Do Capybaras Make Good Pets? (Quick Answer)

Disclaimer: The information presented below is for general informational & educational purposes only. Always consult with animal professionals in case of specific concerns.

Are you very interested in keeping rodents and you are asking the question, do capybaras make good pets?

In this post, I will explain all you need to know about this wonderful creature.

Do Capybaras Make Good Pets?

Yes, they do.

Capybaras are intelligent and social animals that enjoy the company of other capybaras, as well as humans.

Because of their docile nature, they make great pets for families with children.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering making a capybara part of your family:

Capybaras need plenty of space

A single capybara can require an enclosure that is at least 10×10 feet, and if you plan on keeping more than one capybara, you’ll need an even larger space.

Keep in mind that capybaras are strong swimmers, so if you live near a body of water, you’ll need to take precautions to prevent your pet from escaping.

Capybaras are herbivores

Capybaras require a diet of mostly grasses and hay.

They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables as treats.

Be sure to consult with a veterinarian before feeding your pet capybara any type of food, as some foods can be harmful to their health.

Capybaras are social animals

They do best when they have another capybara to interact with.

If you can’t provide your pet with a friend, consider finding a local capybara meetup group where your pet can socialize with other capybaras.

They need supervision

Capybaras are gentle giants that make great pets for families with children.

They are curious creatures that enjoy exploring their surroundings and playing with toys.

Be sure to supervise young children when they are interacting with a pet capybara, as they can unintentionally hurt the animal with their roughhousing.

Capybaras have unique grooming needs

They have thick fur that sheds year-round, so regular brushing is necessary to keep their coat healthy and mat-free.

In addition, capybaras must regularly have their teeth trimmed to prevent overgrowth.

A trip to the veterinarian or groomer is typically required every few months to take care of these needs.

Read more: Do Bilbies Make Good Pets?

Capybaras In the Wild

Capybaras are large rodents that look like guinea pigs.

They are native to South America and live in swampy, forested areas near rivers.

Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world, weighing up to 140 pounds.

They have reddish-brown fur and a hairless tail.

Capybaras have webbed toes that help them swim.

They are excellent swimmers and can stay submerged for up to five minutes at a time.

Capybaras are most active at dawn and dusk.

During the day, they rest in shallow water or the shade of trees.

At night, they graze on grasses and other plants.

They are social animals that live in groups of up to 100 individuals.

Groups are typically made up of 10-20 females and they’re young, with one or two adult males.

The males are generally larger than the females and have longer claws.

Capybaras are hunted by humans for their meat and fur.

They are also considered to be a pest by farmers because they eat crops.

As a result, capybaras are often killed.

Fortunately, there are laws in some countries that protect these animals.

How Much Do Capybaras Cost?

do capybaras make good pets

The cost of a capybara varies depending on where you live and where you get your pet from.

You’ll also need to factor in the cost of food and veterinary care for your new pet.

The average cost of a capybara can range anywhere from $400 to $8,000.

The price will depend on the specific breeder, where you purchase the animal and any additional costs associated with shipping or delivery.

How Long Do Capybaras Live?

Capybaras are one of the longest-lived rodents in the world, with an average lifespan of 12 years.

However, their life expectancy can vary depending on factors such as predation, disease, and habitat conditions.

In captivity, capybaras often live much longer than they do in the wild, with an average lifespan of 20 years.

The oldest known captive capybara was 30 years old when she died.

The main cause of death for capybaras in the wild is predation from large animals such as jaguars, pumas, and Do cheetahs.

Related: Do Cheetahs Make Good Pets? (Quick Answer)

Do Capybaras Smell?

No, capybaras don’t smell.

But they do have a strong musky odor that some people find unpleasant.

If you’re thinking of getting a pet capybara, you should be aware of this before making your decision.

Capybaras are rodents, and like all rodents, they have scent glands that produce a strong-smelling secretion.

This secretion is used to mark their territory and to attract mates.

Some people say it smells like a cross between a skunk and a wet dog.

Despite their smelly reputation, capybaras are clean animals.

They groom themselves regularly, and they even take dust baths to keep their fur clean and free of parasites.

Can You Potty Train A Capybaras?

Potty training a capybara is not easy and requires a lot of patience and perseverance.

Here are some tips to help you successfully potty train your capybara:

  1. Start early: It’s best to start potty training your capybara as soon as possible.
  2. The younger they are, the easier it will be to train them.
  3. Be consistent: Consistency is key when potty training any animal.
  4. Make sure you are offering the same reward for good behavior each time so your capybara knows what they are being rewarded for.
  5. Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective ways to train an animal.
  6. When your capybara goes potty in the correct spot, be sure to give them lots of praise and a tasty treat.
  7. Be patient: Potty training takes time and patience.
  8. Don’t get discouraged if your capybara has accidents, just keep working with them, and eventually, they will get it!

Can You Eat Capybaras Meat?

Capybaras meat is considered a delicacy in many countries.

Capybaras are usually hunted for their meat, but they can also be raised on farms.

The flesh of the capybara is said to taste like pork, and it is often used in stews and soups.

Capybaras are also a popular choice for barbecue, and their meat is sometimes sold in markets.

Conclusion

In short, capybaras make great pets for those who are willing to put in the time and effort to train them.

They are intelligent, social animals that require a lot of exercise and attention.

Capybaras are also known for their long claws, musky odor, and love of water.