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I still live with my parents so it's going to be a considerable amount of time before I can even think about going through with this, but I had a couple of questions about fox ownership I'd like to straighten out for future reference. I've wanted a little orange fluffball for a pet ever since I was but a wee kit myself, but I'd like to be more informed before I consider it seriously (again, not happening soon, might be months or even years depending on when I can find work).

1.
I understand that fur patterns change over generations as part of the domestication process and I've heard that marbled foxes are the most common variety of reds kept as pets (I've seen pics of some really adorable foxes with border collie patterns <3). I also understand that certain patterns can be preserved in most species with selective breeding. Is it common (or possible?) for a domestic red fox to retain the familiar red pattern seen in the wild, and if so are there any breeders in my area (central Kentcuky) who might specialize in such animals? That would be my most preferred pattern if I were to get a fox, but I have no intention of keeping a "tame" wild animal cooped up indoors, so I'm only interested in domestics.

2.
Roughly how expensive is it to adopt and care for a fox? Are they much more expensive to upkeep than dogs? I don't want to actually go through with this some day and end up unable to support him/her on retail wages. Having to give up a fox would be harder than never having one at all.

I'll edit this post if I think of any more.

I have found that Harry and Elspeth cost about the same amount as a dog (each that is) which is not too bad (By this I mean in vets bills, food, leads etc). I mean the big cost with them was getting them but that is as Corsacs are not too common.

From what I have read a red fox seems to cost between $250-$500 which is not so bad .

First of all, have you researched the legality in the state of Kentucky? I haven't done that state yet...

Also visit or call your county gov, and your city hall, and preferably get it in writing/with signature, that a pet fox is legal at your house's location.

1. You definitely can get a 'domestic', captive-bred red fox with identical color pattern to the wild foxes; my red fox is that classic, common red fox phase. You're close to Ohio, loads of breeders here on Sybil's there...

That's not bad at all, some dog breeds get up to $750 or more...



I'm gonna start looking into it soon, if I figure something out before someone else on the board I'll post my findings.

From what I have read a red fox seems to cost between $250-$500 which is not so bad .[/quote]

That's not bad at all, some dog breeds get up to $750 or more...



Awesomesauce!

The summary of Kentucky state law on exotic animals as it applies to foxes is that they can't be imported into Kentucky (ownership is not banned, only importation). I'm not...entirely sure what this means, to be honest, I'm not the brightest crayon in the box sometimes. Import as in have someone deliver one, or would me going to Ohio and coming back with a fox count as importation? I'm not on the up and up with legal definitions of things.

Source: http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/kar/301/002/081.htm

Importation means bringing into the state by any means. Arkansas bans foxes being imported from 19 different states, and requires you pay them just $25 for a one time 'importation' fee if from the remaining states, and as you can deduce, importation then means to bring into your state from anywhere but your state! Means you must find a breeder within Kentucky.

Thank you, it makes sense now!

I meant in vets bills, food and general 'stuff' not that they cost about the same as dogs themselves.

(I just re read it and was like 'that makes no sence!')

Oh I see, I thought you meant in terms of adoption fees and such.

Hi there,

I'm Alexandre. I live in Buxton (Derbyshire - England).

I am now caring for a 9-week old red fox. She is lovely! I have been caring for her since she was 6 weeks old.

I would like some serious advice re vets (who specialise in foxes), vaccines/jabs, training (all sorts, from litter training etc.), behaviour, bites (yes... from boystrous play etc.), food etc. etc. etc.

Any serious advice is welcome!

Please email me, so we can have a chat.

Many thanks in advance!

Alexandre
[email protected]

Awesome.
...I don't know first hand how to help you- but I advise that you should probably make a new forum for it, and you'll probably receive more help that way (because then people will know what they're viewing before hand.)

Anyways, welcome. -You're the second England-er here.

Yay nice to see you on here Alexandre *waves*.

Hi Alexandre, welcome.

Guy's, what's with the same avatar all of a sudden????

isnt that ron the fox?

So long as you get the kit from a reputable breeder, there really isn't any difference in behavior between a marble kit, a silver kit, and a classic red.