I will be getting a baby wallaby at the end of this month (for those of you who don't know what it is, it is a smaller version of a kangaroo). I've gathered all the info from the internet, and have talked to people who breed them, but I really don't have any definitive answers.

Does anyone out there raise unusual animals such as a wallaby? I'd love to corresponde with people who do and we can share experiences.

Michele micheleb@aol.com

-- Michele Bryant (micheleb@aol.com), September 14, 2000

Answers

Why are you getting a wallaby?Just curious.

-- nobrabbit (conlane@prodigy.net), September 14, 2000.

I know nothing about keeping such critters, but I am absolutely curious! Where are you getting it from, how much do they cost, and what made you want one? I would love to hear more.

-- Shannon (Grateful Acres Animal Sanctuary) (gratacres@aol.com), September 14, 2000.

They imported rabbits to Australia, and with no natural predators, they've become a major enviromental disaster. Mind you don't let your exotic critter loose. I hope your climate is appropriate, too. Over here in the soggy NW, somebody's got a couple of camels -- talk about fish out of water!

-- snoozy (allen@oz.net), September 15, 2000.

To answer some of your questions and concerns, I have written the following: A lady I know in Christmas, Florida, raises wallabies. She has a herd of 7 females and 1 male. After a recent visit, my husband and I couldn't stop talking about the cute little creatures (these don't get any larger than 21/2 feet tall). So we inquired to the cost and their care and it was something that we could do. She charges $800 for a baby joeyconsidering the majority of breeders charge anywhere from $1000-$1500. I know the initial investment is kinda high, but you have to think you are getting a very unusual and exotic animal - who will will approx. 15 years. We will have to bottle feed her for 2-3 months, before being weaned. We will be carrying it in a child carrier that you wear, so it will bond to us. They are very friendly animals, with no real enemies, except dogs. But if you raise it from a young 'un with other animals (including a dog), you won't have any problems. The reason why we got a wallaby, is that once you look into those beautiful big brown eyes, you can't help but fall in love with them! They have a great disposition - very sweet and loving. They'll sit on your lap for hours if you'd like them to. They can be litter trained like a cat, and will follow you everywhere like a puppy. You can have them for an outside pet or inside - and no fleas! They can eat horse feed or llama pellets, and they like lots of different fruits and vegetables. It is just a different type of animal to have on your homestead. We live on the outskirts of Orlando, FL, on less than 1/4 of an acre, which is all fenced. But we still manage to have several flower gardens, vegetable garden, a dwarf nubian goat (which we are going to breed this fall, so I can get her milk and make butter, cheese), a mutt of a lovable dog, a gold fish/koi pond, an injured wild pigeon, 5 chickens, and all the wild birds in the neighborhood who want to come down for a bite to eat! Once you have been bitten, you can never go back. A wallaby fits into our families lifestyle, homestead, and my boss has even allowed me to bring it to work so I can nurse it and take care of it. I hope this answers your questions, even though I have lots more, so if you know of anyone who raises them, please give them my email address and write to me!

-- Michele (micheleb@aol.com), September 15, 2000.