Do Armadillos Make Good Pets? (Quick Answer)

Are you are into keeping various pets and your question is, do armadillos make good pets?

This blog post will explain it all.

Armadillos are interesting creatures that are worth learning more about.

There are some interesting facts you need to know about this animal.

Let’s dive in.

What Is An Armadillo?

The armadillo is a small mammal that is found in the Americas.

There are many different species of armadillos, but they all have one thing in common: they have a hard shell on their backs that protects them from predators and the elements.

Armadillos are interesting creatures, and they have some unique features that make them stand out from other animals.

For example, did you know that armadillos can roll up into a ball when they are threatened? This allows them to protect their soft underbellies from being harmed.

There are many different species of armadillos, but the most common one is the nine-banded armadillo.

This type of armadillo is found in the southern United States, and it is the state mammal of Texas.

Nine-banded armadillos are about the size of a cat, and they have a brown or gray shell.

They are nocturnal animals, which means that they are most active at night.

During the day, they like to sleep in burrows that they have dug themselves.

Armadillos are not very fast runners, but they make up for it with their excellent sense of smell.

They use their noses to sniff out food, and they can also detect danger from predators.

Do Armadillos Make Good Pets?

No, they don’t.

There’s no denying that armadillos are pretty darn cute.

With their little faces and armored bodies, they look like something straight out of a cartoon.

And while they may be fun to look at, that doesn’t necessarily mean they make good pets.

Armadillos are wild animals, and as such, they have very specific needs that can be difficult for even the most experienced pet owner to provide.

They are also notoriously difficult to potty train, which means your home is likely to end up smelling like armadillo waste if you’re not careful.

I suggest you stick to admiring them from a distance.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering an armadillo as a pet:

They need a lot of space

Armadillos are active creatures that need a lot of room to run and play.

A small cage or enclosure will not be suitable for an armadillo.

If you’re considering an armadillo as a pet, you’ll need to have a large backyard or indoor space where your pet can roam freely.

They are nocturnal animals

Armadillos are most active at night, so be prepared for some late-night noise if you have an armadillo as a pet.

If you’re not a night owl, an armadillo might not be the right pet for you.

They have sharp claws

As one of the animals with claws, armadillos use their sharp claws for digging and climbing.

And, while they’re not typically aggressive animals, armadillos can become defensive if they feel threatened.

This means that armadillos can unintentionally scratch or bite if they’re scared or startled.

They are messy eaters

Armadillos are known for being messy eaters.

They often root through trash cans or dig through dirt in search of food.

If you have an armadillo as a pet, be prepared for some messes (and smells) around your home.

They can carry diseases

Armadillos are not dangerous to human and other animals directly. However, they are known to carry a few different diseases, including leprosy and the bacteria that cause tuberculosis.

While these diseases are rare, it’s important to be aware of the risks before adding an armadillo to your family.

Temperament

These animals are one of the coolest animals around – both literally and figuratively.

These unique creatures have a reputation for being a bit on the grumpy side, but they’re just misunderstood.

Here’s a closer look at the temperament of armadillos.

Armadillos may not be the cuddliest creatures around, but they’re quite gentle.

They’re also very curious animals, and they’re always exploring their surroundings.

This can sometimes lead to them getting into trouble.

Feeding

One of the most important things to consider when caring for an armadillo is its diet.

Armadillos are omnivores and require both plants and meat in their diet.

A good diet for an armadillo includes:

Fruits and vegetables -Armads love to munch on crunchy fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, and celery.

Be sure to chop them up into small pieces so they don’t choke.

Meat -Armads also need meat in their diet for protein.

You can give them cooked chicken, beef, or pork.

Again, be sure to chop the meat into small pieces.

Insects -Armads love to eat insects and this can make up a large part of their diet in the wild.

You can purchase live insects from a pet store or catch them yourself.

Be sure to wash your hands after handling any insects.

Armadillos also need water to stay hydrated.

You can give them fresh water in a bowl or offer them water-soaked fruits and vegetables.

Related: Do Anteaters Make Good Pets?

Lifespan

Armadillos are amazing creatures that have been around for millions of years.

Although they are not the longest-lived animals on earth, they can live a surprisingly long time considering their size and lifestyle.

What contributes to an armadillo’s longevity? One factor is their low metabolism.

This means that they burn energy slowly and don’t need as much food like other animals their size.

Additionally, armadillos are protected from predators by their armored shells, which makes them less likely to be killed prematurely.

Of course, not all armadillos make it to such a ripe old age.

In the wild, the average lifespan of an armadillo is only about 7 years.

This is due to the many dangers they face, including being hit by cars, hunted by predators, and contracting diseases.

In captivity, however, armadillos can live much longer.

With access to food and medical care, these creatures can thrive for many years.

Conclusion

So, do armadillos make good pets?

No, they are not the kind of pet you want to cuddle and they are not easy to tame.