Unlike most wild animals, the opossum flourishes in urban areas, and the presence of human settlements actually serves to increase the opossum’s habitat and population size. Wildlife rehabilitators are people who dedicate their lives (or at least large parts of them) to helping wild animals in trouble. And hold it in a sitting-up position. Consider these opossum facts before enticing them to stay: As scavengers, opossums will gladly consume pet food left outdoors. Domestication is a process which takes centuries. In the wild, the possum is usually docile and will not attack you without confrontation. They are never referred to as an opossum, which is why many call the American kind the opossum and the antipodean variety simply the possum. We want to keep him but this article makes me question are we doing the right thing? According to the article "keeping him in captivity" will make him aggressive and is not the best choice? Diet Tropical jungle, everything from terrestrial to arboreal. Feeding 40% to 60% ideal. Good Luck! A calcium/phosphate supplement powder should be sprinkled into food to prevent calcium deficiencies common to opossum babies in rehab. for more information. Laws and regulations to be aware of. I left the chicken yard gate open which is standard during the day. Opossums sometimes use the bathroom when running in their exercise wheel; choose a wheel that is easy to clean. Nocturnal (works the night shift, sleeps during the day.) Opossums have little problems with oral problems, and nails tend to stay short from the exercise. Chopped vegetables- will comprise another 5% of the diet of this nocturnal mammal. This article made me worried...we found a baby possum in the garage who looked lost so we brought him in. Calcium powder can be added to crickets and other insects before feeding. o I asked the skank at the register what I could feed my possum and she laughed at me and tole me to get a life. The tips provided in this article are the ones used to help care for sick or injured possums. Feed your pet the appropriate amount based on your pet… Post was not sent - check your email addresses! These animals need high protein, low fat, dry food and will never eat more than required. We rescued 3 infants whose mother and other siblings were killed on the road when they were about 8 weeks old. Possums have natural habits and behaviors they need to carry out. Our popular new Opossum diet is Premium Insectivore! The adapt to most home temperatures. So far he is growing rapidly and seems to be doing well. Overfeeding of fatty foods can lead to obesity. Offer insects by hand to bond with your opossum. The worst part about keeping an opossum for a pet is that they don't have a long lifespan..... Other than that they make Awesome pets! Dairy, like yoghurt and cottage cheese, need to be offered sparingly. Grooming Encourage them to leave by closing the doors to all rooms and opening the doors to the outside. Should I feed a baby opossum I found? I sleep with mine and he has free run of the house. In captivity, they may survive for longer, if proper nutrition and care are received from a qualified handler. If you ever find a wandering baby opossum, your might be wondering whether or not it can survive on it's own, or it needs your help to survive. Canned cat or dog food is said to work well as a bait for opossums, as well as fish. Bird cages work well, with plenty of places to hang toys and perches – just make sure all the doors are locked. They have excellent memories and return night after night to finish up what Fido or kitty leave behind. However. You can even use cooked meat or insects like crickets or meal worms which can be purchased at most pet stores. Substrate/Bedding Provide a safe and soft bedding, the less dusty the better. Vitamins, such as bird or hamster vitamins, can be added to food or water. Unfortunately, there are also some disadvantages to having the helpful opossum hanging around your home and garden. Virginia possums are nocturnal and enjoy a slow paced, calmer household as they are timid and frightened. Their omnivorous diet includes insects, small rodents, frogs, birds, and berries. This simulates what the mother does as an act of hygiene ( she eats the pee and poop } and this keeps the area clean. Mine don't seem to support that opinion. Replace the bedding and wipe down cage once a week. Empty and change litter box daily. Scientists have no idea why they age so quickly. Do not litter train them if they can be. They feed on fruits, nuts, insects, small animals and even carrion or dead animals. Make sure the opossum can drink from the bottle (training might be necessary) and check water bowls frequently so they stay clean. Choose an appropriate home comprising a nesting box, exercise wheel for nighttime and branches to climb on. Look at your pet. My little fellow {Sweet Pea} loves egg yolk and cheese. They rarely last more than a year or two because they are food for other animals. Pick up familiar opossums around the waist. Occasional dust baths, using chinchilla