tracking collar can greatly enhance safety during outings. This device allows owners to monitor the fox’s location in real time, offering peace of mind and aiding in quick recovery if the fox does escape. Training the fox to wear and accept the GPS collar, along with the harness and lead, is an important aspect of this process. Training requires time and patience, as foxes often exhibit behaviors similar to those of cats when walked; they may stop suddenly, refuse to move, or dart in various directions. Consistent training is crucial, and it is advisable to have two people present during walks—one to lead the fox and the other to monitor for potential distractions, such as other people or dogs.
During initial lead training, a light chain lead is recommended due to its resistance to chewing, helping to deter play-biting the lead. Foxes can quickly chew through flexi-leads or leather leashes, so using a durable chain lead can be a practical choice for effective training and safety.
Neutering
One of the most critical aspects of keeping a fox securely and happily housed is neutering. Each winter, whether male or female, foxes enter breeding condition. Even solitary foxes are likely to hear or smell wild counterparts nearby, which can trigger intense mating instincts. During this hormonal spike, many foxes may become excessively vocal and exhibit drastic changes in temperament.
Foxes come into season ready for mating 3 days a year between January - February. It is important to note that, like dogs, foxes require a period of 12 weeks after their season before neutering due to the risks of bleeding. Additionally, neutering is essential to prevent hybridisation with wild foxes, which can have serious implications for both domesticated and wild populations.
Although neutering is not a cure-all for every undesirable behaviour, it plays a crucial role in significantly reducing seasonal hormonal fluctuations. An unneutered fox, driven by mating instincts, may become more vocal and restless, leading them to test the enclosure's boundaries or attempt to escape in pursuit of wild counterparts. This behaviour not only poses risks to the fox's safety but also increases the chances of hybridisation with local wild fox populations, which can have detrimental effects on genetic diversity and the overall health of the species.
A fox ungoverned by hormones is generally more sensible and relaxed, reducing the likelihood of escape attempts and ensuring a more harmonious living environment. Neutering also helps maintain the well-being of the fox, as it diminishes aggressive tendencies and anxiety associated with mating behaviours. By addressing these issues, owners can create a safer, more stable home for their foxes while protecting the integrity of the wild fox population.
Training
Training is a vital aspect of keeping silver foxes in a secure and fulfilling environment. Proper training not only strengthens the bond between owner and animal but also ensures safety and well-being for both parties. Without adequate training, foxes may exhibit undesired behaviors, leading to stress and potential hazards.
Training should begin early and employ positive reinforcement techniques, such as using treats, praise, and play, to encourage desired behaviors in a gentle manner. Patience and consistency are key, as exotic animals may take longer to learn compared to more common pets like dogs or cats. Regular training sessions keep the animal engaged and reinforce positive behaviors. Socialisation also plays a crucial role, helping foxes adjust to various environments, people, and other animals, reducing anxiety and aggression.
Understanding the natural behaviors and instincts of foxes, such as their inclination to dig and explore, is essential for effective training. Incorporating these instincts into training and providing enrichment opportunities can lead to a happier and more well-adjusted pet. Training also helps mitigate risks, including escape attempts and destructive behaviors. A well-trained fox is more likely to respond to commands and remain calm in stressful situations, reducing the likelihood of accidents or injuries.
Moreover, training foxes for veterinary treatments is particularly beneficial. It prepares them for handling and procedures, minimizing stress during visits and reducing the risk of bites. Fox bites can be deep and may require medical treatment, so a well-trained fox is less likely to bite and more likely to cooperate during necessary treatments. Overall, investing in comprehensive training fosters a safer and more harmonious living environment, enhances the owner-pet bond, and promotes a fulfilling life for exotic companions.
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