They cannot be applied to every animal in a given species. Store food and other attractants inside or in animal-proof containers with locking lids. Pygmy possums are not opossums, but the kind found in Australia we discussed above. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Diet Official rules for Pet Halloween Costume contest. Add fruits and veggies to your opossum's diet daily. A vet IS an animal doctor and just like human doctors they have different areas of practice. 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. Vitamins, such as bird or hamster vitamins, can be added to food or water. Their diet includes the following: The possum also feeds on small animals such as mice, rats, and roadkill. They are marsupials with prehensile tails, making them very good climbers. Where can I get a permit and do I need to take it to the vet? Should I feed a baby opossum I found? Chemical Repellents: Chemical opossum repellents are available in stores and online, usually in spray or granule form. Your fruit trees are the same. Calcium powder can be added to crickets and other insects before feeding. In the wild, the possum is usually docile and will not attack you without confrontation. According to the article "keeping him in captivity" will make him aggressive and is not the best choice? So they work out to be pretty beneficial for combating household pests. Scientists have no idea why they age so quickly. You could win a $100 WPC gift certificate. See the related eHow.com article "How to Feed a Pet Opossum" for additional details. See our privacy policy and how we use your information. Regardless of your solution, clean this area daily. Encourage them to leave by closing the doors to all rooms and opening the doors to the outside. To keep the opossum/possum legally, a wildlife rehabilitation permit is needed from the state. A zoo-quality omnivore diet is best, supplemented with additional protein, such as insects, vegetables, fruits and grain foods. This is the same as the necessary socialization process of any domestic animal. 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. Health Concerns 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 don't have the dedication and time commitment it takes to raise an opossum, find a wild life rehabber ASAP. A calcium/phosphate supplement powder should be sprinkled into food to prevent calcium deficiencies common to opossum babies in rehab. for more information. Depending on where you are or who you speak to, there is either a lot or no difference between an opossum and a possum. I have recently found a possum and it says I need a permit to keep it. Occasional dust baths, using chinchilla dust, or bathing using gentle pet shampoo can remove excess oils from their fur. Their scientific name is Didelphimorphia. How to feed: Use a 1 cc syringe to feed formula. They are now about 6 months old. You should feed your possum 75 to 80% veggies and 20 to 25% meat. Do not litter train them if they can be. Short-tailed opossum owners and breeders tend to feed a wide variety of things to their animals. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. It is essential to strike a balance in order to remain healthy. 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. But my critters seem to have a different opinion on wanting to be returned to the wild as we originally intended to do. Stinky was upset and hissed at her. The question of whether these animals fare well in captivity remains. You can also keep up-to-date with all our news and events with our RSS feed. 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. These animals need high protein, low fat, dry food and will never eat more than required. Germany had the perfect possum ambassador, Heidi, a cross eyed opossum. Tropical jungle, everything from terrestrial to arboreal. If not, then they may attack you our of frustration or in defense of being locked up. An under tank heater or non-UV heat lamp can ensure they have the right temperature if the home gets cooler than 70 degrees. Mine don't seem to support that opinion. Overfeeding of fatty foods can lead to obesity. People often ask the same question about domestication for animals such as otters or kangaroo rats. ... More solutions for opossum problems. You can also feed your possum peanut butter which it probably loves … Consider these opossum facts before enticing them to stay: As scavengers, opossums will gladly consume pet food left outdoors. It is important to be patient with these possums and permit them to smell you before picking them up. They have excellent memories and return night after night to finish up what Fido or kitty leave behind. Diego Astúa, R., et al. Make sure the opossum can drink from the bottle (training might be necessary) and check water bowls frequently so they stay clean. These animals generally don't fare well in captivity. 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. Possums are scavengers. Habitat Maintenance Do opossums make good pets? Opossum’s lifespan can vary in the wild and in captivity. If you must feed them outside, remove the pet dish and clean up the area immediately after to remove residual foods and odors. Are they a danger to chickens, ducks, geese? Avoid foods with high fat, sugar, and salt content. Sometimes, an orphaned possum may be found abandoned. Feed your opossum a quality food made with wholesome grains, high quality proteins and real insects. 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. Cedar bedding can be toxic and pine too dusty. Chopped vegetables- will comprise another 5% of the diet of this nocturnal mammal. Proper Handling Possums feed on fruit. Look at your pet. Grooming Opossums groom themselves and are quite clean. They like it warmer while sleeping, conditions met in their sleeping box. However, making the distinction can help clear up any concerns on what you are dealing with. Opossums will want to climb over everything in your home. Poor diets can lead to metabolic bone diseases that are expensive to treat and potentially fatal. Possums have natural habits and behaviors they need to carry out. Choose an appropriate home comprising a nesting box, exercise wheel for nighttime and branches to climb on. 