Fennec Fox Care Guide

Vulpes zerda

Fennec foxes (Vulpes zerda) are captivating and charismatic animals best known for their oversized ears, which help them stay cool and detect the faintest sounds in the desert. Native to the hot sands of the Sahara Desert and North Africa, these tiny foxes are built for survival in extreme environments. Weighing just 2–4 pounds and measuring up to 16 inches long (not including their fluffy tails), fennec foxes are the smallest of all fox species. With the right care, they can live up to 10–14 years in captivity. This guide aims to cover all aspects of fennec fox care, helping you create a safe, enriching environment for your desert companion. From their natural behaviors to their diet, enclosure, and social needs, each section is designed to support their well-being in your care.

Enclosure

A proper enclosure for a fennec fox should be safe, spacious, and escape-proof. I’ve found that fennec foxes are incredibly curious, high-energy animals that love to dig, jump, and explore every inch of their environment. For this reason, I recommend either a large indoor room or a secure outdoor pen that measures at least 8 feet long by 6 feet wide and 6 feet tall. Always keep in mind: if they can squeeze, they can escape—so tight fencing and latching are a must.

When it comes to substrate, I suggest using cypress mulch and sand for digging. Provide a substrate depth of 3 to 6 inches so they can burrow and nest comfortably. Enrichment is key for fennec foxes. I include dig boxes, tunnels, ropes, climbing ramps, and plenty of toys to keep their minds and bodies active.

Hides and shaded areas are essential. I always make sure to include at least one covered den where they can retreat and feel secure. Sturdy furniture, logs for scratching, and puzzle feeders also go a long way in creating a stimulating space.

Ideal temperatures range from 70–80°F, though fennecs can tolerate a wider range from 50–90°F. Keep humidity low to mimic their natural desert environment, and while UVB lighting is not required, exposure to natural sunlight (safely filtered if outdoors) is beneficial to their overall health.

Observing your fox will help you fine-tune their setup. Some will run, dig, and climb all day, while others might prefer relaxing in a shaded hide. Provide them the room and resources to express those natural behaviors, and you’ll have a thriving desert fox in your care.

Diet & Hydration

Fennec foxes are omnivores with fast metabolisms and a need for variety in their diet. They thrive on a mix of high-protein kibble, insects, small prey, and fresh produce. In the wild, they would eat anything from bugs to roots, eggs, and small animals—so we try to mimic that as closely as possible in captivity.

For my fennecs, I feed insects (like superworms and roaches) several times a week, along with quality dog kibble and occasional servings of cooked meat. Once or twice a week, they get boiled eggs, greens, or safe fruits like banana or berries. I’ve found that a diverse diet keeps them engaged and healthy. Just like with reptiles, portion control is key—too much fat or fruit and you’ll have a pudgy fox. Observe their body condition and energy levels and adjust as needed.

Below is the weekly feeding chart example:

Fennec Fox Feeding Chart

Day	Morning	Evening
Monday	Eggs and High-quality dog kibble	Cooked Meat with Greens
Tuesday	Cooked meat with Carrots	Mice
Wednesday	Kibble+ Insects	Cooked Meat
Thursday	Quail eggs	Kibble
Friday	veggies and insects	Kibble
Saturday	Cooked Meat	Chicken liver (treat only)
Sunday	Fast or light fruit snack	Kibble + insect mix

Staples: Insects, high-protein dog kibble, rodents Treats: Berries, boiled egg, banana (in moderation) Toxic/DO NOT Feed :Grapes, chocolate, onions, garlic, caffeine

Hydration: Always provide clean, fresh water in a spill-proof bowl. Fennecs tend to dig and knock things over, so I use a heavy ceramic dish or one clipped to the side of the enclosure.

Supplements: Dust insects or food with calcium with D3 once a week, and a multivitamin every two weeks to support long-term health, especially in indoor-kept foxes.

Behavior & Fun Facts

Fennec foxes are nocturnal, meaning they’re most active at night. They are naturally alert, energetic, and playful, often darting, digging, and exploring anything new in their environment. While they are solitary in the wild, fennecs can become very social and affectionate in captivity when raised with care and consistency.

Their iconic oversized ears serve two important functions: releasing excess heat and giving them incredibly sharp hearing—so much so that they can detect insects moving underground. They’re also amazing jumpers, able to leap up to 2 feet high and 4 feet forward in a single bound!

Handling

Fennec foxes can make wonderful animal companions when handled properly and regularly. Like with all animals, building trust takes time. I recommend gentle daily handling in a quiet space to help them feel secure and connected. If you move too quickly or speak too loudly, a fennec may become startled or stressed—so use slow movements and calm voices, and let them come to you at their own pace.

They respond best when you allow them to explore your hands and lap without forcing contact. Hand-feeding treats, spending time near their enclosure, and sitting quietly with them all help create a positive association.

Tip: Keep enclosure clean and rotate enrichment to prevent stress and boredom.