Wallaby

This FAQ section offers answers to frequently asked question, as well as tips and suggestions on caring for your exotic pets!

WALLABY

Wallabies are native of Australia, New Zealand, and New Guinea.  They are in the kangaroo family with the most popular pet choice being the Bennett’s Wallaby.  This marsupials averages between 25 and 45 lbs. and stands from 2 to 3 feet high.  Wallabies have been kept as pets in Europe and Asia for over 100 years and have become popular in the U.S over the past 15 years.

CHOOSING A WALLABY

It is best to select a young Wallaby, even choosing a non-weaned baby and bottle feeding it up to 5 times a day.  Brisky Pet Products has a product called Booster Milk that works very well as a baby formula and weaning diet.  As your baby Wallaby grows new foods can be introduced.  Try a new food every week.  Foods to try are: Fresh grasses (watch out for pesticides and the like), fresh carrots and greens, red leaf lettuce (no iceburg as this is too high in water and can cause the diarrhea and no cabbage as this can cause bloating and even death); sweet potatoes, and an occasional piece of fruit.  Always have a commercial prepared diet available (such as Brisky Pet Products Wallaby Diet).  Your baby Wallaby should be weaned off the bottle around 9 to 10 months of age.  Don’t force the weaning as the more time you take with your pet the friendlier it will be.  Always purchase from an experienced breeder who will give you a proven system of bonding.

HOUSING

Wallabies need an outdoor enclosure when they reach maturity.  Some considerations are: size- the bigger the better however the fencing must be solid as Wallabies have poor eyesight and may try to jump through a wire fence if startled.  The fence must be 5 to 6 feet tall.  Protection from other animals, curious children and loud noises must also be taken into consideration.  Wallabies can be housed indoors and can be housebroken but remember this is a large animal with very powerful legs and can do considerable damage to a dwelling.  Wallabies are clean animals with little if any order.  They will groom themselves much like a cat.  Wallabies are also very social and do well with other peaceful animals like goats, sheep, deer, etc.

FEEDING

A good commercial diet (Brisky Pet Products Wallaby Diet) should make up 85 to 90% of your wallabies diet.  This diet is nutritionally complete and treats (such as grasses, hay, fruits, and veggies) should be limited to no more than 15% of your pets dietary intake.

HEALTH

Wallabies are generally a very healthy animal.  They do require a tetanus shot yearly and a 5-way shot for overeating disease.  Worming should also be done occasionally (consult with your veterinarian).  During warm wet weather Wallabies may suffer from Coccidiosis, a parasitic disease affecting the intestinal tract.  Cabbage must be avoided as it will cause bloating and possible death Wallabies are also prone to Toxoplasmosis so be careful to eliminate any exposure to feline feces.  The only other major concern is oral hygiene.  Be sure to provide fresh branches from non-toxic trees (Apple, Elm, Oak etc.) to help keep their teeth worn down.  Remember common sense and preventative care goes a long way to the well being of your pet.  Be sure to find a veterinarian willing to work with you on your pets well being.

This information and more is contained in The Odd Pet Directory by Jill Warnick.