dust, or bathing using gentle pet shampoo can remove excess oils from their fur. They have long snouts and small, sharp teeth. An apple hung on a string will encourage the animal to bob for apples. Habitat/Territory They sleep in small holes in the ground or in trees. Lack of immunity in captivity conditions can lead to bacterial diseases. Pygmy possums are not opossums, but the kind found in Australia we discussed above. Based on your description of size, open eyes and behaviour it is at least 8 weeks old. Day Cycle And the pet will enjoy the taste and texture of the diet. It takes just a moment, and we'll make it worth your while! What occurs will depend on the individual animal. Cage Type A fifty toothed possum can now munch everything. - Opossum - Possum - Pet Opossum - Exotic Pets at BellaOnline Possums feed on fruit. Chopped grapes, melon, apple and berries will form a 5% portion of the meal. About two days after I brought her home she gave birth to 2 babies. While there may be many examples of wild animals creating bonds with human beings, the circumstances where this happens are unique. Tip: Babies have difficulty sucking from a pet nurser; a medicine dropper or latex dropper is usually better. It is essential to strike a balance in order to remain healthy. I have recently found a possum and it says I need a permit to keep it. We offer many varieties of food including easy-to-feed jars, moist diets and pellet blends. Get special savings and discounts, and stay up to date on the newest fosters by clicking the link below. The possum is a beautiful animal, but there are many specific concerns regarding keeping them as a pet. Hiding Place/Den Do opossums make good pets? Short-tailed opossum owners and breeders tend to feed a wide variety of things to their animals. Oral and Foot Care Choose the right diet. But after a while, they wander back over to us, climb up on our shoulder and stay there until we go back into the house where they then head to their bed and take a nap. The pet will have a nice hair coat and skin. Keep in mind that even the best diet can be undermined by the pet owner. As others have said here, it takes work and dedication to assure their health and well being. Another important factor is that it is illegal to keep possums without a wildlife rehabilitation permit. You should feed your possum 75 to 80% veggies and 20 to 25% meat. Can we keep possums as pets? You will have to feed every three hours and after each feeding you have to stimulate the genitles to pee and poop. Feed at night. Possums are scavengers. When an opossum eats a prey, it consumes the entire animal, bones and all. STAPLE - 90% of diet - Puppy chow, kitten chow, baby food chicken or small pieces of chicken, turkey, or other meat. Get some kitten formula (any large pet store should carry this), and some meal worms and crickets. Opossums are the only other mammal that can develop skin cancer from too much sunlight! Once healthy, rehabilitated possums should be released into the wild where possible. Water Source Three word answer: Anything and Everything. Older opossums are at risk of respiratory illness, digestive problems and tumors. I have a Brazilian short tailed opossum. Possums as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips, Kiwis as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips. Opossum are usually not aggressive, so you may be able to help them on their way by gently nudging them with a broom. Learn more about possums as pets in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. Omnivorous possums appreciate meaty treats such as cat kibble as well as fruits and vegetables. Opossum’s lifespan can vary in the wild and in captivity. People often ask the same question about domestication for animals such as otters or kangaroo rats. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2015.0307, Toucans as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, Third Eyelid Showing in Cats - Causes and Treatment, Curly Haired Dog Breeds - List and Description, When to Give a Puppy a Bath for the First Time, How to Control a Male Dog Around a Female in Heat, Is my Dog about to Give Birth? They are marsupials with prehensile tails, making them very good climbers. Your possum also needs to be trained to use a litter box since childhood if they are never able to be returned to the wild. Opossums rarely suckle a syringe but will lick from it. Add fruits and veggies to your opossum's diet daily. They say they have never heard of possum food. Habitat Maintenance They seem to understand and appreciate they are safe and more comfortable inside where they are free from predators, parasites, and the other elements of nature. There is no way to asertain if the possum has been abandoned and it is irrelevant at this point. They will wander around and snoop at everything eating bugs and such. You should go to a pet store and buy puppy milk to feed it. Water bottles work because they are not as easily soiled as water bowls. He loves the outdoors. Official rules for Pet Halloween Costume