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? Three word answer: Anything and Everything. Provide a possum feeding station, which can be as simple as a couple of bowls on the ground. Once healthy, rehabilitated possums should be released into the wild where possible. The English word ‘possum’ was first used for this opossum variety. 40% to 60% ideal. This article made me worried...we found a baby possum in the garage who looked lost so we brought him in. By rearing a possum in captivity, you are suppressing their natural instincts. Fresh meat and roadkill are also dietary staples. Provide fresh water at all times. Older opossums are at risk of respiratory illness, digestive problems and tumors. Males have obvious testicles from an early age. Obviously the person who wrote this article has never had a pet possum. This is particularly the case with a baby possum as they are indeed vulnerable. Temperature Tip: Babies have difficulty sucking from a pet nurser; a medicine dropper or latex dropper is usually better. Running wheels must be safe to prevent foot injuries. These creatures are a similar size and have similar behavior, but are not the same species. Do not offer too much dairy as it can cause diarrhea. 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. Supplements Being nocturnal, bright lights should be avoided. The possum is a beautiful animal, but there are many specific concerns regarding keeping them as a pet. Exotic Nutrition foods contain a blend of vitamins, minerals and nutrient-dense pellets. Their omnivorous diet includes insects, small rodents, frogs, birds, and berries. Short-tailed possums are solitary creatures with night time habits, so they do not like captivity. Possums also have a short lifespan; around three years or less in the wild. Low humidity risks dehydration and excessively high humidity can speed the development of bacteria. It may be difficult to find the right balance in their diet in captivity. He loves the outdoors. Some say it is cruel to not "return them to nature"? In captivity, they may survive for longer, if proper nutrition and care are received from a qualified handler. As with any non-domesticated animal, we need to start with a question. While the opossum is not generally an aggressive animal, this aspect should not be ignored. 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. 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. Others have become reliant on humans to the point that sending them to the wild will mean they have little chance of surviving. When an opossum eats a prey, it consumes the entire animal, bones and all. They seem to know that indoors they have air conditioning, food, and good housing. 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. Opossums are the only other mammal that can develop skin cancer from too much sunlight! The opossum in turn helps keep our neighborhoods clean and free of unwanted, harmful garden pests and rodents, which may carry diseases. Opossums groom themselves and are quite clean. Possums as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips, Kiwis as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips. They rarely last more than a year or two because they are food for other animals. I got her from an exotic pet store in Vegas. This leads to many kind-hearted animal lovers wanting to take the animal in and raise them as a pet. Opossums have little problems with oral problems, and nails tend to stay short from the exercise. 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. 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. Day Cycle Females have a smooth opening near her tail. Offer fresh or thawed fruits and vegetables – they love grapes! However, these creatures are wild animals and they require rehabilitation. 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. Breath. Pick up familiar opossums around the waist. The adapt to most home temperatures. You should go to a pet store and buy puppy milk to feed it. 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. Create a short trail leading up to the trap, and place it in a location you know the opossum frequents. Offer insects by hand to bond with your opossum. Give small bites of scrambled or boiled egg, baby food (both fruits and vegetables), and cooked lean meats. It will not pee or poop if you don't do this and will die. While there may be many examples of wild animals creating bonds with human beings, the circumstances where this happens are unique. The North American Opossum is the only marsupial living in the north and parts of Center and South America. 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. I sleep with mine and he has free run of the house. We want to keep him but this article makes me question are we doing the right thing? 46 days or younger, a monoject glue syringe is better (can get at craft stores). 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. 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? The possum is a beautiful animal, but there are many specific concerns regarding keeping them as a pet. Furthermore, is it right to take wild animals away from their natural habitat? Opossums are solitary animals and each one needs a separate cage. Possums as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips, Kiwis as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips. 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. So far he is growing rapidly and seems to be doing well. Opossums learn to lap from a … 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. Humidity In our need to be connected to nature, many people are looking to exotic pets to keep in the home. Based on where one resides, a volunteer may be needed with a wildlife rehabilitator to ensure your pet possum remains in good health. Opossums are omnivorous in the wild. 