Fennec Foxes

liah

Anyone know of any breeders of Fennecs in Ireland? Or even the UK. I've tried looking it up online but without any success at all.

Kind of an obscure animal to be looking for but I've done a lot of research on them in general and find that they would suit my lifestyle quite nicely.

Hope someone can help.

Sigma Force

Never heard of them in Ireland but there's bound to be some nutter out there breeding them. Not sure how you'd plan on making your home escape proof and large enough for one have you got a vet that has experience with them.

Rory123

I'm with GPR (for a change! )
Do you want one for the "WOW factor" or would one actually suit your lifestyle?
Would a chiwawa not make life a hell of a lot easier for you?

liah

Don't want one for flash. Had animals all my life, wild and domestic, I'd know what I'm doing. Don't want a chihuahua, thanks.

Gauge

I've heard there was one breeder in the UK for a while. Not very successful because the pups had a tendency to die. There's also the problem with finding an Irish vet who'll be able to take care of it if it gets sick.

What makes a fennec fox suitable to your lifestyle, as opposed to a dog?

liah

Dog's too big and I don't like cats or terriers, really.

anniehoo

Im very curious why you think your social situation makes you capable of caring for such an animal? They may be classed as the only "domesticated" fox species but theyre meant to be incredibly active and not easy to house train. Im curious as to why you'd pick such a species as a pet?

You've said " a dog" is too big, every breed???

liah

Again, as I've previously stated I've lived in the country and taken care of/rehabilitated wild animals for my entire life. I do know what I'm doing, and I'm definitely not the type to get into something I can't handle. I recognize their need for activity, and as I have all day to spend with the animal I'm pretty sure I would be able to give it the love and attention it requires.

I've also had dogs all my life, big ones (German Shepherd crosses, mostly, as well as a Bermese Mountain Dog), and while I love them to bits I need change once in awhile. I don't like small dogs, I've had them too, they don't suit me. Cats don't suit me either. I've dealt with foxes previously as well.

Like I said, I've done quite a bit of extensive research into the animal, I am not an irresponsible pet owner, I understand what is required and I understand that special veterinary practices are required for an exotic. I'm not the type to buy something and just give it up a week later because it digs a hole in the back yard or tears up my couch-- pets are for life. I value my pets much higher than I value 99.9% of the people in my life.

This is my call, and if you are going to chastise me for it simply don't post-- was just looking for names for reputable breeders. Don't need the bs assumptions, thanks.

sorella

Ah, with all that skill and experience, what you could do for genuinely needy animals in Ireland!

There are so many here.

Wild is wild and pet is pet.

When we were adopted by a family of pine martens, we made no attempt to tame or domesticate them.

People said; you will soon have them eating out of your hand. Our reply; why would we do that? These are wild creatures,living their wild lives hapily and well. Simply they need a little respectful help now and then to maintain that life. Not to try to "own" them, for then they would be less than themselves.

And you must have known what the reaction here would be.

There is so much dire need in Ireland for caring and skilled people.

Because few vets here have these skills.

anniehoo

liah wrote: »

if you are going to chastise me for it simply don't post-- Don't need the bs assumptions, thanks.

I didnt chastise you at all! I simply asked why you chose this species to have as a pet thats all. To be honest, the reactions here so far have been really mild, you'd want to grow a thicker skin when dealing with peoples reactions in the flesh.

liah

It's just irritating when people automatically assume you know nothing and are an airhead simply because you want an exotic.

Gauge

Nobody said you were an airhead, but if you say you are looking for an exotic pet which is near impossible to acquire in Ireland, people will question why.

Sigma Force

Not doubting you can care for pets that's not the issue.

Fennec foxes are nocturnal aren't they? It can be hard to spend time with a hamster because they are mostly up at night can't imagine getting up at all hours to play with a fennec.

My little fluffy 'fox' is 7.5kg and dainty

SCI

Guineapigrescue wrote: »

Not doubting you can care for pets that's not the issue.

Fennec foxes are nocturnal aren't they? It can be hard to spend time with a hamster because they are mostly up at night can't imagine getting up at all hours to play with a fennec.

My little fluffy 'fox' is 7.5kg and dainty

Surely this is a plus point as most people work during the day,it
certainly is the case for people that keep nocturnal reptiles.

SCI

sorella wrote: »

Wild is wild and pet is pet.

Could you explain the difference?

SCI

liah wrote: »

It's just irritating when people automatically assume you know nothing and are an airhead simply because you want an exotic.

Your very right mate ,people get very scared of something they don't understand or just refuse to except that animals other that the main stream can make very good pets or better than the main strem in some cases.

SCI

Guineapigrescue wrote: »

Never heard of them in Ireland but there's bound to be some nutter out there breeding them..

And what would make him a nutter?Sure we'll all just get Guinea pigs
should we a die with excitement in a very interesting animal to keep.

Gauge

SCI wrote: »

Your very right mate ,people get very scared of something they don't understand or just refuse to except that animals other that the main stream can make very good pets or better than the main strem in some cases.

Can I ask why you assume those who have replied don't understand, or won't 'except' animals other than the mainstream?

I'm not doubting the OPs knowledge of the animal at all, I'm a fan of exotic pets too, but if a person states that an exotic pet which is difficult to toilet train, is nocturnal, has a tendency to be boisterous, involves a good bit of specific knowledge and care and is extremely hard to obtain in this country (continent even) people will wonder why. People will ask questions before recommending breeders or sources.

