Eastern
Gray Kangaroo
(Macropus giganteus)
Interview with Kim Bradshaw
Positives of Eastern Grey Kangaroos as pets?
Kangaroos can as make gentle pets as wallabys do, but remember how much
larger they will be. You must start of with a bottle raised baby.
Negatives of Eastern Grey Kangaroos as pets?
Very strong hind feet and legs. They are easily stressed.
Do they have scent glands or an offensive smell?
No scent glands or offensive odors.
What is their average lifespan?
I believe their lifespan to be 17-25 years.
Do they enjoy interaction?
As adults they do not seem to need human interaction unless, of course,
they are kept alone. As pairs they just need each other.
What is their general personality, disposition, and
attitude?
I find all macropod adults to be independent but gentle.
How destructive are they for an average household?
Do not keep an adult inside any home. That is just not the place for them.
Macropods will chew fabric (rugs, carpet, curtains, etc.). They can easily
develop gastric obstructions that will lead to death from this material.
Are their any problems associated with their claws?
If agressive enough, the hind feet toes can rip your clothing and your
flesh. Beware a frontal confrontation from an adult Kangaroo.
How messy are their droppings?
Bottle fed baby poop is visually comparative to chocolate covered peanuts.
The more fruit and veggies that you add will soften and elongate the poop
form. Babies can be stimulated to poop and pee when you want.
Can they be litter box trained?
I believe that young Wallabies can be litter trained. So one can probably
do the same with young roos. Don`t know if that training will remain in
effect as they age.
What sized outdoor pen do they need?
Our pair of Eastern Grey Kangaroos are kept in a 1 acre paddock with 8`
fences. They do not exhibit any tendancies to jump the fence. One must
provide "hiding places" for them as they can be easily frightened. Heat
is supplied in their sleeping quarters and their drinking water is heated
to keep it from freezing.
What do you feed them?
They are provided @ 6lbs each of Purina Mazuri brand Kangaroo and Wallby
feed per day along with treats such as sliced bread or apples or sweet
potatoes. (wild squirrels and groundhogs help themselves also to that
food source).
What vaccinations/vet care do they require?
I am unaware of any vaccinations that are made specifically for , and
tested for macropods. We have never had a need to perform annual vaccinations
on our Kangaroos and Wallabies. We do worm semi annually with Ivomec orally
and treat their water supply as a prevention against coccidiosis. The
most serious ailments we run into are "lumpy jaw " and "white muscle disease"
aka: stress.
At what age would it be best to get one?
For a pet, always buy a young joey still being bottle fed.
Other Consideration for owners of Eastern Grey Kangaroos?
Exotic animals are always much more trouble than domestics like dogs and
cats. I only recommend macropods in a farm setting.
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