Guest Author - Denise Lacazette

Wallabies are marsupials found in Australia, New Zealand, and nearby regions. The wallaby is a member of the kangaroo family. There are over 30 types of wallaby in the wild. The size of wallabies ranges from 18 inches (Tammar wallaby) to about 3 feet tall (Bennett wallaby).

Wallabies are herbivores. They eat grass, hay, vegetables, fruit, herbs, and roots. If you acquire a wallaby as an exotic pet they may not be fully weaned. Joeys (young wallabies) will need to be bottle-fed a special kangaroo formula like Wombaroo. Joeys require a tremendous amount of care while nursing and some can nurse up to 2 years around the clock. Weaning and mature wallabies will need a balanced diet. Mazuri makes a specially formulated kangaroo/wallaby pellet. They will need to be able to graze on organic (no chemicals) grass and hay in addition to the pellet diet. Fruits, vegetables, roots, and herbs can be given, but avoid the cabbage family (broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, etc) because of digestive problems. They swallow without chewing and later regurgitate cud like other grazing animals (cows, sheep, etc.) Wallabies also need tree branches or edible woody shrubs to chew on to keep their teeth and gums in good condition. Water is not as critical for the wallaby as other animals. They can go long periods of time without, but if you are keeping it as a pet there is no reason not to provide full-time access. Of course wallabies have been known to dig their own wells if they need water so you may save yourself a bit of unintended landscaping by providing it on a regular basis.

Joeys will need a pouch to hang out in. Many people have pouches in playpens, converted baby carriers, and - when small enough- stick them in jacket pockets! Herbivores tend to eliminate mild smelling pellets so many people allow the wallaby to roam indoors and simply clean up any droppings as they occur. Outdoors (after weaning) the wallaby will need to be kept in a suitable pen to avoid loss or damage to the animal. All pens should have a shaded area, solid base walls (lower six inches to avoid foot injuries in mesh/metal), grazing material, enough room to run and exercise, and shelter from extreme weather. In colder climates a heated area may be necessary as a wallaby’s tail can freeze. If the pen is located near potentially loud or sudden noise activities you should consider putting up a privacy barrier. Wallabies tend to be nocturnal so afternoon grazing or sunning they are not as alert and more easily startled. Like herd animals, a mob of wallabies startled can cause mass panic and potential damage (often to themselves).

Wallabies can be wonderful pets in the right situation. Wallabies have a lifespan average around 10-15 years. There is considerably more information regarding the care of these animals available and more research is necessary to be a responsible exotic pet owner. Please do your homework when considering whether one (or more) of these wonderful wallabies is right for you. Many states and local laws restrict ownership so check before you buy.