If you have made your way here, then you are considering a red kangaroo as a pet and you are in the right place to learn vital information to make the right decision. Kangaroos are generally easy to care for but still have many considerations. This was written from the perspective of a professional kangaroo caretaker and actual hands on kangaroo experience, be careful of pet articles written by professional writers who only compile information from the web and may have an agenda or bias underlying the article.
Since 2008 I have personally cared for dozens of red kangaroos and raised generations of babies at our ranch. My name is Ashley Duncan I am the owner and founder of JEAR in Kingsbury, Texas. Kangaroos have been a big part of my life since I was a teenager. I thoroughly enjoy sharing them with people because of their surprisingly sweet and calm nature.
Owning a pet kangaroo Care guide
How long do Kangaroos live
Pet kangaroos Lifespan Red kangaroos live up to 20 years in captivity.
How big are pet kangaroos?
Pet red kangaroo Size Adult males that are left intact, not neutered, get significantly larger than females. The length from head to its rump is 3.25 to 5.25 feet long. Its tail adds another 35.5 to 43.5 inches to its length and its entire body weight around 200 lbs. Females are about half the size, and neutered males are in between those two sizes..
What do pet Kangaroo eat?
Pet Kangaroo Diet–
As babies they are on a strict diet of specialized formula, with specially made nipples, JEAR provides this at pickup for any babies that leave.
Adults are very simple and should be given species specific Kangaroo pellets, hay and access to the dirt and grass daily.
Pet Kangaroo housing requirements
Kangaroos can be kept as indoor/outdoor animals. They should not be kept 100% indoors, you will need some sort of secured yard to let your kangaroos out most days. Kangaroos reach weights of several hundred pounds and speeds of 50 miles an hour. They need lots of open space outside to thrive. A kangaroo running at a moderate speed can jump over 4 feet. To prevent your kangaroo from escaping, you will need a tall and sturdy fence. Fence height should be at least 5-6 feet.
The best living situation for a pet would be access to a large fully fenced yard with a good shelter or indoor privileges. Kangaroos can live outdoors in mild climates but will need significant shelters in the cold.
Pet Kangaroo Personality
Kangaroos are very fun and love to hop around! They are extremely outgoing and love attention. They are extremely affectionate and loving pets if cared for properly and acquired at the right age. Each Kangaroo will develop their own specific personalities and quirks but generally, they are a fun pet. They spend most of the day exploring and eating.
Red Kangaroo Exercise
Kangaroos need space to run around, like a dog. The best living situation for a pet would be access to a large fully fenced yard with a good shelter or indoor privileges. Kangaroos can live outdoors in mild climates, but will need significant shelters in the cold. They love laying out in the sun, they often will lay on their backs.
Breeding Kangaroos
Having a healthy and stress free environment is an absolute must for these animals. They prefer to stay in one area, moving them around as they become adults can stress them out they need a stable suitable place. The adult males can become aggressive and protective with their females, especially during breeding season. We take all precautions with our team and guests- our adult males are a no-full-contact animal although they are impressive and beautiful to look at. The girls are dainty and and much more manageable, and they love people! For ambassador or pet purposes a neutered male is also good natured.
Owning a pet kangaroo Care guide
Pet Red Kangaroo FAQ's
Are red kangaroos legal to own where I live?
Since every state, city, country, and even certain homeowner associations all have different laws and guidelines for owning pets there is no way for us to know the laws in your area. It is YOUR responsibility to find out if you need a permit or if they are allowed to have them as a pet in your home.
Do they make noise?
Yes! Kangaroos hiss and growl when alarmed, they can make clicking noises, and males ‘chuckle’ during courtship!
How much time does a Kangaroo require?
For the first few weeks it is critical to spend as much time as possible with your baby so your baby gets familiar with you. Feed it by hand, spend time playing and relaxing. Once your baby is familiar with you, he will be much easier to work with once he reaches adult age.
Do pet kangaroos need vaccines?
A kangaroo owner will need to look long and hard for a vet who specializes in these unique animals. As kangaroos are wild animals and rather uncommon as pets, it is very difficult to find a veterinarian who is familiar with their basic and emergency care. No routine vaccines are needed.
Do pet kangaroos smell?
They have a low smell, but generally do not have a foul odor.
How much time does a Kangaroo require?
The first few weeks it is critical to spend as much time as possible with your baby so your baby gets familiar with you. Feed it by hand, spend time playing and relaxing. Once your baby is familiar with you, he will be much easier to work with once he reaches adult age.
Are pet kangaroos good with other pets?
Dogs may get along with your kangaroo, but unsupervised interaction is always strongly advised against. Cats can carry a bacteria called toxoplasmosis. Kangaroos did not evolve in the presence of cats and so they have never learned the immune response necessary to fight toxoplasmosis off. Most of the time there is no warning when a kangaroo contracts toxoplasmosis. It is simply found deceased. Sometimes the animal develops neurological signs first. However, most efforts at treatment fail. It is essential to keep cats away from your kangaroo as toxoplasmosis is transmitted through feces.
Do pet kangaroos bite?
My answer to this question is simple, anything with teeth can bite. Anything handled from a young age and generally domesticated and treated as a pet more than likely will not bite. They can lean back on their tails and hind feet to "box" and use their claws to scratch and teeth to bite.
Things to Consider Before Getting a Pet Kangaroo
Kangaroos require special care and attention
they are not your typical domestic pet and cannot be treated like a dog or cat. They don’t walk on leashes, they don’t do tricks, and once they start to get larger, they will grow out of the ability to wear diapers. Keeping their environment consistent is best, they would not do well traveling and should never be taken into public as an adult.
Familiar dogs or other animals may get along with your kangaroo, but unsupervised interaction is strongly advised against it.
Cats can carry a deadly bacteria called toxoplasmosis. Kangaroos did not evolve in the presence of cats and so they don’t have the immune response necessary to fight toxoplasmosis off. Most of the time there is no warning when a kangaroo contracts toxoplasmosis. It is simply found deceased. Sometimes the animal develops neurological signs first. However, most efforts at treatment fail. It is essential to keep cats away from your kangaroo as toxoplasmosis is transmitted through feces.
Kangaroo males reach weights of several hundred pounds and speeds of 50 miles an hour
It’s not practical to keep your kangaroo as a strictly indoor pet. Daily outside time is required for physical and mental health, if not full outside time. With no exception, a kangaroo must be always fenced, they may be spooked and run away from something, and they may not return. To prevent your kangaroo from escaping, you will need a tall and sturdy fence. Fence height should be at least 5-6 feet.
A new owner will need to find and establish a vet who will treat their kangaroo
As kangaroos are rather uncommon as pets, it can be difficult to find a veterinarian who is familiar with their basic and emergency care. It is not practical to have a pet kangaroo if there is no emergency or medical help available nearby. Spend time calling and finding a vet that has experience. Neutering males prevents them from growing very large and from displaying sexually aggressive behaviors.
Remember to locate a vet experienced with exotics and that is willing to see your baby BEFORE you get your baby. Before the big day, schedule an appointment for your baby be seen within the first few days. Have your vet give a general examination and let them get familiar with you and your baby in case of an emergency or routine visits in the future. You should take your baby in yearly for annual checkups.
Kangaroos require special commercial food
which is not found in any pet or grocery store. It needs to be specially ordered from specialized feed stores.
Kangaroo Fun Facts
Red kangaroos are the largest species of kangaroo.
Female red kangaroos are sometimes called blue flyers.
Females are smaller and faster than male kangaroos
Red kangaroos gather in small groups of about 10, called "mobs."
Red kangaroos can jump as high as six feet
Kangaroos outnumber people in Australia.