A cavy's lifespan in the wild is 10 years and 14 years in captivity. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Patagonian cavies are not suited for cold weather. I like to exercise caution when getting exotic pets with expectations of them acting like 'traditional' pets. If you have more than one Patagonian cavy, provide several food stations to avoid aggression at feeding time. Hay helps them file down their back molars. Starter formula and sample guinea pig food. They can even learn to walk on a leash. All maras can be trained like most animals. A bottle baby cavy is very laid back and sweet. Patagonian cavies are not known to be biters. Many localities consider Patagonian cavies as rodents like hamsters and gerbils. Both species can be kept indoors or out, but the default recommendation for the larger Patagonian is to keep them outdoors. Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. Amanda Vaughn shows a tranquilizer that was wrongfully used on Pepper, a Patagonian Cavy, by an outsider at the Out of the Cage Pet Shop Friday morning in Copperas Cove. Patagonians can run up to 45 mph. There are two members of the genus Dolichotis: the Patagonian cavy or mara, and the much lesser known rabbit-sized Chacoan mara (or dwarf cavy). The litter box should have a grate as well. It is VET checked and licensed. or 36sq.ft. Make sure your pet can run a short distance and jump in their enclosure. They can be litter trained. Cavies are commonly seen in zoological facilities, but can make good pets if properly cared for. Protect power cords with pipe hose cord protectors if your mara is free-roaming, Aluminum flashing can be used to protect wooden surfaces. For fenced in enclosures, the fence should be at least 4 feet high. Cavies are hardy animals that can handle a variety of different … and. Dark, leafy greens (collards, dandelion leaves, parsley, kale), fresh hay, and grass should make up the bulk of its diet. They are best housed in pens instead of kept roaming free in your house. Like many non-domesticated animals, they will need to be socialized at a young age for optimal success with taming. Patagonian cavy images Patagonian cavy pictures Make sure the cavy is legal in your local area and state. patagonian mara-exotic animals for sale. If you do keep them indoors, get a metal litter box as they will chew through plastic containers. They are the sole extant representatives of the subfamily Dolichotinae. Maras are cold tolerant, but will need supplemental heating in subzero weather (or they should be brought inside). Their use of the litter box is a lifesaver, and I've actually drilled plumbing into them so they drain into containers. I have observed that the maras groom each other, but the male is more aggressive with it. These animals are herbivores. BUY $220-$375. Positives of patagonian cavies as pets? Since Patagonian cavies are expert diggers, line your enclosure with heavy wire sunk underground several feet or even line with concrete. Maras do produce a lot of waste, however, and indoor enclosures can smell if not regularly cleaned. They will also chew on everything, including electrical wires or cords, and could become injured from live current. It will follow you around and allow petting and other interaction. Patagonian Cavies belong to the rodent family. This animal grows to a length of between 27 and 30 inches with a short tail of around 2 inches on average. Fruits and vegetables should only comprise about 10% of their diet. Purchase metal litter boxes to prevent chewing. Chacoan maras in my experience are skittish and don't prefer human interaction, but other owners have individuals that are relatively affectionate, so it might depend on the animal. It is also known as the Patagonian cavy, Patagonian hare, or dillaby. There was a famous exotic-pet-related incident where a chimpanzee name Travis severely mauled his caretaker’s friend, but that animal was grandfathered in, as primates acquired before October 1st, 2010 are considered okay. With the unique features (Such as looking like a cross between a guinea pig, rabbit, kangaroo and a dog) and excellent temperament, it is no surprise that people are choosing these pets for their homes. They can grow up to 35 pounds but the average size is between 15 to 25 pounds. Laws do change all the time, so check with your state and local municipality to find out if it is legal to own a Patagonian cavy before you get one. They won't really go where you want them to; you have to find out where they tend to eliminate and place newspaper or their litter pan there. If you are interested in pet cavies, check out: Otherwise, check out other small animals that can be your new pet. The Patagonian cavy may be kept as a pet. Cavies are susceptible to heart and gastrointestinal troubles. They are not rabbits! Use of operant conditioning techniques and clicker training can be highly effective, and you will receive positive interaction even with flighty individuals. Some owners report success with clicker training used for dogs. Some owners report that male Chacoan maras over-groom the females. Jun 24, 2016 - Explore Lindsay Beth's board "Capybaras & Patagonian Cavies" on Pinterest. Jan 23, 2014 - Explore Emmah Finneman's board "Patagonian Mara", followed by 242 people on Pinterest. You can offer an assortment of fruits and veggies as well, such as romaine lettuce, cabbage, sweet potatoes, apple, and squash. (Meek, 1997) According to the Florida Game and Wildlife Conservation Commission the standard caging requirement for large and small cavies is an enclosure at least 6ft. 1. division of Scholastic Library Publishing. If you have more than one Patagonian cavy, provide at least one accommodation for each animal. Madagascar Hissing Cockroach Species Profile, Russian Red Fox (Siberian Fox): Species Profile. Urine and anal marking are common in both sexes and if you have a pair of cavies, you will probably see them marking each other. Patagonian cavies cost $200 to $300. Its appearance is very hare-like giving them another common name of Patagonian Hare. Shelter should be provided. Patagonian cavies are not known to be biters or very noisy, although they do make a variety of vocalizations, much like that of a guinea pig. This patagonian mara is almost out of store and only 3 are available two female and one male. ... developed to help confiscated pet orangs readjust to the wild, and there are sanctuaries where rescued. So while some people keep them indoors, they will not behave like 'traditional' indoor pets and will require some tolerance or exotic animal experience. After they get the hang of eliminating in an elevated litter pan, they actually seem to prefer it and will seek it out in a larger space. Fragile items can easily be knocked off tables and walls chewed upon if the maras are allowed to free-roam, however some people accomplish keeping them as house pets. Melissa cares for a variety of exotic animals and has completed a certificate in veterinary assisting and a bachelor's degree in biology. The Patagonian cavy, also known as the Patagonian mara, is a large-sized relative of the guinea pig species. This is especially important if the animal will spend the majority of its time in the cage. If raised from a young age and hand-tamed, cavies can be friendly pets. Patagonian cavies are very sweet and loving pets. Chacoan maras can be housed in a large rabbit pen that should, again, allow them to move freely. Other states where they are legal without requiring a permit include Oregon, Alabama, Washington, and Texas. Since they love to chew, other chewing snacks (or toys) are another excellent option. Adult animals may reach 15-30lbs in weight. They have little, compressed feet that make them resemble hooves from a distance and longer ears like those of a rabbit. Size recommendations for these enclosures can vary, but I suggest providing enough space so that the animals can carry out species specific behaviors. Make sure you include a shelter like an insulated dog house in the enclosure for the animal to hide. Over-grooming and Chacoan maras. A place to share information, pictures and advice. States that ban them or require permits include California, Georgia, New Hampshire, Colorado, and Hawaii. The Patagonian mara, also known as the Patagonian hare or cavy, is a large rodent species that is often said to look like a cross between a rabbit and a deer, or other hoofed animal. 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