Life Expectancy: Up to 30 years in captivity, depending on the species. Additionally, as armadillos are not well established in the pet trade, it is difficult to find healthy specimens -- that's an important consideration with captive animals who can … Much like their cousins the sloths and anteaters, armadillos eat insects and small invertebrates like earthworms. These armadillos do not have a large quantity of teeth so the animal’s diet must be restricted to softer foods. Armadillos cannot be said to be a real danger to pets. It has an abundance of hair that grows from its keratin plates and makes a squealing or screaming noise when it feels threatened. This same armadillo is the only breed that can roll into a ball to protect itself. CNN reports that, “Experts are urging Floridians to use caution and not touch the small, cat-sized creatures. You can also use them as baits inside a trap to catch armadillos in your house. There are around 20 living species of this mammal, with the size ranging from 5 inches (Pink Fairy Armadillos) to 5 feet (Giant Armadillo). It can transmit to humans via an armadillo bite or scratch. The sad truth however, is that these pets are also occasionally eaten by their owners. Regardless of the possibility that your pet bites an armadillo, the danger of disease is entirely low. Would you like to write for us? These cookies do not store any personal information. Armadillos have a poor vision though. Unborn Val'kyr. Armadillos are one of the few animals known to carry the bacteria that causes leprosy in humans, though cases of bacterial transmission are rare. Pesticides: Removing potential food sources can be extended to using pesticides that will kill the insects and grubs in your yard that armadillos feed on. Armadillos dig and forage extensively, which can … This scent can be released when the animal is afraid or startled, but is also released as a part of the everyday life of the armadillo. Armadillos are the main creatures that can transmit leprosy to human beings mostly, and they can do as such by assaulting with their claws. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Therefore, keeping multiple armadillos together can lead to clashes. Copyright © Pet Ponder & Buzzle.com, Inc. As cute as they are, their virtually insatiable appetite for garden dwelling insects and slithering invertebrates causes issues for homeowners, and their digging habits can destroy a newly planted garden or a well-maintained lawn. Expect to pay $2,000 to $3,000 for a bred and hand-tamed, baby armadillo. No, armadillos should not be made into pets as they can carry leprosy and transmit it to humans. Other species do not have this ability but they all share the armored plates. Tapeworms in the form of eggs may pass to pets and humans after exposure to armadillo feces. For more on armadillo rescue and rehabilitation, see the Armadillo Care page. The word armadillo is a Spanish term which means “little armored one.” Armadillos are gifted with thick scales that defend their back, head, legs, and tail. These are parasites infecting the digestive system and can … How can you prevent or avoid Leprosy? Some areas see armadillos as being an invasive species, often not having many natural predators. On their own, armadillos are relatively harmless animals. Nine-banded armadillos generally weigh from 2.5–6.5 kg (5.5–14.3 lb), though the largest specimens can scale up to 10 kg (22 lb). Many people rear armadillos as edible house pets. Unfortunately, the use of pesticides can have many unintended consequences that include destroying beneficial insects, harming pets and wildlife and doing potential damage to water sources. Unlike dogs, however, armadillos cannot be comfortably cared for inside a house; note also that they have a strong, musky odor. In warm climates, an armadillo must be kept in a large outdoor enclosure that provides both sun and shade as well as soft ground in which to burrow. In pets, the disease usually resolves on its own. Armadillos are wild animals, and their status varies from state to state. Armadillos are a unique animal with a voracious appetite for insects, grubs, and earthworms. They are docile and harmless. Is Pet Insurance with Wellness Right for You? Armadillos are not domesticated pets like cuddly ferrets or puppies; they are wild animals that can be challenging to care for in captivity as they need space to roam and dig and are active at night. Armadillos: WoW Battle Pets. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. In zoos, armadillo care varies from species to species. The sad truth however, is that these pets are also occasionally eaten by their owners. Like many desert dwellers, they prefer to have multiple burrows. Posted: (5 months ago) This is usually a good place to start – cjexotics. Blizzard's Pet Store WoW TCG Loot Quintessence's Pet Blog Warcraft Mounts Warla's Pet Search. Even though the moisture content of its food is high, it still requires drinking water, which it laps like a dog. 4. If your state allows you to own one, and if you're prepared to make your home fit for a burrowing, insect-eating, eight-acre roaming, nocturnal armadillo, be sure to follow all of the local rules for keeping exotic pets. Check with your exotic animal veterinarian for specific foods to provide your armadillo. Remember that it’s a wild animal and it will have to be supported