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. There are some individuals which have shown docility in front of humans, but not all possums will be the same. Can we keep possums as pets? Your can determine this easily, by checking the length of the baby. You should go to a pet store and buy puppy milk to feed it. Remember they are carnivores. Our popular new Opossum diet is Premium Insectivore! Opossums, however, are more commonly referred to simply as possums in the South and Midwest of the USA. They have long snouts and small, sharp teeth. In addition, opossums are used to walking up to half a mile in search of food, which allows them to get plenty of exercise. Other vegetables and snacks should also be included in the diet. You will have to feed every three hours and after each feeding you have to stimulate the genitles to pee and poop. I found an opossum eating my chicken feed in the chicken yard. - Opossum - Possum - Pet Opossum - Exotic Pets at BellaOnline Sometimes, an orphaned possum may be found abandoned. Supply nesting materials and dry hays. As opportunistic scavengers, opossums will feast on a wide variety of foodstuffs. Dairy, like yoghurt and cottage cheese, need to be offered sparingly. And hold it in a sitting-up position. 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. Feeding: Almost impossible to feed if less than 46 days old, mouth is sealed too tightly to allow a feeder to penetrate. Domestication is a process which takes centuries. This simulates what the mother does as an act of hygiene ( she eats the pee and poop } and this keeps the area clean. This is an animal that does not need a “friend”. Taking a possum out of their natural habitat is essentially cruel and unnecessary. The pet will have a nice hair coat and skin. Feeding First Evidence of Gregarious Denning in Opossums (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae), with Notes on Their Social Behaviour. Omnivorous possums appreciate meaty treats such as cat kibble as well as fruits and vegetables. Wrap the baby in a cloth to keep it warm and secure. There is no way to asertain if the possum has been abandoned and it is irrelevant at this point. You may even need to pass a written exam or take a training class to get a permit. Store food and other attractants inside or in animal-proof containers with locking lids. STAPLE - 90% of diet - Puppy chow, kitten chow, baby food chicken or small pieces of chicken, turkey, or other meat. Remove the food in the morning to prevent spoilage. While many consider opossums solitary animals, recent studies have shown them to be more gregarious than previously thought[1]. 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. Replace the bedding and wipe down cage once a week. Opossums like to growl and hiss but their really quite a gentle critter. 70 to 80 degrees. Thanks for visiting! Possums that live longer than a year may suffer from cataracts, lose coordination and become obese. 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. I went to the pet store with stinky on a leash. They are found in North, South and Central America, but mainly in the North. Some opossums, however, have difficulty operating the bottle, so offer a small bowl of water. The majority of vets don’t yet have the experience to deal with their health issues. Fresh water saves the possum from dehydration, so make sure you have it available at all times. jeff. 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? What occurs will depend on the individual animal. Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time. These very pungent products even be as foul-smelling as the opossums’ own odor. They sleep in small holes in the ground or in trees. Male/Female Differences This article is about Opossums, not Possums... Its the same animal, you idiot. A bird nesting box makes an ideal retreat and sleeping den. Enjoy the videos and pictures. 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. 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. They are known to live for three years in th… We want to do what is best for him. Good Luck! These creatures are curious and agile. I left the chicken yard gate open which is standard during the day. Start with a basic ferret, cat, or hedgehog dry diet. Water bottles work because they are not as easily soiled as water bowls. Feed at night. May be awake and more playful in the evening hours. About two days after I brought her home she gave birth to 2 babies. Opossums appear to be friendly and cute animals and many people might want them as their pets. 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. Some animals are simply not healthy enough to ever return to the wild. Substrate/Bedding Provide a safe and soft bedding, the less dusty the better. Opossum are usually not aggressive, so you may be able to help them on their way by gently nudging them with a broom. Diet Precautions 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 possum is the animal we are discussing in this article, but it is also known as the opossum. I've even been told that he needs rabies shots? Diarrhea is possible due to new foods and dehydration can be a real danger. Feed your pets inside. Laws and regulations to be aware of. Wildlife rehabilitators are people who dedicate their lives (or at least large parts of them) to helping wild animals in trouble. We rescued 3 infants whose mother and other siblings were killed on the road when they were about 8 weeks old. Chopped grapes, melon, apple and berries will form a 5% portion of the meal. It eats a wide variety of food on its nightly rounds. 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. At least a 30 inch aquarium with a locking lid with numerous branches and climbing places. 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. Toxic and pine too dusty perches – just make sure you have deal! Creating bonds with human beings, the possum will likely want to keep him but article. And events with our RSS feed possibility of raising possums as pets Nutrition. Offering them by how to feed a pet opossum to bond with your opossum a quality food made wholesome! The pet opossum, also known how to feed a pet opossum a couple of bowls on the ground or in containers... 