Rare Phalangers Make Friendly Farm Pets

Rare Phalangers Make Friendly Farm Pets AG WORLD Ag World 20-3-21 Here's the latest rare pet breed. The Phalanger is a tiny member of the kangaroo family and is also known as a Brushtail. The breed originates in New Zealand. There are only about 70 of the animals in the U.S. They range in weight from 5 to 9 lbs. "Their personality is much like a cross between a cat and a raccoon - curious, interactive and intelligent," says Ralph Lermayer, a New Mexico breeder. "A hand-raised baby bonds completely with humans. They like to ride around on your shoulder." Despite all their "cuteness", however, Brushtails are known for severe fighting among themselves during the mating period, Lermayer adds. A new breeder would be wise to purchase already-bonded pairs of very young animals to avoid the problem, he says. "Care and feeding of Phalangers is not difficult. They eat just about anything with no exotic dietary requirements," he says. "Housing them is about like keeping a monkey or raccoon." They sell for approximately $2,000. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Ralph and Laura Lermayer, Avalon Ranch, Box 85, Bent, N.M. 88314 (ph 505 671-4889).

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