Capybaras, often affectionately termed giant guinea pigs, require more care than their smaller relatives. As the largest rodents in the world, they can weigh up to 170 pounds. They are sociable and generally pleasant as pets, thriving best in pairs or groups. Their large size necessitates ample space and easy access to a pool of water.
There’s a lot to consider before deciding to keep a capybara as a pet. Keep reading to learn everything you should know about these interesting animals and what they need to thrive.
Can You Own a Pet Capybara?
Before bringing a capybara into your home, consider both legality and ethical concerns. Here’s what you need to know.
Legal Restrictions
Depending on your location, it may be illegal to own a capybara. Some areas require a permit or health certificate. State and local laws can change, so check regulations in your area to determine if owning a capybara is currently legal.
Ethics
Owning capybaras is both a significant expense and commitment, considering they weigh about 170 pounds each. These large animals require an environment similar to that found in professional zoos. If you can’t provide that for them, you shouldn’t keep them as pets.
Care Needs
Capybaras are large, expensive pets that need a great deal of living space which includes aquatic space.
They are social creatures that do best in pairs, so you would need to purchase and house a pair of them, either two females or a male and a female; two males, even if they’re neutered, may be aggressive toward each other.
Unless you’re able to carve out this kind of living situation, a capybara is not for you.
Capybara Behavior and Temperament
Hand-reared capybaras are usually tame, but with adult capybaras, patience is needed as they adjust to new environments. They rarely bite humans, but may do so if threatened or provoked, using their large teeth defensively. Generally, capybaras are nervous and shy.
Males have scent glands atop their snouts for marking territory. Females have these too, though less visible. Both sexes use anal glands for marking.
In Central and South America, capybaras live in large groups near standing water as their dry skin requires constant hydration. They have webbed feet, making them excellent swimmers, and can hold their breath underwater for about five minutes
Capybaras prefer areas abundant with grasses for food and predator camouflage. Like pigs, they may cover themselves in mud to regulate body temperature and prevent sunburn due to their thin fur and few sweat glands.
Capybaras are very vocal. Just like guinea pigs, capybaras are highly social and communicate using sounds such as purrs, barks, grunts, whistles, squeals, and coughs. Isolated capybaras may become stressed and depressed. Imitating their sounds can offer reassurance, but it’s best to provide a companion for social interaction.
