* Armadillos need room to forage and dig, and they will not be happy unless you allow them to do so. A large outdoor enclosure such as a fenced-in yard or dog pen should work. Be aware that an active armadillo just might dig its way out of a pen, so keep an eye on it.
* Moist canned cat food will give an armadillo everything it needs to stay healthy, but this should be supplemented with “natural” foods like bait worms, grubs, fruit, etc. A wild armadillo’s diet is fairly variable, and you should try to keep a captive armadillo on as similar a diet as possible.
* Armadillos love water, and they will be happier if they have access to a wading pool (or better yet a pond or stream) to swim in. Water helps keep them cool, and it gives them exercise.
* Cold weather can be dangerous for armadillos. Keep them inside if possible when weather turns cold, especially if there is a hard frost or snow. A few days of extremely cold weather in a row can be deadly to an armadillo that cannot find shelter.
* Armadillos generally do well in captivity and adjust to human presence with little sign of stress or other health issues. However, overcrowding of armadillos in captivity has led to fighting and severe injuries in some instances, so do not try to keep too many animals in a small area.
* Licensing may be required to keep an armadillo in your state, province or country. Please do not attempt to keep or care for armadillos or any other wild animals unless you are legally permitted to do so.
Dasypus Bellus "Armadilleriffic" Curious
- 16 years, 3 months, 7 days ago