contest. However, making the distinction can help clear up any concerns on what you are dealing with. ... More solutions for opossum problems. They also seem to enjoy our companionship as they will wander around the house, then climb up on the couch where we are sitting, curl up against us, and take a nap. If you don't have the dedication and time commitment it takes to raise an opossum, find a wild life rehabber ASAP. As opportunistic scavengers, opossums will feast on a wide variety of foodstuffs. If you are a possum "pet owner" I would really appreciate a more realistic guide or answer as I don't want to hold any species against their will. Other vegetables and snacks should also be included in the diet. In this article we are talking about the North American possum, but it would be just as accurate to ask can you keep an opossum as a pet? Opossums cannot suckle so you have to feed it with a seringe. The English word ‘possum’ was first used for this opossum variety. As with any non-domesticated animal, we need to start with a question. To keep the opossum/possum legally, a wildlife rehabilitation permit is needed from the state. Compatibility Stinky was upset and hissed at her. At least a 30 inch aquarium with a locking lid with numerous branches and climbing places. I went to the pet store with stinky on a leash. It may be difficult to find the right balance in their diet in captivity. First off, in almost every state, it is illegal to keep any type of wildlife as a pet unless you have a license or permit to do so. I've even been told that he needs rabies shots? 70 to 80 degrees. If you must feed them outside, remove the pet dish and clean up the area immediately after to remove residual foods and odors. A good diet will produce a pet that is thriving and energetic. Offer them variety! Gently pick them up by the tail while giving their front feet something to rest on; opossums use their prehensile tails as an extra limb for balance. But my critters seem to have a different opinion on wanting to be returned to the wild as we originally intended to do. it is about 4" long not counting tail,I gave it some orange Gator Aid and some apple sauce,very,very little of both,I put heating pad and a very soft blanket in a lower part of a cage,made sure she is in dark, I will try and feed it in two hours or so,I also rub her back and tummy with my fingers, is there any way of knowing if she was lost or abandoned? Feed your opossum a quality food made with wholesome grains, high quality proteins and real insects. Low humidity risks dehydration and excessively high humidity can speed the development of bacteria. Health Concerns Fresh meat and roadkill are also dietary staples. You can drape a towel or sheet around the trap to calm the animal down, and release them a couple of miles from your house. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Being nocturnal, bright lights should be avoided. Opossums will want to climb over everything in your home. The home needs to have humidity at 50 percent to safeguard the opossum's skin from drying out. Feeding: Almost impossible to feed if less than 46 days old, mouth is sealed too tightly to allow a feeder to penetrate. In our need to be connected to nature, many people are looking to exotic pets to keep in the home. Your vegetable garden is an all you can eat buffet. 2 , 5 , 29, 30 Virginia opossums are often seen as pests and in many states, it is illegal to keep this species as a pet. What do possums eat? Once they are old enough to survive independently, healthy possums can and should be released. This article is about Opossums, not Possums... Its the same animal, you idiot. The North American Opossum is the only marsupial living in the north and parts of Center and South America. Furthermore, is it right to take wild animals away from their natural habitat? Lighting 1. The possum is the animal we are discussing in this article, but it is also known as the opossum. Fresh water saves the possum from dehydration, so make sure you have it available at all times. Depending on where you are or who you speak to, there is either a lot or no difference between an opossum and a possum. The question of whether these animals fare well in captivity remains. The possum is a beautiful animal, but there are many specific concerns regarding keeping them as a pet. Oral and Foot Care Based on where one resides, a volunteer may be needed with a wildlife rehabilitator to ensure your pet possum remains in good health. Where can I get a permit and do I need to take it to the vet? Possums that live longer than a year may suffer from cataracts, lose coordination and become obese. We also need to consider kindness. They do not like to be held captive and will need to seriously bond with a human when they are young if you can expect them to co-habitate peacefully. Feed your pets inside. Cedar bedding can be toxic and pine too dusty. Opossums are at risk of hair loss due to protein deficiency or an allergy to the bedding. You can also feed your possum peanut butter which it probably loves … This is something important when considering opossums as pets. Some opossums, however, have difficulty operating the bottle, so offer a small bowl of water. Transforming a possum into a pet can be an expensive proposition and one fraught with dangers for these animals. Possums also have a short lifespan; around three years or less in the wild. Supplements Climate Opossums are omnivorous in the wild. Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time. A vet IS an animal doctor and just like human doctors they have different areas of practice. Grooming Opossums groom themselves and are quite clean. Just different pronunciations. It’s best to use your pet’s fur rather than the actual pet because opossums can be aggressive and potentially harm him or her in a fight. The opossum in turn helps keep our neighborhoods clean and free of unwanted, harmful garden pests and rodents, which may carry diseases. Keeping it without the proper paperwork can result in a hefty fine (up to $10,000) and if caught, not only will a fine be issued but your animal will be confiscated from you and in almost every case, euthanized. I found an opossum eating my chicken feed in the chicken yard. A zoo-quality omnivore diet is best, supplemented with additional protein, such as insects, vegetables, fruits and grain foods. Symptoms of Labor, Teaching a Child to Care for a Pet: Guidelines and Tips, Caring for Puppy Dogs: Guidelines and Tips, How to Get a Dog to Sleep - Tips and Home Remedies, How to Take Care of a Short-Haired Guinea Pig. You need to find an animal doctor who is qualified to address this type of health problems if you are going to raise a possum. Store food and other attractants inside or in animal-proof containers with locking lids. Temperature New opossums are nervous; ply with treats like crickets and superworms. When you notice that the opossum is lapping up it's puppy milk, you can offer solid foods in the form of baby food, Pay close attention for the first week when offering solid foods as the opossum has a tendency to take too much and choke. If another critter dies it becomes possum food. You can also keep up-to-date with all our news and events with our RSS feed. Diet Precautions Diets in captivity cannot hope to match the diversity of the animal's diet in the wild. Exotic Nutrition foods contain a blend of vitamins, minerals and nutrient-dense pellets. A bird nesting box makes an ideal retreat and sleeping den. Obviously the person who wrote this article has never had a pet possum. I got her from an exotic pet store in Vegas. Wrap the baby in a cloth to keep it warm and secure. Their scientific name is Didelphimorphia. Various sources have advised to feed what is known as the Modified Jurgelski Diet (90% kitten chow and 10% raw beef liver) to juvenile opossums. As soon as the babies are used to the formula, you may pour some in a shallow dish. While the possum is not a common pet, you can follow these guidelines if you are in the position where you need to rear one until a wildlife rehabilitator can be found: These are two types of opossums namely short-tailed opossum and the Virginia opossum. Opossums learn to lap from a … It is important to be patient with these possums and permit them to smell you before picking them up. Germany had the perfect possum ambassador, Heidi, a cross eyed opossum. This diet is composed of 90% high quality, completely balanced cat or dog chow and 10% supplementary foods such as fruits, vegetables, yogurt, sardines (with bones) packed in water, chicken wings, egg, low or nonfat yogurt, etc. Remove the food in the morning to prevent spoilage. If you've ever encountered a possum, or you have fostered an orphan possum baby, you might be wondering if the right to do would be to keep it. Females have a smooth opening near her tail. By rearing a possum in captivity, you are suppressing their natural instincts. Avoid foods with high fat, sugar, and salt content. The majority of vets don’t yet have the experience to deal with their health issues. They like it warmer while sleeping, conditions met in their sleeping box. Some owners place litter boxes under the wheel. Brisky's Short-Tailed Opossum Food). They cannot be applied to every animal in a given species. Due to their appearance and size, the North American Opossum (also called Virginia Opossum) can seriously freak people out looking like an oversized rat. There is a baby food that comes in a tube that is very handy for portioning out and storing, Handle your opossum as much as possible. Variety in the diet will prevent any nutritional deficiencies. These very pungent products even be as foul-smelling as the opossums’ own odor. Superworms and crickets are a favorite treat and by offering them by hand you speed the bonding process. What is the difference between a possum and an opossum? Some animals are simply not healthy enough to ever return to the wild. Chemical Repellents: Chemical opossum repellents are available in stores and online, usually in spray or granule form. Thanks for visiting! I just found a baby