Wallaby as a Pet
Considerations before Commitment
- Housing and Enclosures
Wallabies are active easily stressed marsupials – Wallabies require vast spaces to graze and jump.
Outdoor Space for a pet Wallaby
- A Wallaby requires spacious outdoor enclosure (at least 100 m² or 1,000 sq. ft per pair)
- Wallabies fencing must be at least 6 feet high
- Wallabies fencing must be sturdy
- Wallabies fencing must be buried or pegged firmly to the ground
- To prevent a Wallabies from digging out
- Shelter for a pet Wallaby:
- Provide a dry stall or hut
- Provide a draft-free stall or hut
- With raised bedding
- Use low bunks lined with wood shavings
- Provide heat lamps to keep them warm during the winter
- Safety for a pet Wallaby:
- Avoid barbed wire
- Avoid or electric fencing
- Ensure there are no large glass windows
- Wallabies could accidentally jump through
- Keep dogs strictly away to avoid the transmission of deadly parasites – such as toxoplasmosis
- Keep cats strictly away to avoid the transmission of deadly parasites – such as toxoplasmosis
A suitable enclosure should include:
- Tall escape-proof fencing
- Secure gates with double-entry access
- Plenty of room for your Wallaby to hop and exercise
- Grass-covered areas
- Shade trees or shelters
- Dry resting areas
- Weather protection
- Safe sleeping shelters
- Wind protection
- Fresh water available at all times
- Safe browse branches where appropriate
The fencing must be strong enough to prevent Wallaby escapes and protect your Wallaby from predators and loose dogs.
- Diet and Feeding
Wallaby as a Pet
Wallabies are herbivores that graze eating primarily grasses – leafy plants – branches .
- Grass Hay for a pet Wallaby:
- The bulk of a Wallaby’s diet should consist of natural grazing
- The bulk of a Wallaby’s diet should consist of high-quality grass hay
- Pellets for a pet Wallaby:
- Supplement tyour Wallaby’s diet with high-quality macropod pellets – commercially available at Exotic Pet feed stores
3. Treats for a pet Wallaby
- Small amounts of sweet potato
- Small amounts of carrots
- Small amounts of leafy greens can be given as occasional treats
- Foods to avoid for a pet Wallaby:
- Never feed a Wallaby bread
- Never feed a Wallaby processed human foods
- Never feed a Wallaby toxic plants
- Wallaby/Macropods have very sensitive digestive systems
- Water Requirements
Wallaby as a Pet
Fresh clean water must be available to your wallabies at all times.
- Heavy Bowls for a pet Wallaby:
- Because Wallabies can be skittish and jump around
- Use heavy un-tippable ceramic or stainless steel bowls placed on a firm surface
- Mount a sturdy water dispenser to the side of their enclosure
- Freshness of Water for your pet Wallaby:
- Clean the containers
- Replenish the water daily
- To prevent algae growth
- To prevent and the spread of disease
- Winter Maintenance Water for your pet Wallaby in freezing climates:
- A submersible water heater or heated bowls
- To ensure the water does not freeze over
For larger outdoor Wallaby pens or enclosures – setting up an automatic gravity-fed watering system – is a highly practical way – to ensure a constant water supply.
- Daily Care Requirements
Wallaby as a Pet
Wallabies need daily attention including:
- Fresh food and water
- Enclosure inspection
- Cleaning feeding areas
- Health observations
- Environmental enrichment
- Secure fencing checks
Unlike many pets, Wallabies generally do not seek constant human interaction.
- Temperament Requirements
Wallaby as a Pet
Some hand-raised wallabies become calm around familiar people – however Wallabies remain wild animals.
A Wallaby may:
- A Wallaby may become frightened by loud noises
- A Wallaby can kick with powerful hind legs if cornered
- A Wallaby can scratch with their claws
- A Wallaby can jump unexpectedly
- A Wallaby can njure themselves if they panic
Children should always be supervised around a Wallaby.
- Social Requirements
Wallaby as a Pet
Many Wallabies do better with the company of another compatible Wallaby – rather than living alone – keeping a single Wallaby – without sufficient enrichment – can/may result in stress or abnormal Wallaby behaviour.
- Veterinary Care Requirements
Wallaby as a Pet
Before obtaining a wallaby – locate an Exotic-Animal Veterinarian who has experience treating Marsupials.
Routine care for your pet Wallaby may include:
- Health examinations for your pet Wallaby
- Parasite control for your pet Wallaby
- Dental evaluations for your pet Wallaby
- Injury treatment for your pet Wallaby
- Nutritional advice for your pet Wallaby
Emergency Veterinary care may not be readily available in your area/region.
- Costs Requirements
Wallaby as a Pet
Owning a pet Wallaby can be expensive – costs may include:
- Large secure enclosure for your pet Wallaby
- Shelter construction for your pet Wallaby
- Specialized fencing for your pet Wallaby
- Commercial feed for your pet Wallaby
- Veterinary care for your pet Wallaby
- Permits or licences – where required – for your pet Wallaby
- Ongoing maintenance for your pet Wallaby
The initial Wallaby purchase price is often only a small portion of the Wallaby lifetime cost.
- Lifespan
Wallaby as a Pet
Depending on the species and quality of care, wallabies can live 10–15 years or more, making them a long-term commitment.
- Safety Around Children
Wallaby as a Pet
You must teach children to:
- Speak quietly
- Never chase the Wallaby
- Never corner a Wallaby
- Avoid feeding a Wallaby without adult supervision
- Wash hands after Wallaby contact
- Respect the Wallaby animal’s space
A pet Wallaby is best suited to experienced keepers – with appropriate land – secure facilities – access to specialized Veterinary care – a Wallaby is not a practical household pet – because of its space requirements – specialized care – and legal considerations.
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