Armadillos, with their unique armored shells, are fascinating creatures. While there are around 20 species of armadillos roaming in the wild, only a select few find their way into homes as pets, primarily in the United States. These aren’t your typical domesticated animals like ferrets or puppies. Armadillos remain essentially wild animals, which brings specific challenges when considering keeping them as pets. They are nocturnal, need ample space to roam and dig, and possess distinct care requirements. So, the question arises: Do Armadillos Make Good Pets? Let’s delve into the realities of armadillo ownership to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Armadillo Species as Pets
Among the armadillo species, the three-banded armadillo (including both Brazilian and Southern varieties) is the most commonly kept as a pet. Native to South America, this species is famous for its ability to roll completely into a ball—a behavior unique among armadillos.
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A three-banded armadillo expertly demonstrating its defense mechanism by rolling into a protective ball.
Another type sometimes kept as a pet is the screaming hairy armadillo. Less popular than the three-banded, it gets its name from the distinctive screaming sound it makes when it feels threatened or is handled. It’s also known by names like dwarf screaming armadillo, crying armadillo, and small hairy armadillo, reflecting its smaller size and vocalizations.
Lastly, the big hairy armadillo is the largest of the armadillo species sometimes found as pets. While less common than the three-banded, it’s still encountered in the pet trade.
| Species Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name(s) | Armadillo, Three-banded armadillo, Southern three-banded armadillo |
| Scientific Name | Tolypeutes |
| Adult Size | 20 to 42 inches long |
| Lifespan | Up to 30 years in captivity |
Legality of Owning an Armadillo
Before you even consider getting an armadillo, it’s crucial to check your local and state laws. Armadillos are wild animals, and regulations regarding their ownership vary significantly. Some states may permit armadillo ownership, while others strictly prohibit it. If your location allows it, be prepared to comply with all local rules concerning exotic pet ownership. Legality is the first hurdle in your journey to armadillo ownership.
Ethical Considerations Before Getting an Armadillo
Beyond legality, ethical considerations are paramount. Can you truly provide an armadillo with an environment where it can thrive? Armadillos have complex needs. They require specialized habitats, significant space, and dedicated care. Owning an armadillo is a substantial commitment of time, energy, and resources. Ethical armadillo ownership means being fully aware of these needs and being prepared to meet them consistently throughout the animal’s life.
Armadillo Behavior and Temperament: What to Expect
Armadillos are naturally solitary animals, primarily interacting with others of their kind for mating and raising young. Keeping multiple armadillos together can lead to conflict. In their natural habitat, they are nocturnal and roam across vast territories, sometimes as large as eight acres. They are natural burrowers, needing deep soil, and are instinctively driven to forage for insects.
However, armadillos raised in human environments from a young age can develop calm and affectionate temperaments. They might enjoy being petted or even sitting on your lap. Despite this potential for tameness, it’s important to remember that even captive-bred armadillos retain their wild instincts. Their sharp claws can cause damage to furniture and flooring as they instinctively dig. They can also walk on their hind legs for balance, using their front claws for support. While it might seem amusing to see an armadillo curl into a ball, remember this is a defensive behavior indicating stress, not enjoyment.
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An armadillo showcasing its ability to walk upright on its hind legs, using its claws for balance.
Housing Your Pet Armadillo: Indoor vs. Outdoor
Housing an armadillo indoors is generally not recommended due to their strong, musky odor. In warmer climates, an outdoor enclosure is essential. This enclosure should be spacious, providing both sun and shaded areas. A small wading pool can be a welcome addition, especially in warmer weather.
For those in colder climates, bringing an armadillo indoors during winter might seem necessary. However, their need to forage and burrow can lead to destructive behavior inside a typical home. Unless you have a large, insulated barn or similar spacious, secure enclosure, indoor winter housing is practically impossible for these warm-climate animals. Armadillos thrive in temperatures consistently above 71 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining this temperature is crucial for their well-being.
Diet and Nutrition for Armadillos
Armadillos, like their relatives sloths and anteaters, are primarily insectivores. Their diet consists mainly of insects and small invertebrates like earthworms. They may also eat fruits, eggs, sweet potatoes, and other vegetables if given the opportunity. In a suitable enclosure, they will naturally forage for food using their strong digging claws. Consult with an exotic animal veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations. Fresh, clean, non-chlorinated water should always be available.
Armadillos have a slow metabolism, which might make you think they aren’t eating enough. However, their appetite is likely normal for their metabolic rate. They also have few teeth, so any food other than insects and worms should be soft.
Common Health Concerns in Pet Armadillos
One significant health concern associated with armadillos is their potential to carry the bacteria that causes leprosy in humans. While transmission to humans is rare, it’s a factor to be aware of. Armadillos can also carry rabies. Beyond these, little is known about other diseases that specifically threaten armadillos.
Finding veterinary care for armadillos can be challenging as not all vets specialize in exotic animals. Armadillos are also susceptible to frostbite due to their slow metabolism. Detecting frostbite can be difficult, even for a vet, due to their armored exterior concealing much of their soft tissue.
Exercise and Enrichment for Armadillos
In an appropriately sized and enriched environment, armadillos will generally meet their exercise needs naturally through foraging and exploring. Zoos often provide exercise wheels for armadillos, which could also be an option for pet armadillos if you have sufficient space. Enrichment through varied substrates for digging and foraging opportunities is key to their physical and mental well-being.
Grooming Needs of Armadillos
Armadillos are famous for their armored shells made of keratin, the same material as human fingernails. These plates provide excellent protection against predators. Because of their natural armor, armadillos require no grooming from humans, including bathing. However, any changes in the appearance of their plates (color changes, peeling, etc.) should be promptly checked by a veterinarian.
Training and Interaction with Armadillos
While armadillos can become tame and affectionate, they are not known for high intelligence and are not trainable in the traditional sense. The extent of training is usually limited to them becoming comfortable with being held and petted, which is achieved through consistent, gentle human interaction from a young age. Don’t expect them to learn tricks or complex commands.
Finding and Purchasing a Pet Armadillo
It’s strongly advised against adopting a wild or adult armadillo. They are significantly more challenging to care for and tame. Expect to pay between $2,000 and $3,000 for a captive-bred, hand-tamed baby armadillo. Ensure you purchase from a reputable breeder who can provide certifications verifying legal resale in your area.
Alternatives to Armadillos as Pets
If you are drawn to unique and exotic pets but are reconsidering an armadillo, you might consider other exotic animals that are better suited for domestication and easier to care for. Researching alternatives can help you find a pet that better matches your lifestyle and capabilities.
FAQs about Armadillo Pets
Are armadillos hard to take care of?
Yes, armadillos are considered difficult exotic pets to care for. This is mainly due to their specialized housing needs, which must closely mimic their natural wild environment.
Can you domesticate an armadillo?
Not truly. While you can acquire armadillos bred for the pet trade, they remain essentially wild animals with inherent needs and behaviors that reflect their wild nature.
How long do armadillos live as pets?
Armadillos can live up to 20 years in captivity, sometimes even reaching 30 years. In the wild, their lifespan is typically shorter, around 10 years, due to predators and environmental challenges.
In conclusion, do armadillos make good pets? The answer is complex and depends heavily on your capacity to meet their demanding needs. While they can be captivating and even affectionate, armadillos are not low-maintenance pets. Their wild nature, specific housing requirements, dietary needs, and potential health concerns make them a challenging choice for most pet owners. Thorough research, realistic self-assessment, and commitment are essential before considering armadillo ownership. For many, appreciating armadillos in their natural wild habitats might be more ethical and practical than keeping them as pets.