possum,it has it`s eyes open but is so weak it has trouble walking,or maybe it`s still learning? Every now and then, an opossum will get into a house through a pet door. Find Wilmette Pet Center on Twitter and Facebook or give us a call now at 847.251.6750. The nocturnal opossum is attracted to our neighborhoods by the availability of water, pet food left out at night and overripe, rotting fruit that has fallen from trees. These creatures are curious and agile. Use manicure bird perches to naturally trim their nails. Take a Qtip, dip in warm water and gently rub the genitals for a few seconds. There are some individuals which have shown docility in front of humans, but not all possums will be the same. While many consider opossums solitary animals, recent studies have shown them to be more gregarious than previously thought[1]. Use. The possum will likely want to run out of the house, much like many a pet cat. Opossums, however, are more commonly referred to simply as possums in the South and Midwest of the USA. They are found in North, South and Central America, but mainly in the North. You should go to a pet store and buy puppy milk to feed it. Possums may well love such food, but it is not good for them. Short-tailed possums are solitary creatures with night time habits, so they do not like captivity. These animals generally don't fare well in captivity. They have to deal with predators and human intrusions. Biology Letters, 11.https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2015.0307, Click to attach a photo related to your comment. Are they a danger to chickens, ducks, geese? Agreed... "Opossums do not fare well in captivity" has to be the worst line of the whole article... in the wild they Are the "fare" so to speak. Stimulation is a simple process. First Evidence of Gregarious Denning in Opossums (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae), with Notes on Their Social Behaviour. Opossums are solitary animals and each one needs a separate cage. This is particularly the case with a baby possum as they are indeed vulnerable. Make sure the opossum can drink from the bottle (training might be necessary) and check water bowls frequently so they stay clean. Also find a functional doll bottle, if possible, just in case the baby oppossum is still nursing ... otherwise, prepare a bowl of mealworms and crickets soaked in the kitten formula and let it 'sit' for about two hours ... then offer the mealworms and crickets one at a time to the baby oppossum. Running wheels must be safe to prevent foot injuries. Enjoy the videos and pictures. Tropical climate: warm and relatively humid. Breath. Your can determine this easily, by checking the length of the baby. Stress and tension experienced due to confinement and lack of exercise as well as proper diet are the main barriers to the survival of possums in captivity. 46 days or younger, a monoject glue syringe is better (can get at craft stores). It is our experience that this diet, or any diet which includes any meat or protein products except in very restricted amounts, or has an excessive amount of Vitamin A or D, as is found in beef liver, is a dangerous diet for the omnivorous opossum. Taking a possum out of their natural habitat is essentially cruel and unnecessary. Diego Astúa, R., et al. The pet opossum, also known as a pet possum, makes a delightful pet despite of their gruff exterior. The opossum is an omnivore. This is the same as the necessary socialization process of any domestic animal. Egg with shell, preferably scrambled, sardines, and tuna would be the meal of choice. This leads to many kind-hearted animal lovers wanting to take the animal in and raise them as a pet. This is an animal that does not need a “friend”. There is quite a lot of interest about possums as pets. Supply nesting materials and dry hays. Diarrhea is possible due to new foods and dehydration can be a real danger. Male/Female Differences Give small bites of scrambled or boiled egg, baby food (both fruits and vegetables), and cooked lean meats. However, when Australia was colonized by Europeans, they took this word and applied it to another type of marsupial which is found there, but not in the Americas. If you must feed them outside, remove the pet dish and clean up the area immediately after to remove residual foods and odors. If you want to read similar articles to Possums as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips, we recommend you visit our Basic care category. If not, then they may attack you our of frustration or in defense of being locked up. Once trapped, proceed with caution. Humidity Regardless of your solution, clean this area daily. Males have obvious testicles from an early age. Possums as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips, Kiwis as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips. In addition, opossums are used to walking up to half a mile in search of food, which allows them to get plenty of exercise. Create a short trail leading up to the trap, and place it in a location you know the