It has nothing to do with not being able to accept or understand exotic pets and I can't see why you'd make that assumption.

SCI

Gauge wrote: »

Can I ask why you assume those who have replied don't understand, or won't 'except' animals other than the mainstream?

I'm not doubting the OPs knowledge of the animal at all, I'm a fan of exotic pets too, but if a person states that an exotic pet which is difficult to toilet train, is nocturnal, has a tendency to be boisterous, involves a good bit of specific knowledge and care and is extremely hard to obtain in this country (continent even) people will wonder why. People will ask questions before recommending breeders or sources.

It has nothing to do with not being able to accept or understand exotic pets and I can't see why you'd make that assumption.

Come on read the thread "some nutter breeding them" and talking to
the guys as if me was 5. People assumed he knew nothing about them
they didn't ask.He said
"Kind of an obscure animal to be looking for but I've done a lot of research on them in general and find that they would suit my lifestyle quite nicely"

Rory123

Can I just ask here that if you are such a dab hand with all the animals under the sun why do you have to come on to boards.ie to ask for names and phone numbers of breeders. Someone with your experience would have a list as long as your arm already.

Your responses to peoples' undestandable concerns have been very snotty. That seriously turns people off helping out

This is my call, and if you are going to chastise me for it simply don't post-- was just looking for names for reputable breeders. Don't need the bs assumptions, thanks.

.

SCI

Rory123 wrote: »

Someone with your experience would have a list as long as your arm already.

.

Another assumption.

Rory123

SCI wrote: »

Another assumption.

Sci I don't want to get into an argument with you but in fairness if you wanted a really specific type of boa, given your experience, would you come onto boards.ie to ask if anyone had any?

Gauge

SCI wrote: »

Another assumption.

And saying people who questioned the OP (who is a girl, btw) just don't accept exotic pets wasn't an assumption?

Rory123

Gauge wrote: »

And saying people who questioned the OP (who is a girl, btw) just don't accept exotic pets wasn't an assumption?

I'd just like to add to this that I recently started working in a shop that has been very well known for its exotics(maybe too well). So that blasts that assumption outta the water. :rolleyes:

liah

I've researched the breed, and in doing so have made several attempts to find contact numbers for breeders. How on EARTH would I have "a list as long as my arm" of FENNEC FOX breeders? Obviously I have not found any because this animal is incredibly rare, not to mention I've not had a fennec before. I figured boards was just as good a place as any since there are breeders of various exotics-- doesn't ever hurt to take a chance.

And in terms of "am I prepared to deal with it"-- of COURSE I am, if I wasn't I wouldn't even THINK about it! I have way too much time on my hands. I'm awake nights, I sleep during the day (don't ask; it just suits me). I love spending my entire day with animals, working with them. It is, was, and always will be my entire life. 90% of my job experience is with animals, extensively. It's just what I do. Sorry if that "offends" anyone.

Rory123

liah wrote: »

I've researched the breed, and in doing so have made several attempts to find contact numbers for breeders. How on EARTH would I have "a list as long as my arm" of FENNEC FOX breeders? Obviously I have not found any because this animal is incredibly rare, not to mention I've not had a fennec before. I figured boards was just as good a place as any since there are breeders of various exotics-- doesn't ever hurt to take a chance.

And in terms of "am I prepared to deal with it"-- of COURSE I am, if I wasn't I wouldn't even THINK about it! I have way too much time on my hands. I'm awake nights, I sleep during the day (don't ask; it just suits me). I love spending my entire day with animals, working with them. It is, was, and always will be my entire life. 90% of my job experience is with animals, extensively. It's just what I do. Sorry if that "offends" anyone.

It doesn't offend me that you want a Fennec fox. I just found you a bit offensive! I have noticed in the year I have on here that 99.9% of people who come on here asking where to buy X exotic are usually dreamers who don't know the first thing about the animal, or any animal for that matter. Maybe you are the 0.1% who do. If that is the case, than all you would have had to have said was yeah I know what I'm doing.... no need for the "don't post if you're going to chastise me" bit. Nobody was chastising you, they were showing concern. Concern which fizzled away (with me, anyway) once you stated your experience.

liah

Thing was, I did state I had done research and had experience and people were still giving out, but oh well, life goes on.

Rory123

liah wrote: »

Thing was, I did state I had done research and had experience and people were still giving out, but oh well, life goes on.

Who was giving out???

doctor evil

liah wrote: »

Thing was, I did state I had done research and had experience and people were still giving out, but oh well, life goes on.

That's the internet for you!

Have you sourced an exotic vet?

Would it cost more to insure a rare exotic?

I take it you own your own home as no landlord would appreciate an animal 'known' for being tricky.

Do you still do rescue work with other animals?

Our man in Havana

Ok no exotic can be insured in Ireland - not snakes certainly not a specialised exotic such as the fennec fox.

Breeders tho out there are very reluctant to advertise animals such as these - often due to judgemental folks & even worse the dreaded ALF - I do know breeders who have had animals stolen by so called animal lovers. I am fairly well known in the animal world & even I have a lot of trouble sourcing my exotics.

OP can you point me in the direction for good care sheets for fennec foxes - not a species that I want but I do like to learn about all the exotics available.

bigpinkelephant

liah wrote: »

I've researched the breed

The Fennec is not a breed, it's a species

The other posters here are only showing concern- there are a lot of dreamers on this forum looking for god knows what when they don't have a clue how to look after them.