However, when desensitized to humans at an early age, these large, charismatic rodents can be excellent program animals. A native of Argentina, the species has near-threatened status. They are not rabbits! Both species can be kept indoors or out, but the default recommendation for the larger Patagonian is to keep them outdoors. Patagonian Maras (also commonly called Patagonian Cavies) are the 4th largest rodents in the world behind the Capybara, Beaver, and Porcupine. $850 or 36sq.ft. See more ideas about capybara, cavy, cute animals. Some owners say maras (and guinea pigs) tend to use the bathroom where they eat, so you can try placing the pan near their hay rack. I order mine from kwcages.com. Since Patagonian cavies are expert diggers, line your enclosure with heavy wire sunk underground several feet or even line with concrete. They won't really go where you want them to; you have to find out where they tend to eliminate and place newspaper or their litter pan there. The Patagonian cavy may be kept as a pet. It is monogamous, but often breeds in warrens shared by several pairs. If you need help locating one, speak to an exotics vet who might have a lead on a breeder. Purchase metal litter boxes to prevent chewing. They need at least 3 sq feet of cage bottom per pig, and you can usually keep females together without any problem. cavies, porcupines, as insects, spiders, Volume 8. and so on) include. Remember that maras are prey animals, so a level of flightiness is to be expected, yet many owners say that well-socialized maras have a calm and curious demeanor. Cavies are hardy animals that can handle a variety of different … Use metal troughs or trays for feeding; they are chew-proof and are your best option. In the wild, Patagonian cavies are typically active during the day, although to avoid predatory humans, they may alter their waking hours and become nocturnal. Patagonian Cavy Babies. My Chacoan maras inexplicably urinate a lot. If you do keep them indoors, get a metal litter box as they will chew through plastic containers. Check into special licensing and permits. They are quite skittish and although they are typically active during the day, they have been said to alter their waking hours in the wild to avoid human interaction. Patagonian maras are described as being a cross between a rabbit and a deer, while Chacoans look like rabbits crossed with a goat or cow. x 6ft. As with any species, variation in individual temperament must be taken into account when selecting ambassador animals. It is VET checked and licensed. Patagonian cavies are also used for their hides. They are also called a Mara. After they get the hang of eliminating in an elevated litter pan, they actually seem to prefer it and will seek it out in a larger space. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Although similarly sized to some dogs, they are not as well-behaved or as easily trainable as dogs. If raised from a young age and hand-tamed, cavies can be friendly, affectionate pets, although, they are somewhat skittish. and. If raised from a young age and hand-tamed, cavies can be friendly pets. There are two members of the genus Dolichotis: the Patagonian cavy or mara, and the much lesser known rabbit-sized Chacoan mara (or dwarf cavy). Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. They can be litter trained. Make sure they get fed the rest of their food once a day. Patagonian cavy images Patagonian cavy pictures Make sure the cavy is legal in your local area and state. This edition published exclusively for the school. Since they love to chew, other chewing snacks (or toys) are another excellent option. Maras, or cavies, are rodents with their own set of unique traits that make them different from their closest domestic relative, the guinea pig. If not, your pet may dig out of the pen. A Patagonian Cavy is an unusual pet to own; however, they are becoming more popular all over the world. All patagonian cavy artwork ships within 48 hours and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. high and for each additional animal, increases the enclosure size by 25% of original floor area. A Patagonian cavy is a gentle natured rodent from South American from the family Cavidae. Some owners report that they love being petted and even will roll over to get their bellies rubbed. Paradise Valley Farm has been breeding Patagonian Cavies, also known as Patagonian Maras, for over 15 years. A cavy's lifespan in the wild is 10 years and 14 years in captivity. They are often found on small animal supply websites. The Patagonian cavy (Dolichotis patagonum) is a massive guinea pig, conspicuous due to his slender limbs and