Disclaimer: The information presented below is for general informational & educational purposes only. Always consult with animal professionals in case of specific concerns.
Do Tasmanian devils make good pets?
How do they behave? These are the common questions people ask.
The Tasmanian devil is the largest surviving carnivorous marsupial.
It is found in the wild only on the island of Tasmania, off the coast of Australia.
The article explores key facts about the Tasmanian devil and whether you can keep them as pets or not.
Do Tasmanian Devils Make Good Pets?
No, they do not.
Tasmanian Devils are wild animals and should not be kept as pets.
Despite their adorable appearance, Tasmanian Devils make terrible pets.
These animals are wild and unpredictable and can be very dangerous if not handled correctly.
If you’re looking for a cuddly pet to keep you company, look elsewhere – Tasmanian Devils are not the right choice.
Will A Tasmanian Devil Kill My Livestock?
Yes, they are carnivores and will kill any animal they can catch, regardless of whether it is their natural prey or not.
This includes chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, lambs, calves, cats, dogs, etc.
If you want to keep a Tasmanian devil as a pet, you will need to provide it with a diet of raw meat and live prey.
There is no such thing as a “tame” Tasmanian devil.
They are also very smelly and noisy animals that are not well suited to living near humans.
Read more: Do Javelinas Make Good Pets?
Key Facts
The Tasmanian devil is the only member of its genus, Sarcophilus.
It is thought to have evolved from a common ancestor with the Australian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) about 400,000 years ago.
The Tasmanian devil became isolated from the mainland when sea levels rose at the end of the last ice age, about 10,000 years ago.
The Tasmanian devil is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
It is threatened by several factors, including habitat loss, roadkill, and Devil facial tumor disease (DFTD).
The disease is caused by transmissible cancer that is spread through direct contact between devils.
Tasmanian Devil Appearance
The Tasmanian devil is a small to medium-sized marsupial.
It has black fur with white patches on its chest and rump.
The Tasmanian devil is the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world.
It has pointy ears, a pointed nose, and sharp teeth.
Tasmanian devils are also known for their loud screeching noises.
Habitat
Tasmanian devils are found in the wild only on the island of Tasmania, off the coast of Australia.
They inhabit a variety of habitats including forests, woodlands, and heathlands.
There are several reasons why Tasmanian devils are found only in Tasmania.
The first is that they are very poor swimmers and would not be able to cross the Bass Strait, which separates Tasmania from mainland Australia.
The second is that they are not well-suited to living in hot climates and would not survive in much of Australia which has a hot climate.
Predators and Treats
It is an animal that has both predators and treats.
The predators of the Tasmanian Devil include other animals such as the Wedge-tailed Eagle and the Thylacine.
These animals prey on the Tasmanian Devil, making it their food source.
However, the Tasmanian Devil also has some treats in its environment, including the native berry known as the Huon Pine.
This sweet, dark berry is a favorite of the Tasmanian Devil and helps to sustain it in its natural habitat.
Breeding Method
There are a few different ways that Tasmanian devils breed in the wild.
One way is when a male and female devil connect their cloacas for a moment.
This allows the sperm to travel from the male’s body into the female’s body.
Devil young can also be born from eggs that are fertilized inside the female’s body.
And finally, sometimes embryos will attach themselves to the teats of lactating females, and they will drink milk from her until they are ready to fend for themselves.
All of these methods are relatively common, and devil populations seem to be doing well despite them.
Note that once the Tasmanian devil is ready to mate, the female will give birth to up to 40 young at a time.
Because Tasmanian devil is one of the animals with pouches, the babies (called ‘joeys’) will stay in their mother’s pouch for about three months.
After that, they will start to live on their own and learn how to hunt and scavenge for food.
And finally, it can take Tasmanian devils up to two years to reach sexual maturity, so don’t expect babies right away.
Life Span
In the wild, Tasmanian devils typically live for about five years.
However, in captivity, they can live for up to 10 years.
This is partly because they are not as susceptible to diseases and parasites in the wild.
Additionally, they have a low rate of reproduction in the wild, so captive populations tend to be healthier.
Finally, in captivity, they are not subject to predation from other animals.
All of these factors contribute to a longer lifespan for Tasmanian devils in captivity.
How Much Does A Tasmanian Devil Cost?
Tasmanian devils are not cheap animals.
They can cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000.
The price depends on the breeder, the quality of the animal, and whether or not it is captive-bred.
There are only a few hundred Tasmanian devils in captivity, so they are quite rare.
If you are interested in buying one, be prepared to pay a high price.
Do Tasmanian Devils Eat Cats?
Tasmanian Devils are quite fierce cat predators.
One of their favorite meals is cat food, and they will also eat small cats if they can catch them.
So, if you’re ever in Tasmania and see a Tasmanian Devil, be sure to keep your cat indoors.
Why Do Tasmanian Devils Scream?
Tasmanian devils use their screams to intimidate their enemies.
These animals have few natural predators, but they do have to compete with each other for food and territory.
Their screams may be a way of showing off their strength and warning others to stay away.
Conclusion
In short, Tasmanian devils aren’t great pets to have since they’re quite rare and very expensive.
Additionally, they are wild animals that can be dangerous to small pets like cats.
However, these animals are fascinating creatures, and it is possible to see them in the wild if you visit Tasmania.
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.