Grooming

[Stacey]

We rescued/rehomed a little boy about six weeks ago. He's very shy still. Was thinking grooming might help us bond with him.
He's sleeping on the bed next to my better half at the moment.

Does anyone groom their skunk and if so, what kind of brush do you use as their coats are so dense?

[Stella]

Im not sure it would help with bonding, Tallulah absolutely hates being brushed/combed! I find just hand grooming is best, you can feel for condition and any dry patches etc, and the skunk just thinks it is being stroked. When Lula gets food in her tail, it is easier to just stick her tail under the shower head than try and brush it out. She is a moody madam though, your skunk may well appreciate brushed.

[Kenizhi]

None of mine will sit still long enough unless put in a head lock but the brush I have used is a doube sided one - soft bristles on one side & metal prongs with plastic tips on the other - its one used for small long coated dogs.

I found the best bonding method was by sitting int he floor very quiet & holding a tub of morio worms..........they do anything for food

[Stacey]

Thank you for the advice.

He stomps when you approach for feeding time but when you offer it he takes food. He's inquisitve and slowly looks around but still lacks confidence. Looking to get another this year as we can work with that youngster from an early age so we're hoping that her (yes, decided to go with another girl) confidence will rub off on him. Fingers crossed. As for grooming, we'll wait until he's even more sure of himself.