Six-banded armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus) hand-rearing at Dallas Zoo
Citation
Slifka KA. 2025. Six-banded armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus) hand-rearing at Dallas Zoo. In Treiber K, Brooks M, D’amato-Anderson J, Nylander J, Eds. Proceedings of the Sixteenth Conference on Zoo and Wildlife Nutrition, AZA Nutrition Advisory Group, Oklahoma City, OK.
Abstract
Three male six-banded armadillo offspring (Euphractus sexcinctus) from two litters were hand-raised at Dallas Zoo in 2024 and 2025. These animals were separated from the dam at discovery due to a history of inappropriate maternal behavior. The formula used was based on a formula developed by Smithsonian National Zoo (Kendrick & Maslanka, 2019) for a screaming hairy armadillo (Chaetophractus vellerosus). The formula was EsbilacĀ®-based supplemented with calcium for carapace development. First weights ranged from 114-147g. Dilute formula was offered first, gradually increasing to full strength formula over 3-4 feedings. For the first 30 days, formula was fed at 18-24% of pup body weight over 9-12 feedings. Solid foods were introduced Day 26-29 of life. Formula was removed from the diets at 69 days for the pair and 96 days for the singleton. Growth was generally steady, but rate varied with pup size.
SlifkaArmadilloHandrearZN2025HRLightning.pdf     219 KB