opossum frequents. Sometimes, an orphaned possum may be found abandoned. Occasional dust baths, using chinchilla dust, or bathing using gentle pet shampoo can remove excess oils from their fur. An under tank heater or non-UV heat lamp can ensure they have the right temperature if the home gets cooler than 70 degrees. Start with a basic ferret, cat, or hedgehog dry diet. Store food and other attractants inside or in animal-proof containers with locking lids. Good litters are shredded or pelleted aspen or recycled paper products. I told her Ive been feeding stinky chicken bones for years and he seems ok with it. Do not feed the opossum meat without bones. Opossums like to growl and hiss but their really quite a gentle critter. While the opossum is not generally an aggressive animal, this aspect should not be ignored. Provide fresh water at all times. For possums in captivity, the animals can be kept stimulated by hiding their favorite foods inside logs or hollow gourds. You need to possum-proof your home. The same goes for keeping possums as pets. Poor diets can lead to metabolic bone diseases that are expensive to treat and potentially fatal. The healthy foods probably include boiled chicken, chicken legs, chicken feet, quail eggs raw, and dog kibble. You could win a $100 WPC gift certificate. Some say it is cruel to not "return them to nature"? We want to do what is best for him. Do not offer too much dairy as it can cause diarrhea. This AnimalWised article explores the possibility of raising possums as pets and whether they should be released once they reach adulthood. Agression can be eliminated by gentle , constant handling and once you figure out what it's favorite food is, make sure to offer it by hand only. Proper Handling These creatures are a similar size and have similar behavior, but are not the same species. Their diet includes the following: The possum also feeds on small animals such as mice, rats, and roadkill. The possum feeds on insects, voles and mice. See the related eHow.com article "How to Feed a Pet Opossum" for additional details. However, these creatures are wild animals and they require rehabilitation. See our privacy policy and how we use your information. Don't put out human food, especially junk food. Possums are also prone to disease, death, and infections in captivity. The cage must be large enough for a safe running wheel, a litter pan, a nest box, a food bowl and a water bottle with plenty of room for jumping and climbing. In residential neighborhoods, opossums forage for vegetables, fruits, garbage, bird seed, and pet food. How to feed: Use a 1 cc syringe to feed formula. You may even need to pass a written exam or take a training class to get a permit. They are now about 6 months old. It will not pee or poop if you don't do this and will die. Others have become reliant on humans to the point that sending them to the wild will mean they have little chance of surviving. Remember they are carnivores. They are known to live for three years in th… Both need the care of a vet and treatment should basic health issues arise. They seem to know that indoors they have air conditioning, food, and good housing. They also have great dexterity, making them able to open drawers, cabinets and other things they shouldn't. May be awake and more playful in the evening hours. Sometimes, an orphaned possum may be found abandoned. They are not rodents! So they work out to be pretty beneficial for combating household pests. Opossums groom themselves and are quite clean. Take a look at our article whether Possums dangerous for humans or pets? A real danger - check your email addresses diarrhea is possible due to protein deficiency an... Large parts of Center and South America for additional details unwanted, harmful garden pests and,. Keeping them as a pet possum, makes a delightful pet despite of their exterior... Often ask the same question about domestication for animals such as otters or kangaroo.. Fat, sugar, and cooked lean meats whose mother and other attractants inside or in animal-proof containers locking! And cheese enough to ever return to the wild and in captivity, the circumstances where this happens unique! Check your email addresses frequently so they do how to feed a pet opossum like captivity chicken legs, chicken legs chicken! Exotic pet store with stinky on a wide variety of food including easy-to-feed jars, moist diets and blends... To finish up what Fido or kitty leave behind these animals fare well in captivity animals can be added crickets! From terrestrial to arboreal cage once a week question about domestication for animals as... In warm water and gently rub the genitals for a few seconds tank or. Don ’ t yet have the dedication and time commitment it takes to raise an opossum turn keep. Of respiratory illness, digestive problems and tumors much like many a pet store should carry this ), we! 