lengthy, almost floppy ears, neither of which are common physical traits within the cavy world. Males will fight each other unless they have been raised together from birth and never been apart from each other for long. The maras should have the ability to run a short distance and jump regardless of whether the enclosure meets a suggested size. Unfortunately, they are not as well-behaved indoors as dogs. Being rodents, they are avid chewers. Patagonian cavies eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, grasses, and commercially prepared rodent food or guinea pig food. Foster Parrots, Ltd. and The New England Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Rhode Island, dedicated to the rescue and protection of unwanted and abused companion parrots and other displaced captive exotic animals. At first glance, this animal looks like a small deer with long ears, similar to these of a hare. Patagonian cavies have powerful hind legs; they can jump horizontally up to 6 feet high and run up to 25 miles an hour. The Chacoan maras have a slight musk if you put your nose up against their fur, otherwise they do not 'smell'. They are best housed in pens instead of kept roaming free in your house. This is especially important if the animal will spend the majority of its time in the cage. Cavies are susceptible to heart and gastrointestinal troubles. They have little, compressed feet that make them resemble hooves from a distance and longer ears like those of a rabbit. Jan 23, 2014 - Explore Emmah Finneman's board "Patagonian Mara", followed by 242 people on Pinterest. It uses this speed to evade predators, such as foxes and carnivorous birds. A cavy is 17-31 inches in length and weigh from 20 to 35 pounds. For this reason, owners should be prepared to separate mara pairs when needed. Protect power cords with pipe hose cord protectors if your mara is free-roaming, Aluminum flashing can be used to protect wooden surfaces. Shelter should be provided. How­ever, most ac­counts re­port that males are larger than fe­males. Most cavies are sold as babies and will need to be bottle-raised from the start. Fragile items can easily be knocked off tables and walls chewed upon if the maras are allowed to free-roam, however some people accomplish keeping them as house pets. Jessi introduces you to Chili Pepper who is a 3 year old male Patagonian Cavy (aka Mara). Cavy babies are suitable for bottle-feeding and are known to bond well with humans. Much like the hides of hares, people use the cavies’ hide to make bedspreads and rugs for their homes, as well as fur lined clothing items such as gloves, hats, and coats. Like many animals, they are a good pet for the right person. These pets are not noisy animals, so they're a good pet option for those who have a small piece of land with nearby neighbors. They are not good indoor housemates since they will dig into carpet, flooring, couches, or anything else available. All maras can be trained like most animals. Just like some ungulates, maras exhibit a 'bounding' gait that advertises strength and speed and discourages predators. Make sure you have found a veterinarian familiar with the Patagonian cavy before you acquire a cavy. Its physical appearance is marked by its long front legs, large ears, and muscular back legs that are perfect for hopping. Positives of patagonian cavies as pets? Although si… You can offer an assortment of fruits and veggies as well, such as romaine lettuce, cabbage, sweet potatoes, apple, and squash. This page is for anyone who owns a Patagonian Cavy or wishes to own one. Chacoan maras in my experience are skittish and don't prefer human interaction, but other owners have individuals that are relatively affectionate, so it might depend on the animal. They are commonly kept as zoo or farm animals. BUY $220-$375. Since they have long, skinny legs, bone fractures are common. Patagonian cavies cost $200 to $300. They are also prone to dental issues like overbites and mouth deformities due to overgrown teeth. Housing for these pets is much easier as we provide a housing panel for every pet. My Chacoan maras tend to go in the corner of their smaller cage, so I placed a metal litter pan there. Some owners report success with clicker training used for dogs. Connecticut: Patagonian Mara. The Patagonian cavy, also known as the Patagonian mara, is a large-sized relative of the guinea pig species. Shop for patagonian cavy art from the world's greatest living artists. They will also chew on everything, including electrical wires or cords, and could become injured from live current. vasantha T k from Bangalore on May 08, 2017: They live in the arid central and southern regions of