Legal Status and Acquisition

Maras are legal to own without a permit in the majority of US states, but check local ordinances before acquiring one -- some counties and cities ban exotic rodents regardless of state law. California, Georgia, Hawaii, and a few other states restrict or ban large exotic rodents. Purchase only from reputable USDA-licensed breeders; wild-caught individuals do not acclimate well to captivity and may carry zoonotic parasites. Expect to pay $500-$1,500 for a captive-bred mara.

Space and Housing

Maras cannot be adequately housed in a standard indoor cage. A minimum outdoor enclosure is 20 x 20 feet (400 sq ft) with a sturdy fence buried 18 inches underground -- maras are powerful diggers. Shelter from weather and predators is essential; a covered shed or barn area of at least 100 sq ft provides retreat from rain, extreme heat (above 85 F causes heat stress), and cold (below 20 F can cause hypothermia). Many keepers allow indoor access during extreme weather.

Maras are not suitable as apartment animals. They require room to gallop, jump, and exhibit natural behavior. A bored, confined mara develops stereotypies and aggression. If outdoor housing is impossible, a very large indoor room (minimum 400 sq ft) with deep wood-chip bedding and obstacles for jumping may suffice, but this is a significant compromise.

Diet

Wild maras are grazers that consume primarily grasses, leaves, and fibrous plant material -- analogous nutritionally to a rabbit or guinea pig rather than a rat or hamster. The base diet should be unlimited timothy hay supplemented with orchard grass and fresh leafy greens (romaine, kale, dandelion). Commercial guinea pig pellets (plain, no seeds or dyes) at 1/4 cup per day provides supplemental nutrition. Fresh vegetables (carrot, broccoli, bell pepper) can be offered in small amounts. Fruits are high-sugar treats only. Do not feed grain, bread, or processed foods -- they cause GI dysbiosis and can lead to cecal impaction.

Fresh water must be available at all times. Maras drink substantial volumes (150-300 mL per day) and will develop renal issues without consistent access to clean water.

Social and Behavioral Needs

In the wild, maras form permanent monogamous pair bonds. A lone mara in captivity becomes attached to its human owner as a substitute pair-bond partner, which can lead to separation anxiety when left alone. Ideally, maras are kept in bonded pairs; two females or a male-female pair work well if the male is neutered (unneutered males can be aggressive during breeding season). Two males together typically fight once sexually mature.

Maras are active during dawn and dusk (crepuscular). They have a distinctive galloping gait and leap impressively -- up to 6 feet vertically when startled. They communicate with soft bleating and foot-stomping to signal alarm. Tame maras actively solicit petting and follow their bonded human throughout the day.

Veterinary Care

Find a veterinarian experienced with exotic mammals or caviomorphs (guinea pig family) before acquiring a mara -- most small animal vets have no experience with this species. Annual wellness exams, fecal parasite testing, and dental checks are essential. Maras, like all caviomorphs, have open-rooted teeth that grow continuously; dental malocclusion is a significant health risk if diet lacks adequate fiber for tooth wear. Signs: dropping food, excessive salivation, weight loss.