Varmit Update
Mar. 1st, 2004 12:54 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
tenayaI'm very happy to report I believe the whole raccoon clan is alive and doing well. I think CutiePie is outside right now. Unfortunately, I think she is going to stake out the courtyard as she has just planted her butt down and is making seriously mean growly noises to keep away what must have been one of last spring's crop o'kids from coming down here and feeding. And since we've feed 4 others already tonight, that's 6. Even little Wobbly Girl was back and looking great. What are young raccoons called, anyway?
Another funny thing is that there's a skunk determined to make a nest/burrow in the cactus garden. There's one patch of thick cactus that is overgrown with St. Augustine grass (and how does one actually clean out something like that, anyway??) This skunk is pulling and parting the wall of matted grass, tunnelling as she goes, stopping only to pluck spines out of her side. Very determined. I don't know how rain proof something like that will be, but I'm sure nothing will bother to go in after her.
Oh, and Brindle was trying to move through the wildlife but reached a standstill with a raccoon. Brindle, being a stubborn cat, didn't want to go around. The coon obviously thought Brindle was kinda pretty up close and was just being friendly and curious. I wanted to get out there to make sure all went well, but there was a couple of skunks right up against the sliding glass door, and they just wanted to be left alone to eat. I brushed my fingers through a plush skunk tail. Skunk didn't move. So I ran my fingers through the fur and even gently tugged at it. Skunk slowly stepped forward a few paces, then suddenly turned and looked over her shoulder with a "Did you really just pull my tail?" expression, before she just waddled off. I waded out amongst the other varmits and Brindle sashayed safely into my arms like the spoilt child he is. Skunk fur is feels very much like stiff nylon, btw.
Another funny thing is that there's a skunk determined to make a nest/burrow in the cactus garden. There's one patch of thick cactus that is overgrown with St. Augustine grass (and how does one actually clean out something like that, anyway??) This skunk is pulling and parting the wall of matted grass, tunnelling as she goes, stopping only to pluck spines out of her side. Very determined. I don't know how rain proof something like that will be, but I'm sure nothing will bother to go in after her.
Oh, and Brindle was trying to move through the wildlife but reached a standstill with a raccoon. Brindle, being a stubborn cat, didn't want to go around. The coon obviously thought Brindle was kinda pretty up close and was just being friendly and curious. I wanted to get out there to make sure all went well, but there was a couple of skunks right up against the sliding glass door, and they just wanted to be left alone to eat. I brushed my fingers through a plush skunk tail. Skunk didn't move. So I ran my fingers through the fur and even gently tugged at it. Skunk slowly stepped forward a few paces, then suddenly turned and looked over her shoulder with a "Did you really just pull my tail?" expression, before she just waddled off. I waded out amongst the other varmits and Brindle sashayed safely into my arms like the spoilt child he is. Skunk fur is feels very much like stiff nylon, btw.
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(no subject)
Date: 2004-03-01 11:30 am (UTC)Not positive, but "kits", I think.
I brushed my fingers through a plush skunk tail. Skunk didn't move. So I ran my fingers through the fur and even gently tugged at it. Skunk slowly stepped forward a few paces, then suddenly turned and looked over her shoulder with a "Did you really just pull my tail?" expression, before she just waddled off.
Either you're really brave, or you have lots of tomato juice on hand!
The true skunk odor treatment
Date: 2004-03-01 10:43 pm (UTC)I used tomato juice a few times. I don't think it worked at all. I have used the following on the cats on occasion, and it works 100%-- and provides highlights to their fur.
1 quart of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
1/4 cup Baking Soda
1 teaspoon liquid soap / dishwashing detergent
The skunks tend to spray only when badly startled or scared/under attack. We just call out to them so they know we're there, then we can pretty much move among them safely. Besides, I'd seen the raccoons fondle a few skunk tails and only get scolded for it.
Re: The true skunk odor treatment
Date: 2004-03-02 08:30 pm (UTC)I remember when I was a kid, they sold deodorized skunks in pet shops. I was never sure why they outlawed it. Maybe those claws....??
Anyway, I think skunks look very sweet.