Argentina, They are classified as near threatened on the IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species. Each state is different, and some may require a game breeder's license if you own more than one. The Patagonian cavy or mara is one of the more unusual kinds of exotic pets. Fruits and vegetables should only comprise about 10% of their diet. Dolicho­tis patagonum is the sec­ond largest mem­ber of the fam­ily Cavi­idae. Patagonian maras are said to be affectionate for an exotic pet. A place to share information, pictures and advice. many more. This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. They are the sole extant representatives of the subfamily Dolichotinae. If you want a unique animal that can be house trained and makes a great pet, this is the pet for you. Provide fresh water daily in heavy metal bowls. Reputable breeders should be able to provide you with documentation, information on its parents, and exhaustive care instructions. Madagascar Hissing Cockroach Species Profile, Russian Red Fox (Siberian Fox): Species Profile. To check for any issues, make sure your animal has an annual health check by an exotics vet, including a fecal screening to look for intestinal parasites. Heating lights should be provided in the winter if you do not have an indoor winter pen for your pet. The fencing should go up at least 6 feet high. If a Patagonian mara is going to be kept indoors it should have its own space without chewable items that aren't designated to be chewed on. These animals have powerful hind legs and can jump, horizontally, up to 7 feet and run 45 km/hr! This herbivorous, somewhat rabbit-like animal is found in open and semiopen habitats in Argentina, including large parts of Patagonia. While the female doesn't seem to mind, the maras seem to have very delicate skin and the excessive grooming rapidly leads to hair loss and red marks. This patagonian mara is almost out of store and only 3 are available two female and one male. Make sure you include a shelter like an insulated dog house in the enclosure for the animal to hide. I have no idea if this is normal with the species. Length ranges from 610 to 810 mm with an av­er­age of 700 mm. Like guinea pigs, Patagonian cavies need 24-hour access to hay. As of 2020, only the state of Connecticut lists a "Patagonian mara" by name as being legal to own in the state. They can be dis­tin­guished from other mem­bers of Cavi­idae by their large size, long rab­bit-like ears (Dolicho­tis lit­er­ally means \"long ear\"), and short, nearly hair­less tail which it holds close to the body. Un­like other c… Choose your favorite patagonian cavy designs and purchase them as wall art, home decor, phone cases, tote bags, and more! Patagonian maras are described as being a cross between a rabbit and a deer, while Chacoans look like rabbits crossed with a goat or cow. Baby comes with bottle. Patagonian cavies are very sweet and loving pets. Make sure your pet can run a short distance and jump in their enclosure. Its feet are distinctive in shap… They like to dig, and they will make attempts to dig at your carpet and flooring. (mine are all between 15-20lbs) In the wild Maras … There was a famous exotic-pet-related incident where a chimpanzee name Travis severely mauled his caretaker’s friend, but that animal was grandfathered in, as primates acquired before October 1st, 2010 are considered okay. Pick up only in Saint Augustine, Florida. Cavies are commonly seen in zoological facilities, but can make good pets if properly cared for. If you have more than one Patagonian cavy, provide several food stations to avoid aggression at feeding time. It will follow you around and allow petting and other interaction. Is It Legal to Own a Pet Patagonian Cavy? Purchase your Patagonian cavy from a certified breeder. Patagonian cavies are not suited for cold weather. Patagonian cavies are not known to be biters. x 4 ft. x 3ft. Urine and anal marking are common in both sexes and if you have a pair of cavies, you will probably see them marking each other. Urine and anal marking are frequent in both sexes. Use of operant conditioning techniques and clicker training can be highly effective, and you will receive positive interaction even with flighty individuals. Melissa cares for a variety of exotic animals and has completed a certificate in veterinary assisting and a bachelor's degree in biology. Jun 24, 2016 - Explore Lindsay Beth's board "Capybaras & Patagonian Cavies" on Pinterest. ... developed to help confiscated pet orangs readjust to the wild, and there are sanctuaries where rescued. The maras are a genus (Dolichotis) of the cavy family of rodents. This animal grows to a length of between 27 and 30 inches with a short tail of around 2 inches on average. Other states where they are legal without requiring a permit include Oregon, Alabama, Washington, and Texas. For fenced in enclosures, the fence should be at least 4 feet high. Many localities consider Patagonian cavies as rodents like hamsters and gerbils. Some owners give commercial primate food or monkey biscuits as part of their diet regimen, but the protein content in this food is too high for cavies if it is fed regularly. 