Skunk on new bigger exercise wheel, Animal Advocates, Mary Cummins

[HWGuyEG]

A half drum wheel would be safer, could chop a plastic barrel and stick it on a bearing

[MaryCummins]

@HWGuyEG I friend made me a half plastic drum wheel. It's not wide enough for adult skunks, opossums. They shouldn't arch their back too much on the wheel. Their back shouldn't be anywhere near the center of the wheel or it can hurt their back.

[HWGuyEG]

@MaryCummins

The drums I have in mind are not typical 55 gallon stereotype, but the larger 1200 litre tanks(1.3m tall, 1.14 wide).

Brand new they're like $200 but you can find them used for cheap... I got myself one for $50.

[Cruithne3753]

If/when I get a skunk, I think I'll put an exercise wheel on the shopping list!

[teasnax]

that's right, Flower ~ "strut, KICK, strut, KICK!";^)  you are fortunate to have such a beautiful friend at the rehab, Mary.

[mephitidae]

I'm interested in how you built this. Looks like 2 hula hoops for the sides, and hardware cloth, but how did you accurately centre it, and what sorts of bearings? My guys can use something to help them exercise during the winter.

[MaryCummins]

I didn't see this until now. I bought this from a guy on ebay., a rehabber who makes them for opossums. He welded metal to make it, no bearings, just metal rod and pins. eme if you need his contact info. Skunks fight over the wheels they love them so much. Opossums really need wheels, especially older unreleasable ones. thx

[lexpea]

@MaryCummins Would I be able to get his contact information? I'll be getting my skunk in June and want to make sure she gets the proper exercise and entertainment :D How much does he charge?

[MaryCummins]

@lexpea Contact info is in the video, click show more. If you are getting a pet skunk, he will run around the house all night long. I don't think he'll need a wheel. This skunk was in an 8' x 8' cage, not as much room as a house.

[EVANDBRITT]

Love your vids! As a potential future skunk owner, do you have any advice?

[MaryCummins]

Check out the pet skunk groups. They have lots of great advice. Try yahoo groups skunkchat, skunkinfo. They sell books on having skunks as pets.

[MistyMaam]

Awesome videos...I have never got a good look at a skunk before, thanks.