Learn More About Capybara

Capybara Diet

Capybaras have a herbivorous diet that changes slightly as they grow from infancy to adulthood. Here’s a breakdown of their diet at different life stages:

 Newborn (0–2 Weeks)

  • Mother’s Milk – Baby capybaras (pups) nurse from their mother for the first few weeks.

  • Early Exploration – Even while nursing, they start nibbling on grass within the first few days to help their digestive system develop.

 Juvenile (2 Weeks – 3 Months)

  • Gradual Weaning – They slowly transition from milk to solid food, typically weaned around 3–4 months.

  • Grass & Hay – Fresh grass and high-fiber hay (like timothy hay or Bermuda grass) make up most of their diet.

  • Pellets & Supplements – In captivity, capybara breeders may provide small amounts of high-fiber guinea pig or rabbit pellets enriched with vitamin C.

 Sub-Adult (3–12 Months)

  • Full Herbivore Diet – They now fully rely on grass, aquatic plants, hay, and occasional fruits/vegetables.

  • Coprophagy (Eating Their Own Feces) – This helps them digest fiber better and absorb more nutrients.

 Adult (1 Year & Older)

  • High-Fiber Diet – Mature capybaras eat mostly grasses, hay, and aquatic plants.

  • Occasional Fruits & Vegetables – In small amounts, they can have carrots, squash, apples, melons, and sweet potatoes.

  • Avoid Sugary & Starchy Foods – Too many fruits or grains can cause digestive issues.

  • Constant Access to Water – Since they are semi-aquatic animals, they need fresh water for drinking and soaking.

 

How to Take Care of a Capybara

Capybaras are intelligent, social, and semi-aquatic animals that need proper care to thrive. Creating a safe environment, providing the right diet, and ensuring social interaction are key to keeping them happy and healthy. Follow this guide to give your capybara the best life possible.

 Set Up a Spacious Enclosure

Capybaras need space to roam and graze. A 12 x 12-foot fenced area per capybara works best. Use a 4-foot-high fence and extend it underground to prevent escapes. Ensure they have both shaded and sunny spots for comfort.

 Provide a Water Source

Capybaras love water and need a deep pool, pond, or water feature for swimming and cooling off. Make sure the water is at least 3 feet deep and has easy access for safe entry and exit.

 Build a Comfortable Shelter

A covered, insulated shelter protects capybaras from harsh weather. Use soft bedding like hay or straw to keep them comfortable. Keep temperatures between 65°F and 80°F for optimal health.

 Feed a Proper Diet

Capybaras require a high-fiber, herbivorous diet. Offer:

  • Fresh grasses and hay (Timothy or Bermuda)

  • Vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens

  • Limited fruit (to avoid excess sugar)

  • Fresh water at all times Avoid processed foods, dairy, and anything high in fat or sugar.

 Ensure Social Interaction

Capybaras are social animals and should not live alone. If keeping only one, spend significant daily time interacting. They also bond well with dogs, rabbits, and other animals.

 Schedule Regular Vet Checkups

Find an exotic animal veterinarian familiar with capybara care. Regular checkups help prevent health issues like dental problems and foot infections. Watch for signs of illness, including appetite loss or lethargy.

 Capybara-Proof Their Environment

Capybaras chew everything. Remove toxic plants, secure electrical cords, and keep dangerous objects out of reach. If keeping them indoors, protect furniture and flooring.

 Keep Them Mentally and Physically Active

Capybaras need enrichment to stay happy. Provide:

  • Toys like balls or chew sticks

  • Different textures (grass, sand, water)

  • Social playtime with humans or other pets

  • A varied diet for engagement

By following these steps, you ensure a happy, healthy life for your capybara. Proper care leads to a loving, peaceful companion that thrives in your home.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Capybara

Capybaras are friendly, social, and semi-aquatic animals that require a well-prepared environment to thrive. If you plan to welcome a capybara into your home, follow this guide to create a safe and comfortable habitat.

Check Local Laws and Permits

Before bringing home a capybara, research local laws and permits. Some regions require special licenses to own one. Check with local wildlife agencies to ensure compliance.

 Provide a Spacious Outdoor Area

Capybaras need plenty of space to roam. A fenced yard of at least 12 x 12 feet per capybara is ideal. The fence should be at least 4 feet high and securely buried underground to prevent digging escapes.

 Install a Water Feature

As semi-aquatic animals, capybaras love swimming. A pond, kiddie pool, or custom water feature at least 3 feet deep allows them to cool off, play, and stay healthy. Ensure the water is clean and accessible with a gentle entry and exit point.

 Create a Safe and Comfortable Shelter

Capybaras need a warm, dry shelter to rest and escape harsh weather. A covered, insulated shelter with soft bedding, such as hay or straw, provides comfort. Maintain temperatures between 65°F and 80°F to keep them healthy.

 Choose the Right Flooring

Grass, soft soil, or sand makes the best flooring for a capybara enclosure. Avoid hard surfaces like concrete, which can harm their feet. For indoor spaces, use rubber mats or natural fiber rugs.

 Secure Indoor Areas

If your capybara will spend time indoors, capybara-proof your home. Remove toxic plants, secure electrical cords, and cover furniture to prevent chewing. Block off small spaces where they could get stuck.

 Provide a Healthy Diet

Capybaras eat mainly grasses, hay, and vegetables. Supply fresh hay daily, along with safe veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, and lettuce. Avoid foods high in sugar or fat.

 Ensure Social Interaction

Capybaras are highly social and should not live alone. If you cannot have more than one, spend significant time bonding with your pet and provide plenty of enrichment, such as toys and supervised playtime.

 Regular Vet Care

Find an exotic animal veterinarian experienced in capybara care. Schedule regular checkups and monitor for signs of illness, like changes in appetite or behavior.

By following these steps, you can create a happy and healthy home for your capybara. A well-prepared environment ensures they live a long, fulfilling life with you.