Disclaimer: The information presented below is for general informational & educational purposes only. Always consult with animal professionals in case of specific concerns.
Do javelinas make good pets?
Is it normal to have them as pets?
This blog post will answer all those questions for you and more.
Javelinas (also called “collared peccaries”) are medium-sized mammals found in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Despite their pig-like appearance, they are more closely related to deer and pigs than they are to true pigs.
Javelinas range in size from about 20 to 40 pounds and have dark brown or black fur.
Javelinas are social animals that live in small herds of up to 20 individuals.
These herds typically consist of a few adult females and they’re young, with no dominant male present.
Javelinas are relatively unaggressive towards humans but can be aggressive towards dogs and other animals if they feel threatened.
Does this mean they can be kept as pets, it depends.
Do Javelinas Make Good Pets?
Sadly, no, javelinas are not great pets to have.
First, it’s important to know that javelinas aren’t exactly cuddly.
They’re covered in coarse hair and have sharp tusks that can easily puncture your skin.
They’re also quite smelly, and their diet consists mostly of insects and plants.
So why would anyone want javelina as a pet? Well, they’re quite interesting creatures to watch.
They live in herds and are very social animals.
Javelinas are also very fast and can jump up to six feet in the air.
So, while javelinas may be interesting animals to watch, they’re probably not the best choice for a pet.
If you’re looking for a cuddly companion, you’re better off sticking with a more traditional pet like a cat or dog.
What You Need To Know
Javelinas are wild animals, and they can be unpredictable.
If you’re not prepared to handle javelina that’s acting aggressively or unpredictably, then it may not be the right pet for you.
Javelinas can be messy.
They like to wallow in mud and water, and they can track mud and dirt into your house.
Javelinas need a lot of space to roam around in.
If you don’t have a lot of property, or if you live in an urban area, then javelina may not be the right pet for you.
Javelinas can be expensive to care for.
They require a lot of food, and they need to have access to veterinary care.
Javelinas are not legal in all states.
Before you decide to keep javelina as a pet, you’ll need to check your state’s laws to make sure it’s legal.
Read more: Do Cows Make Good Pets?
What Does A Javelina Eat?
A javelina’s diet consists mostly of plants, but they will also eat small invertebrates, reptiles, and mammals.
Javelinas are known to be proficient diggers and often root around in the soil for food.
Some of the plants that javelinas eat include cactus, mesquite beans, acorns, yucca fruits, agave flowers and fruits, prickly pear pads, and various grasses.
Javelinas typically travel in groups called “herds” and forage together for food.
When javelina finds something to eat, it will often call out to the rest of the herd so that they can share in the meal.
While javelinas primarily eat plants, they are not opposed to eating meat if the opportunity arises.
Javelinas have been known to kill and eat small deer, raccoons, opossums, and other small mammals.
In addition, javelinas will also scavenge for food if it is available.
This includes eating carrion (dead animal flesh) and garbage.
Javelinas are omnivores and their diet reflects that.
What Plants Do Javelinas Avoid Eating?
So what plants do javelinas avoid eating? It seems that these animals have a preference for succulent plants with high water content.
Javelinas are not known to eat cacti, and they generally shy away from plants with sharp spines or thorns.
Most of the plants that javelinas consume are either soft or hairy, so they are easy to chew and digest.
Javelinas also have a strong sense of smell, which helps them to identify edible plants from afar.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Javelina?
The lifespan of javelina can vary depending on several factors, including their diet, habitat, and predation.
In the wild, javelinas typically live between 6 and 8 years old.
However, those that are well-cared for in captivity can live up to 15 years old.
Factors like these make it difficult to give a definitive answer to the question of how long javelinas live.
Do Javelinas Have Tusks?
Yes, Javelinas have tusk.
They have two tusks that they use for defense and to help them dig for food.
The tusks are made of ivory and can grow up to six inches long.
Javelinas are animals with big noses that also known as “pigs” in some parts of the world, and their tusks are similar to those of a wild boar.
What Is The Difference Between A Wild Hog And A Javelina?
There are many differences between wild hogs and javelinas, but the most notable difference is their size.
Javelinas are much smaller than wild hogs, measuring in at only about two feet tall and weighing around 30 pounds.
Wild hogs, on the other hand, can grow to be over four feet tall and weigh upwards of 200 pounds.
Another key difference is that javelinas have tusks, while wild hogs do not.
Tusks are a prominent feature of male javelinas and are used for fighting and defense.
Female javelinas also have tusks, but they are much smaller than those of the males.
Wild hogs do have canine teeth that protrude from their mouths, but they are not true tusks.
Finally, javelinas are found in the southwestern United States, while wild hogs can be found throughout the country.
What Do Javelinas Taste Like?
Javelinas are oftentimes compared to wild boar, as they have a similar appearance and taste.
So if you’ve ever had wild boar before, then you’ll know what to expect from javelinas.
Javelinas taste a little bit like pork, but they have a gamier flavor that some people find off-putting.
They’re not as fatty as pork, but they’re still pretty tasty.
If you’ve never had a chance to try javelina meat, it’s worth a shot.
You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it.
Still, want to keep Javelinas as pets? They are generally not the best pets but you can go for them if you are up for the challenge.
Related: Do Capybaras Make Good Pets?
Conclusion
In short, javelinas aren’t the type of pet that you would want to keep in your house.
They can be smelly, destructive, and their diet is not the easiest to manage.
They might also be a bit too much for some people to handle.
So, if you’re looking for a pet that is low-maintenance and easy to take care of, javelina is probably not the right choice for you.
Thanks for reading.
Hi, my name is John, and I’m an animal lover. I’ve been fascinated with the animal kingdom since I was 5 years old, and my passion keeps growing bigger as I age. And this blog is where I share my researches and passion with animal lovers all around the world.