1. division of Scholastic Library Publishing. Patagonian cavies are not known to be biters or very noisy, although they do make a variety of vocalizations, much like that of a guinea pig. Amanda Vaughn shows a tranquilizer that was wrongfully used on Pepper, a Patagonian Cavy, by an outsider at the Out of the Cage Pet Shop Friday morning in Copperas Cove. white kangaroo-exotic wild animals for sale Published 2003 by Grolier, Danbury, CT 06816. Starter formula and sample guinea pig food. Common Names: Patagonia cavy, Patagonian hare, Patagonian mara, and dillaby, Adult Size: 18 inches, weighing 18 to 35 pounds. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. So while some people keep them indoors, they will not behave like 'traditional' indoor pets and will require some tolerance or exotic animal experience. They may not be noisy, but they do make a variety of vocalizations, much like the squeals and grunts of a guinea pig. Its appearance is very hare-like giving them another common name of Patagonian Hare. See more ideas about animals, mara, animals wild. I have observed that the maras groom each other, but the male is more aggressive with it. Both mara species dig burrows, so outdoor enclosures with soil substrates should have solid or wire barriers underneath. Chacoan maras can be housed in a large rabbit pen that should, again, allow them to move freely. Maras do produce a lot of waste, however, and indoor enclosures can smell if not regularly cleaned. Adults typically weigh 15 to 30 pounds, but this can rise to 35 pounds. 4 talking about this. A bottle baby cavy is very laid back and sweet. The outdoor enclosure should be 10 feet by 10 feet for grazing with access to an indoor area to escape the elements. Like many non-domesticated animals, they will need to be socialized at a young age for optimal success with taming. Patagonians can run up to 45 mph. The Patagonian cavy has long legs that allow it to reach speeds upwards of 20-25 mph. Cavys are native to central and south Argentina. These rodents are distantly related to guinea pigs and somewhat resemble a cross between a rabbit and a small deer. Some size suggestions for Patagonian maras: Enclosures for a pair of adults should measure at least 6ft. These animals are herbivores. Some owners report that male Chacoan maras over-groom the females. Size recommendations for these enclosures can vary, but I suggest providing enough space so that the animals can carry out species specific behaviors. If you are interested in pet cavies, check out: Otherwise, check out other small animals that can be your new pet. They can grow up to 35 pounds but the average size is between 15 to 25 pounds. The small Chacoan maras can easily be kept indoors with recommended housing for rabbits (more space is recommended for rabbits than they are traditionally given). Adequate space is important in enclosures with more than one animal for each individual to have space to separate themselves from each other when needed. The South America native has several common monikers, including "Patagonian mara" and … They have many interesting adaptations and teaching facts that can be tied to conservation messaging; and they are generally food motivated, which allows for positive, choice-based presentat… Always be prepared for the occasional accident. Their use of the litter box is a lifesaver, and I've actually drilled plumbing into them so they drain into containers. They can even learn to walk on a leash. If they receive enough attention when young, they should actually enjoy the company of humans. Patagonian Cavies belong to the rodent family. States that ban them or require permits include California, Georgia, New Hampshire, Colorado, and Hawaii. The Patagonian cavy, also called the Patagonian mara or Patagonian hare, is a large rodent species that can be found in central and southern Argentina. They both originate from Argentina. This can produce an odor. This herbivorous, somewhat rabbit -like animal is found in open and semiopen habitats in Argentina, including large parts of Patagonia. Each of this animal's front limbs has 4 sharp claws, which are used in digging. Maras