Capybaras are hefty South American rodents that are related to guinea pigs. Until recently, you were more likely to see them in zoos rather than homes, but they are becoming increasingly popular domestic pets. Unlike most rodents, they need lots of space and have unique care needs, so they aren’t ideal for beginners or people living in apartments. If you have the space to accommodate these cute critters, look at the facts below about keeping capybaras as pets.
1. Capybaras Are the World’s Largest Rodents
One of the most fascinating facts about pet capybaras is that they are the world’s largest rodents. These substantial creatures can grow up to two feet high and four feet long and weigh up to 146 pounds. They are known as giant guinea pigs because they are closely related to guinea pigs but have more complex care needs.
In addition to being one of the largest rodents to keep as pets, capybaras are super sociable and like to live in groups of 20 to 30. They sometimes live in herds of over 100 in the wild, so you must never keep them alone – you should have at least two to four. Capybaras have webbed feet and are semi-aquatic; they can stay underwater for around five minutes. They prefer living in marshy areas with dense foliage because they love digging, swimming, and hiding among trees and plants.
2. Pet Capybaras Need Lots of Space
The next thing to know about pet capybaras is that they need lots of space, substantially more than your average pet rodent. You need a minimum 20-foot-by-10-foot enclosure to keep a pair, and they are happier if they have a larger living space. The enclosure must be secure to prevent them from escaping, and it must replicate their natural environment. They are super energetic and like to climb, run, hide, swim, and dig, so they need ample environmental enrichment, such as plants and hides.
Pet capybaras need a swimming pool at least three feet deep to swim and frolic in. You must give them a cozy shelter, with warm bedding, such as straw, to sleep in. Capybaras may need a heat lamp and supplementary lighting, and you must also give them fresh drinking water.
3. Capybaras Eat a Lot
Capybaras are the size of small dogs, so they eat substantially more than your average rodent. They are herbivores with a similar diet to guinea pigs and love to forage on fresh foliage such as grass and aquatic plants. You must supplement a capybara’s diet with hay and concentrated food, such as guinea pig pellets. Pet capybaras also love fruit and veggie treats. Treats should only make up a small part of their diet to prevent selective feeding and obesity.
Capybara teeth grow continuously throughout their life, and you must give them things to gnaw on to prevent overgrown teeth. Capybaras love chewing on wood, such as small tree trunks and branches, and regular chewing helps them wear their teeth down. Willow and birchwood are the best types for capybaras to gnaw on. Always ensure chew toys are pesticide-free and pet-safe. Finally, you must also give them a vitamin C supplement because, like humans and guinea pigs, capybaras don’t naturally produce enough vitamin C.
4. Pet Capybaras Are Entertaining
Keeping capybaras as pets is super entertaining – and they mesmerize their owners with their unique behavior. Like many rodents, initially, they can be shy and reserved, but tame ones are cuddly and love interacting with their owners. Hand-reared capybaras are more confident; it takes time and patience to bond with unhandled adults.
Capybaras love grooming each other and are incredibly vocal. They use many sounds to communicate, such as squeaks, purrs, barks, and grunts. These loveable little creatures are super intelligent, and you can even litter-train them. They are calm and easygoing but are active and love dashing around, playing, and jumping. Sometimes, they stand on their hind legs and sway, almost like dancing. Capybaras aren’t generally aggressive animals but may bite or scratch if they feel threatened.
5. Pet Capybaras Are Illegal in Some States
Before choosing a pet capybara, you must know that they are illegal in some countries and American states, such as California. In countries where they are legal, you will usually have to get a permit from your local authority. Laws and regulations around keeping capybaras as pets are tight because they are an unusual exotic species with unique care requirements. Local authorities don’t want these creatures to escape and live wild, as it can be disastrous for the local ecology.
Each country has unique laws about keeping these creatures. In the UK, for example, the local authority must approve a capybara accommodation before issuing a permit. You must thoroughly investigate the rules in your area before buying one. The local authority may seize them if they are illegal or you don’t have a permit.
6. Pet Capybaras Are Expensive
The final fact on our list of keeping capybaras as pets is that they are expensive to buy and maintain. You can expect to pay over $1,000 for one – and remember, you need to get at least two. You should always buy capybaras from a reputable dealer and never get a wild one. Not only are capybaras expensive, but it also costs a lot to set up a secure enclosure and recreate their natural habitat.
Capybaras live an average of 10 years in captivity, compared to four years in the wild, so you will have to feed and care for them for a long time. They are also exotic animals, so you must have access to a specialized vet, and that can also be expensive!