by natural habitat. Can gun dogs be pets? Another species is known as the big hairy armadillos, and these can live more than 30 years in captivity if properly cared for. The most commonly seen type of pet armadillo is the three-banded armadillo, which includes both the Brazilian and southern types. Woodlands provide shady grubbing areas on clear, hot days, but when the temperature gets too high, the armadillo heads for the cooler comfort of its burrow and waits f… According to records kept by www.MovingHere.org.uk : On Wednesday, July 31, 1728, His Majesty George II, King of … Another small type of armadillo, the screaming hairy armadillo, is exactly as its name implies. Armadillos are not typically an ideal pet. Are armadillos dangerous to cats, dogs, or other pets? The breeds usually kept as pets all weigh under ten pounds on average. For years, scientists have speculated that armadillos can pass on leprosy to humans, and that they are behind the few dozen cases of the disease that occur in the U.S. every year. If cornered by a dog, they have sharp claws and can bite. In simple terms, armadillos will try to avoid contact and conflict with dogs. If you do decide that you want an armadillo as a pet, check your local laws first. They can grow to be about twice the size of the southern three-banded and screaming hairy armadillos; they are in the same genus of hairy armadillos as their screaming cousins. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Armadillos can be a nuisance because of their tendency to destroy lawns. Keeping an armadillo in captivity without a permit can lead to serious legal trouble in many parts of the country. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. As armadillos are suspected to be the carriers of Mycobacterium leprae (a bacterium responsible for causing leprosy), its undercooked meat can lead to infection in … The armadillo can also carry rabies. Use Deterrents. Everything You Should Know About Pet Medical Insurance. Although armadillos do not appear to show any outward signs of stress in captivity, under the wrong circumstances they can become aggressive, or succumb to the same boredom or health problems that afflict many captive animals. Often you can find armadillos for sale at exoticanimalsforsale.net. To get rid of armadillos, set up a live trap, a large cage that humanely catches pests. Veterinary care is hard to find for these unique animals. Armadillos dig and forage extensively, which can destroy lawns, gardens and landscaping. If you keep an armadillo in an appropriate enclosure, it will use its strong front digging claws to find much of its own food. As opposed to being angry, an armadillo will probably turn-tail and run when confronting cats, dogs or other pets. If you’re interested in pet armadillos, check out: Otherwise, check out other exotic animals that can be your pet. Armadillos are one of the only known animals to carry leprosy. Keeping an armadillo in captivity without a permit can lead to serious legal trouble in many parts of the country. Armadillos cannot be said to be a real danger to pets. Armadillos Armadillo-mania is contagious in the Lone Star State, as Texans, for no apparent reason, have adopted this armor-plated critter as their mascot. Many people rear armadillos as edible house pets. Tapeworms. Keeping two armadillos together can lead to struggle between them, wherein they are most likely to end up hurting each other. However, since armadillos need space to forage and will usually become destructive inside the home, winter home living with this warm-climate species is an impossibility. Armadillos often seem to be appealing pets to those interested in owning an unusual animal. Armadillos often seem to be appealing pets to those interested in owning an unusual animal. Armadillos cannot withstand cold climate and therefore, when it’s cold, you will have to keep your pet armadillo indoors. They are burrowers, and while they cannot roll into a tight ball like the three-banded species, they do evade predators by pulling their legs under their armor to hide in plain sight. This means that a pet armadillo's owner can expect to be woken repeatedly during the night by the sound of the armadillo rooting in dustbins, knocking … This website uses cookies to improve your experience. I do not condone the keeping of armadillos, or any other wild animal, as a pet. Gun dogs are bright, happy and responsive dogs that can usually be easily-trained and make fantastic family pets. If given the chance, armadillos will also eat fruit, eggs, and small animals. If it’s slightly grown, you can give it moist food items and gradually shift it to its natural foods like ants, worms, and grubs. Just as with groundhogs, ridding armadillos from the yard is no easy task. Even though, there are around 20 species of armadillos that are found across the globe, the nine-banded armadillo is commonly seen in the United States. Armadillos are not alone in carrying diseases dangerous to humans: in addition to birds and pigs that carry flu, many of the chipmunks and rabbits in the western US have fleas that carry bubonic plague. In the considerably lengthy list of exotic animals which are preferred as pets, you are likely to find the armadillo somewhere at the top. In some states such as Maine and Hawaii, it is categorically stated that armadillos should not be owned as pets. How to Kill Armadillos - Is Poison the Answer? Armadillos are generally solitary creatures; they only socialize to mate and to raise their young. Often you can find armadillos for sale at exoticanimalsforsale.net. Armadillos, with their strong claws can easily hit the pipes and break it. No, armadillos do not make good pets. Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. Armadillos often seem to be appealing pets to those interested in owning an unusual animal. It's impossible to kill an armadillo with poison, because these animals only eat live worms and grubs that they dig out of the ground. Head and body length is 38–58 cm (15–23 in), which combines with the 26–53 cm … Even a tame armadillo raised in captivity from birth can do some damage to you or your flooring material with its sharp claws as it tries to dig for bugs. I do not think an armadillo poses any threat or risk to pets. Armadillo Care. Its name comes from the noise this armadillo makes when handled or threatened, and it also goes by several names, including the screaming armadillo, the dwarf screaming armadillo (due to its small size), the crying armadillo, and the small hairy armadillo. Additionally, aside from humans, armadillos are the only known species that can harbor Mycobacterium leprae – the bacterium that causes leprosy. Inasmuch as your pet hasn't been eating on armadillo sushi, you have little reason for concern. Armadillos don’t actually see or hear very well. Fourth is another repellent liquid from Liquid Fence. An electrical fence can keep armadillos out of your midst and off your grass, but don’t go this route in areas where children or pets play. For years, scientists have speculated that armadillos can pass on leprosy to humans, and that they are behind the few dozen cases of the disease that occur in the U.S. every year. However, they are wild animals that exhibit behaviors more appropriate to their natural environment than to a person’s household. The most common pet armadillo is the three-banded armadillo. Their gestation period spans for around 60 – 120 days and normally the litter size ranges between 1 – 8 young ones. Is it Wise to Keep Crows as Pets? This however means that there is a regulation to their import. In Central and South America, people consume armadillo meat as a part of their diet. The southern species of this armadillo was once thought to be extinct due to habitat destruction and due to wild-capture for the pet trade. This has been an excellent beginning point to find exotic pets or exotic animals for sale. Armadillos are small mammals, predominantly characterized by their leathery, armor-like shell. It can transmit to humans via an armadillo bite or scratch. Pro tip: If you opt for this shocking solution, a single-strand electrical fence 3 to 4 inches off the ground can be … Of the 20 species of armadillo in the wild, only a few are kept as pets in the United States, and each has its own unique characteristics. If it’s a baby armadillo, you can feed it with a feeder or eye dropper like you would feed a kitten. A small wading pool is a welcome addition as well. You can find armadillo breeders and armadillos for sale. In certain circumstances though, they can take an aggressive stance―mostly for self defense―and thus, end up hurting either the owner or themselves. They are one of the largest species of armadillos. However, before doing so, you need to be aware of a few important things. To deter armadillos from returning, install a fence that begins at least 1 foot below the ground. Southern three-banded armadillos can survive for about twenty years in captivity. If you are willing to let go of your precious sleep, then you can go ahead and adopt an armadillo. Best Answer. Top 5 Rated Pets (Battle) 1. On cloudy or rainy days when temperatures are warm, the armadillo roots around in search of food throughout the daylight hours. 3. For the most part, the vast majority of armadillos dig to search for food, and many also live in burrows underground. They won’t like the presence of armadillos. Armadillos are wild animals, but like squirrels and rabbits - they can be made into pets. However, they are wild animals that exhibit behaviors more appropriate to their natural environment than to a person’s household. Armadillos’ size ranges from 6 inches to 5 feet only. Well, we're looking for good writers who want to spread the word. Even if the armadillos do not bite, they are risky to your cat or dog because of the diseases they carry around. Armadillos originated in South America, and a few species have expanded northward due to their rapid breeding cycle, adaptability and a reduction of predators. Armadillos dig and forage extensively, which can … Pet armadillos can grow to be about the size of a medium-sized dog. Armadillos are not outfitted with hostile weapons. Armadillos are strong diggers and can do a lot of damage to a garden or lawn if they find their way onto your property when looking for food. General Biology, Reproduction, and Behavior . They don't really chew because of small teeth; but they do dig; and they will burrow down 7 to 8" inches down to reach gardens. A common myth is that mothballs with deter armadillos; but don't be fooled. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Since the armadillo is not known to bite it is not as likely to transmit this disease as a raccoon or skunk would.