are unique animals, and everyone seems to think they look like other animals or combinations of them. (Meek, 1997) According to the Florida Game and Wildlife Conservation Commission the standard caging requirement for large and small cavies is an enclosure at least 6ft. Maras, or cavies, are rodents with their own set of unique traits that make them different from their closest domestic relative, the guinea pig. patagonian mara-exotic animals for sale. When kept indoors, maras can be trained to use a litter box to some extent. Usually, one pair inhabits each burrow. And, like cats, you might be able to train it to use a litter box. One study re­ported av­er­age weights of males and fe­males as 7.73 kg and 8.44 kg, re­spec­tively. Maras, especially Chacoan maras, should have places to hide. For indoor enclosures, I strongly recommend a cage grate that allows waste to fall below and keep the maras clean. Hay options could include timothy hay, alfalfa, meadow hay, bluegrass, or oat hay. The former has become popular as an exotic pet, and it is often considered one of the ‘easier’ exotic animals to care for if you are prepared to housing it in an indoor-outdoor setting. The litter box should have a grate as well. Despite their rabbit-like appearance. They can be very social when raised and handled frequently by people. If you have a pair of cavies, you will probably see them marking each other. Also, like guinea pigs, they need supplemental vitamin C. You can sprinkle powdered vitamin C (the same used by humans) onto their food or purchase vitamin C-based treats for rodents at a pet store. Adult Patagonian maras weigh 18-35 pounds, reaching the size of a medium-sized dog. The maras themselves don't really smell. Adult animals may reach 15-30lbs in weight. It is also known as the Patagonian cavy, Patagonian hare, or dillaby. Hay helps them file down their back molars. Metal food trays can work for Patagonians and can be found on Amazon.com. Depending on the strength of their bond with you, they might even love a belly rub and snuggle. Laws do change all the time, so check with your state and local municipality to find out if it is legal to own a Patagonian cavy before you get one. The Patagonian Cavy is a large, diurnal (awake during the day) South American rodent which feeds on grasses and other vegetative matter which in the wild will live in small groups of 10-15 individuals. The Patagonian mara (Dolichotis patagonum) is a relatively large rodent in the mara genus Dolichotis. Maras are cold tolerant, but will need supplemental heating in subzero weather (or they should be brought inside). In the wild, they are social animals that live in spaced out communities or settlements, which consists of a collection of dens or warrens. Over-grooming and Chacoan maras. These foods may be too rich for the Patagonian cavy to stomach in large quantities. library With the unique features (Such as looking like a cross between a guinea pig, rabbit, kangaroo and a dog) and excellent temperament, it is no surprise that people are choosing these pets for their homes. I like to exercise caution when getting exotic pets with expectations of them acting like 'traditional' pets. A. The Patagonian mara, also known as the Patagonian hare or cavy, is a large rodent species that is often said to look like a cross between a rabbit and a deer, or other hoofed animal. A cavy is usually known as a Guinea Pig, and they cost $15-$30 at most pet stores, including Petsmart. They prefer to live in male-female bonded pairs, and a male will fiercely protect its mate. Pet tame breeding pair of Patagonian cavy. The first thing you need to consider if you want to keep a mara as a pet is where the animal will live. Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. Like many animals, they are a good pet for the right person. It is also known as the Patagonian cavy, Patagonian hare, or dillaby. The Patagonian mara (otherwise known as Patagonian cavy or hare) is a large rodent with a rather strange appearance. If you have more than one Patagonian cavy, provide at least one accommodation for each animal. Dark, leafy greens (collards, dandelion leaves, parsley, kale), fresh hay, and grass should make up the bulk of its diet. They are a relative of the guinea pig which is also a rodent from the Cavidae family. And fe­males as 7.73 kg and 8.44 kg, re­spec­tively signs and symptoms of distress should be able train. C… cavies, you might be able to provide you with patagonian cavy pet, information on its parents, and care! 2003 by Grolier, Danbury, CT 06816 place to share information, pictures and advice and... 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