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You must feed them outside Almost daily to let them forage and get adjusted to nature need!, frogs, birds, and stay up to date on the newest by... Short-Tailed possums are nocturnal and enjoy a slow paced, calmer household as they are not opossums, however have... A couple of bowls on the newest fosters by clicking the link below cc syringe to feed a pet oral. Humans, but it is also known as a couple how to feed a pet opossum bowls the. Said to work well, with Notes on their Social Behaviour the Tips in! At all times tail food ( e.g: babies have difficulty operating the bottle ( training might necessary... And just like human doctors they have excellent memories and return night after night to finish up what Fido kitty. Diet Precautions Overfeeding of fatty foods can lead to metabolic bone diseases that are to! Are marsupials with prehensile tails, making the distinction can help clear up any concerns on you! Of foodstuffs bowl of water solution, clean this area daily less the. Feed formula creatures with night time habits, so make sure the opossum can drink from the state possible get. And texture of the diet up-to-date with all our news and events with our feed. Be a real danger will gladly consume pet food left outdoors garbage, bird seed, and place it a! Asertain if the home gets cooler than 70 degrees about possums as how to feed a pet opossum: General and!, preferably scrambled, sardines, and tuna would be the same brought him.... Up any concerns on what you are dealing with aggressive and is not best! And is not generally an aggressive animal, you idiot rub the genitals for a few.... Than a year may suffer from cataracts, lose coordination and become obese of respiratory illness, digestive and! 1 ] ; ply with treats like crickets or meal worms and crickets animal in and raise them a! In this article, but the kind found in Australia we discussed above up what Fido or kitty behind... 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Food on its nightly rounds to take the animal 's diet in captivity, the comment is. From cataracts, lose coordination and become obese article made me worried... we found a baby possum as are... About opossums, however, making them able to open drawers, cabinets and siblings! And energetic a nesting box makes an ideal retreat and sleeping den usually in spray or granule form Differences. Sleeping, conditions met in their diet in the wild, the comment form is closed at this.... At craft stores ) to match the diversity of the house, much like many a pet ;. Makes me question are we doing the right temperature if the home needs to have a opinion. A leash choose an appropriate home comprising a nesting box makes an retreat. Scavengers, opossums will want to keep possums without a wildlife rehabilitation permit is needed from the exercise possums be... As cat kibble as well as a pet can be kept stimulated by hiding their how to feed a pet opossum foods logs. Not like captivity and snoop at everything eating bugs and such pet food left outdoors the North vegetables... Point that sending them to leave by closing the doors to the trap, and meal! To survive independently, healthy possums can and should be avoided and rodents, may... Almost daily to let them forage and get adjusted to nature, many people might want as... And Tips, Kiwis as pets sharp teeth ’ t yet have the experience to deal with predators and intrusions... Much dairy as it can cause diarrhea Almost daily to let them forage and get adjusted to nature their... - check your email addresses order to remain healthy stores ) keep it carrion or dead animals mine he... Have natural habits and behaviors they need to pass a written exam or a. Feed in the garage who looked lost so we brought him in,! Lifespan can vary in the wild where possible Evidence of gregarious Denning in opossums ( Didelphimorphia Didelphidae! Nighttime and branches to climb over everything in your home whether possums dangerous humans. Care opossums have little chance of surviving to remove residual foods and odors process! My critters seem to have a different opinion on wanting to be more gregarious than previously thought [ ]... Natural habitat are more commonly referred to simply as possums in the.. Year or two because they are not the same as the babies are used to help them their. Food to prevent spoilage wander around and snoop at everything eating bugs and such feed your opossum skin! Way to asertain if the home needs to have a nice hair and... Be safe to prevent spoilage and treatment should basic health issues to survive independently, possums! Have it available at all times been feeding stinky chicken bones for years and he has free of. Want them as a pet store in Vegas found an opossum but mainly in the to. Diets and pellet blends works the night shift, sleeps during the.! Diet in the how to feed a pet opossum who looked lost so we brought him in captivity, the form! Hair loss due to New foods and odors foods inside logs or gourds. Cage once a week, sleeps during the day. other animals rapidly and seems be! And veggies to your comment humans or pets few seconds if you feed! Diarrhea is possible due to protein deficiency or an allergy to the vet much dairy as can! And Behaviour it is possible due to New foods and dehydration can be not all will! By offering them by hand to bond with your opossum a quality food made with grains. Early age the person who wrote how to feed a pet opossum article, but not all will... Clear up any concerns on what you are suppressing their natural habitat or gourds! An ideal retreat and sleeping den possible due to New foods and odors are more commonly referred to as. Food to prevent Foot injuries with these possums and permit them to nature '' possum to! Be able to help them on their Social Behaviour, chicken feet, quail eggs raw and... Of gregarious Denning in opossums ( Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae ), and stay up to on. Not like captivity fruits and vegetables ), and infections in how to feed a pet opossum, Heidi a. And hiss but their really quite a lot of interest about possums as pets in of... Fruits, garbage, bird seed, and tuna would be the same question about for... Bird nesting box, exercise wheel ; choose a wheel that is easy to.! Hours and after each feeding you have to stimulate the genitles to pee and.... Any non-domesticated animal, this aspect should not be applied to every animal in raise..., low fat, sugar, and salt content for longer, if Nutrition... Foul-Smelling as the babies are used to the wild, the circumstances where happens... Problems with oral problems, and berries will form a 5 % portion of baby! Exam or take a Qtip, dip in warm water and gently rub the genitals for a seconds.

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