Capybaras As Pets?
By J.N.R Dutton
@jnrdutton (2604)
United States
May 2, 2024 3:35am CST
Good morning, everyone.
I decided to look into possibly either buying or adopting a Capybara as a pet. They are adorable animals, but some people have said that caring for them, especially their social and nutritional needs, can be rather daunting.
I'm curious if anyone here on Mylot happens to have any. If so, can you give me details on life with them? Kind of explain what to ACTUALLY expect (from your personal experience?)
I look forward to anything helpful you all have to share.
8 people like this
8 responses
@LadyDuck (460237)
• Switzerland
2 May
They are social animals, ONE alone will die. You must consider investing at least in a pair of capybaras. Then consider that you need a semi-aquatic enclosure tailored to their needs, and a high-quality food source, that can be quite expensive. I would drop the idea.
2 people like this
@jnrdutton (2604)
• United States
2 May
Eh, it's not something I'd do anytime soon anyway, just something I looked into for the possible distant future. Figured no harm in researching for the moment nor getting other people's thoughts. Thanks for yours by the way, @LadyDuck
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (460237)
• Switzerland
2 May
@jnrdutton They are friendly animals, but they need quite a large space to live.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29390)
•
2 May
In all the rescue work I have done, I do know that in order to keep them in your home as a pet, you have to register them with the state you live in, and usually a permit is required. They are rodents and act as such—it’s my understanding they are not always good to have around small children. Check your state requirements before you take the plunge.
2 people like this
@jnrdutton (2604)
• United States
2 May
@MarieCoyle I did read about that when I was researching somewhat earlier. It's good that you're knowledgeable through your rescue work, and thank you.
1 person likes this
@jnrdutton (2604)
• United States
2 May
@MarieCoyle really says a lot about his priorities that he didn't seem upset about the loss of his children. That's just sad.
Regarding the rattler, unless it's venom glands and fangs have been removed, I personally wouldn't dare take my chances owning one, and I'm surprised he did.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29390)
•
2 May
@jnrdutton It’s good that you are doing research on it. I encountered so many different animals over the years. One fellow had a rattlesnake he kept as a pet in a house with children. The children were removed. The man was angry that someone reported him having the rattlesnake and Department of Wildlife took custody of it. He didn’t even seem mad about the loss of his children. I was in shock over the whole thing!
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (74074)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
7 May
I love the look of capybaras but would think it would be hard to keep them fed, I have never thought of having one as a pet. Here's some info for you
https://www.thesprucepets.com/capybara-pet-4101211
1 person likes this
@Shivram59 (32174)
• India
8 May
We have a couple of stray cats who are looked after by my sister.I can't look after any pet.
@arunima25 (85844)
• Bangalore, India
2 May
We don't have them here. And I have no idea or personal experience with that. LadyDuck and Marie have given some really good information and they sound interesting. Based on that, I assume that they aren't going to be easy ones to pet.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (158359)
• United States
2 May
I don't have one; but I have studied them quite in detail. They can get quite large. You have to have water for them I think. Personally, I would get a nice dog. I think Capybaras are social animals; and I don't know what their nutritional needs are. I would find out about that. Good luck!
