This marsupial comes from the wilds of Australia. If you live in an apartment, a wallaroo might not be the best pet for you, as it requires plenty of space. Being a jumper, you need a big, secure yard, pen, or pasture to get enough exercise. A wallaroo needs a space of at least 2,000 square feet and a fence that is no shorter than 6 feet.
A wallaroo requires a shed, dog house, or shelter filled with hay or straw for bedding and easy access to food. These animals are tough and can handle cold weather. But, if you have very harsh winters and the shelter gets below freezing, you should add a heating lamp.
Caring for wallaroos is often easy, but there are many aspects to keep in mind. This perspective comes from a professional who has worked directly with kangaroos. Be wary of pet articles from writers who rely solely on online sources and might have their own biases.
What do Wallaroos Eat and Drink?
As infants, wallaroos are given a special formula with custom nipples, which JEAR provides at pickup. In their natural habitat, they are herbivores that feed on grasses and shrubs. In captivity, they require a continuous supply of fresh hay, such as Bermuda, alfalfa, or ryegrass. You can also feed them a commercial diet designed for kangaroos or wallabies, like Mazuri, and offer fresh vegetables as treats. Vitamin E and selenium supplements are beneficial too. Their food can be placed in a larger hopper since they eat only when they are hungry.
Size Information Wallaroo
Adult males that are not neutered are much bigger than females. They range from 3.25 to 5.25 feet long from head to rump, and their tails add 35.5 to 43.5 inches. They typically weigh around 200 lbs. Females are about half the size, and neutered males are in the middle
Pros and Cons of Keeping a Wallaroo as a Pet:
Wallaroos are cute and fun to watch, but there are not many good reasons to have one as a pet. For most people, owning a wallaroo can be frustrating and even dangerous. These playful animals often get into trouble, create messes, damage things, and jump around a lot. Luckily, they are illegal to own in most parts of the U.S.
WallarooExercise:
Wallaroos require plenty of exercise, including jumping, to keep their strong legs and tails fit. Regular activity is important for their health and happiness in captivity. To ensure a wallaroo gets enough exercise, it needs a lot of space to move and jump freely.
Common Health Problems:
Wallaroos are at risk for many diseases similar to those of other medium-sized mammals, such as viral and bacterial infections, injuries, and cancers. Toxoplasmosis is particularly concerning, as it is often found in domestic cats. This disease is usually not fatal for cats but can be for wallaroos. Vaccines can prevent some illnesses, and regular visits to an exotic animal vet can help identify health problems early.
Purchasing Your Pet Wallaroo:
There are only a few wallaroo breeders in the U.S. If you want one, visit a breeder. Spend time with the wallaroo before bringing it home. Its coat should look healthy and shiny. Adopting a younger wallaroo can help it connect better with you and your family. Remember, wallaroos can be pricey to buy and maintain. Expect to pay between $1,000 and $4,000, and you will need to set up a fenced area for it. Monthly food expenses are usually around $200 to $400.
Wallaroos require special care and attention:
Wallaroos are different from regular pets like dogs and cats. They don’t use leashes, can’t do tricks, and as they grow, they won’t be able to wear diapers. It’s best to keep their environment stable, as they don’t travel well and should not be taken into public as adults. While they might get along with familiar dogs, it’s important to supervise them. Cats can carry a dangerous bacteria called toxoplasmosis, which wallaroos cannot resist. Often, there are no signs when a wallaroo gets this disease, and they may be found dead.
Conclusion:
Common wallaroos are located across most of Australia, excluding Tasmania. They typically inhabit rocky hills, caves, and large overhangs that provide daytime shade. These animals tend to be solitary and are active at night. They maintain a small, stable home range near water or rocky formations and move to find food in nearby shrubs and grasses. Occasionally, small groups form around important resources, but these groups are often loose in structure.
They hop on their strong hind legs to access new feeding areas within their territory. Male wallaroos sometimes box with each other, using their strong feet to kick until one gives up. The Australian Government Department of the Environment reports that there are 4,383,203 Common wallaroos in total, which includes 1,800 from the Barrow Island subspecies.