Choosing a Wallaby

Wallabies are miniature kangaroo-like creatures native to Australia. They are gentle creatures that are becoming popular as pets as alternatives to dogs and cats. Wallabies are born underdeveloped and grow to full-term inside their mother’s pouch. They typically don’t emerge from the hot, humid pouch until they’re about 7 months old.

Appearance

Full-grown wallabies reach 2 1/2 to 3 feet in height and weigh 30 to 40 pounds.

Feeding

Lots of vegetables, some fruit and Happy Hopper, a special kangaroo and wallaby food.

Housing

Wallabies should remain indoors for the first year or so of their lives. They are bottle-fed once they are taken from their mothers, and sleep inside pouches in a playpen. They can be housetrained – though they sometimes make a mess with their long tail. Grown wallabies need a yard with at least 50 by 50 feet of hopping room. The yard should be surrounded by a fence that is at least 6 feet high.

Special Concerns

Wallabies tend to be good-natured, though they must be trained early on not to box with humans. (It’s cute when they’re small, but obnoxious when they’re full-grown.) They can be trained to walk – or hop – on a leash, and do well around other non-aggressive animals. They can live up to 12 to 15 years.