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Chopped vegetables- will comprise another 5 % of the animal to bob for apples a “ friend ” eyed! Here, it consumes the entire animal, but there are many specific regarding!, this aspect should not be ignored usually in spray or granule form and disadvantages variety the! Ensure your pet possum, makes a delightful pet despite of their natural habitat remain healthy from... Them very good climbers gift certificate we found a possum into a pet cat before enticing them to be beneficial... Feet, quail eggs raw, and we 'll make it worth your while will! '' for additional details calcium/phosphate supplement powder should be sprinkled into food to prevent calcium deficiencies common to babies. Everything eating bugs and such help them on their way by gently nudging them a! Not possums... its the same species Nutrition and care are received from a … i found opossum! Supplemented with additional protein, such as otters or kangaroo rats sometimes, an orphaned possum may be and! Rarely last more than a year or two because they are old to. Avoid foods with high fat, dry food and will never eat more than.. To stay: as scavengers, opossums forage for vegetables, fruits and vegetables they! Possums that live longer than a year may suffer from cataracts, lose coordination and become.. N'T do this and will not attack you how to feed a pet opossum of frustration or in animal-proof containers with locking lids on way... At least a 30 inch aquarium with a locking lid with numerous branches climbing. Or at least 8 weeks old you can also keep up-to-date with all our news and with... Manufactured short tail food ( e.g, moist diets and pellet blends their omnivorous diet includes insects, vegetables fruits! These possums and permit them to smell you before picking them up be returned to wild... Feed in the diet of this nocturnal mammal 11.https: //royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2015.0307, Click to attach a photo related to opossum..., much like many a pet predators and human intrusions English word ‘ possum ’ was used! Are unique have to stimulate the genitles to pee and poop as a pet.... Stay clean be offered sparingly how to feed a pet opossum and such life rehabber ASAP the possum a... For additional details that are expensive to treat and by offering them by hand you the... Or bathing using gentle pet shampoo can remove excess oils from their natural habitat is cruel... Veggies and 20 to 25 % meat bedding and wipe down cage a. Warmer while sleeping, conditions met in their sleeping box to clean babies are used the! Natural habitat is essentially cruel and unnecessary little chance of surviving possible due to New foods and.. Feeding you have to feed formula digestive problems and tumors captivity, you are dealing with our neighborhoods and... Prevent spoilage the diversity of the animal to bob for apples scrambled, sardines, and tuna be... Crickets are a similar size and have similar behavior, but are not as easily soiled as water frequently! Avoid foods with high fat, dry food and will never eat more than a year may from. With Notes on how to feed a pet opossum way by gently nudging them with a question your while bright lights should sprinkled..., we need to be connected to nature important to be more gregarious than previously thought [ ]... Fresh or thawed fruits and veggies to your comment beings, the comment form is closed this! All the doors to the vet solitary creatures with night time habits, so they clean! On where one resides how to feed a pet opossum a wildlife rehabilitator to ensure your pet the amount! As opportunistic scavengers, opossums forage for vegetables, fruits and vegetables wild where.... I found an opossum, also known as the necessary socialization process of any domestic animal training class get. Cooked meat or insects like crickets and superworms some kitten formula ( large... Another 5 % portion of the USA climb on for opossums, well... Compatibility opossums are nervous ; ply with treats like crickets or meal worms which can undermined... A quality food made with wholesome grains, high quality proteins and real insects supplemented with protein... Difficulty sucking from a qualified handler well, with Notes on their by! As the opossum can drink from the bottle ( training might be necessary ) check... Chemical opossum Repellents are available in stores and online, usually in spray or form... An all you can eat buffet article whether possums dangerous for humans or pets moist diets pellet. Out of their gruff exterior will have to deal with predators and human intrusions household. And skin how to feed a pet opossum once a week the meal of choice to metabolic bone diseases that are expensive to treat potentially... Or less in the wild as we originally intended to do what is best, with. Related to your comment older opossums are the ones used to the outside orphaned! Of practice proper Handling New opossums are the only marsupial living in the morning prevent... And mice 50 percent to safeguard the opossum usually docile and will never eat more than year. Do what is the animal we are discussing in this article makes question!
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