While capybaras may be captivating creatures, keeping them as pets is not without ethical considerations. These animals have complex social needs and require ample space to roam and socialize. In many cases, they thrive better in their natural habitats or in specialized facilities that can cater to their needs. Aside from vitamin C deficiency, they are relatively hardy creatures. Like most rodents, what is the distinction between the phrases capitalize and depreciate capybaras are prone to respiratory infections and infestations with mites or lice in their fur.
Characteristics of Capybaras
They need to chew on sticks or grass to prevent their teeth from growing too long. A large swimming pool provides them with exercise and mental stimulation. Capybaras are closely related to the guinea pig and they actually look a lot like them.
Why are capybaras expensive pets?
Capybaras are very social animals and require a lot of space to roam. So if you want one as a pet, be prepared to pay top dollar and have plenty of room for your new friend. Capybaras are grazers and prefer a large, enclosed yard that is safe and has plenty of grass for them to nibble on. Like all rodents, capybaras have teeth that constantly grow so they need to chew on plant material to keep their teeth worn down. Ideally, the capybara habitat should have a swimming area that is as large as possible to give the animal enough space to exercise. Finding a veterinarian with experience in treating capybaras is essential.
A few states allow ownership with possession of a special permit or license, but capybara ownership is prohibited in many states. You can contact your state’s Fish and Wildlife Office to find out about the regulations regarding owning exotics. Keep in mind, even if your state allows you to own one, your local city or county may have ordinances prohibiting it. Owning a capybara can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it comes with significant responsibilities and challenges. Before bringing one into your home, carefully assess your ability to provide for its physical and emotional needs. Ensure you are compliant with all legal requirements and consider the ethical implications of capybara ownership.
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Only available as a pair to licensed facilities, price is $5,000. A baby will typically cost at least $1,100 or more, and because there are few breeders, you’ll also need to cover the cost of transportation. Add to this the cost of any special permits or licenses you might need, and the cost of setting up a suitable home environment and pool. Capybaras kept as pets are usually fed hay (orchard, Bermuda, or Timothy), Guinea pig pellets fortified with vitamin C, and high-fiber biscuits. They can eat fresh fruits and vegetables as an occasional small treat. They also should be given a grassy area outside to roam and feed in, but this can be complicated.
Consider adopting a capybara from a rescue or sanctuary. Some capybaras end up in these facilities after being confiscated from illegal trade or improper care. Research and comply with all legal and ethical requirements for capybara ownership in your area.
A capybara needs at least one other companion of their species to do well. Capybaras who live in a home with humans and no other capybaras may become very stressed when they are left alone. They do enjoy the company of other pets, but overall they need to live with members of their own kind to be truly happy. Adult capybaras weigh between 60 to 175 pounds, and males tend to be smaller than females. They can be a little under 2 feet tall and about 4 feet long, which is about the size of a medium-sized dog. They look like a Guinea pig with a short wiry coat and long legs, with the hind legs longer than the front legs, and semi-webbed toes.
On this site, I share my expertise to educate and inspire fellow rodent enthusiasts. Whether you’re a pet owner seeking care tips or a wildlife lover exploring your backyard’s fauna, you’ll find valuable resources here. Providing a proper diet for capybaras can be costly and require access to a variety of fresh vegetation.
Legal Requirements
It is best if they have one or more swimming pools for playing. Like many other rodents, capybaras need to be able to chew often to keep their teeth healthy. If their incisors are not kept trim and grow too long, they will have difficulty eating and can even die of starvation. This includes providing them with daily rations of hay and, even better, the ability to roam and chew grasses. Capybaras that can free roam around the house will chew anything they can access, including electrical cords, furniture, and more.
Capybaras typically live anywhere between 4 to 8 years in captivity. In the wild, their life expectancy is usually between 6 to 10 years. Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world, and they are native to South America.
You do not want your capybaras to become selective eaters. Capybaras only eat about three to six plant species in the wild. The most common ingredient in a pet capybaras diet should be high-quality grass hay offered in piles or bales. Orchard hay and Timothy hay are both readily available from pet stores and large animal feed stores.
Paying special attention to these symptoms from the onset because they might indicate or metamorphose into something lethal in the future. JoeJoe the capybara also had quite the following, along with Dobby the capybara. Both lived on Stacy’s Funny Farm and with plenty of space to run around and swim. Both of these pet capybara’s died in 2018 within month of each other. Sugar gliders, capybaras, and wallabies are just a few of the exotic animals you can legally own within your household.
This is why they eat their poop because it helps them digest their food twice. You might need to give them some drugs to help them digest their food with ease should they face this problem while in your care. Capybaras are prized as pets for a variety of reasons.
- They also regularly eat their own feces, which aids in digestion.
- I’ve dedicated part of my life to studying and writing about rodents.
- They require plenty of outdoor space, social interaction, and proper medical care.
- Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Nevada, Washington and North Carolina are states where you can likely own a pet capybara.
- Avoid purchasing capybaras from illegal or unethical dealers, as this can contribute to the illegal wildlife trade.
The biggest difference, however, is that the capybara is much larger. In fact, they are the largest member of the rodent family and can grow as large as 100 pounds. They are native to South America and are a semi-aquatic mammal. Another difficulty with owning a capybara is finding veterinary care. Do you have access to a large outdoor area where you can create a suitable enclosure for your capybaras? Urban and small-space living may not be compatible with capybara ownership.
Some places may classify capybaras as exotic pets, while others may prohibit their ownership entirely. Always check with your local authorities and research the laws in your region to ensure that you are compliant. Capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, have captured the hearts of animal lovers around the world. With their endearing appearance and gentle disposition, it’s no wonder that many people dream of having a capybara as a pet. But is it really possible to bring one of these unique creatures into your home? This hay will not only provide the necessary nutrients and roughage a large rodent needs but will also help keep a capybara’s teeth at an appropriate length.