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 Esbilac®-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.

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