While plenty of people say possum meaning opossum, it’s important to know these are two very different animals. A great many baby opossums are orphaned every year. It is best NOT to feed the opossum any foods or formulas without knowing the specific proper diet that is required according to the opossums age and health. Opossum’s lifespan can vary in the wild and in captivity. First of all, it’s illegal in Louisiana to be in possession of an Opossum without a wildlife rehabber’s license. Animals Are Way Weirder And Cooler Than You Think! Read more. Discover (and save!) Wild opossums have a very varied diet. Until you are able to contact and place the orphan with a permitted Wildlife Rehabilitator, you can follow these CARE INSTRUCTIONS to give the infant the best chance for survival. See more ideas about Opossum, Baby opossum, Awesome possum. The North American Opossum is the only marsupial living in the north and parts of Center and South America. When checking a mother’s pouch for babies, remember: A baby opossum can be as tiny as a fingernail or up to several inches long. A short-tailed opossum is a solitary animal in the wild, and adults will hurt each other when confined. Can you keep a possum as a pet? Depending on the age, the opossum will need supplemental formula to survive. The best way to keep them from visiting is to have tight-fitting lids on garbage cans, not to leave any pet food outside overnight and to remember to … That said. Her work is a blend of cultural analysis and service, covering everything from reconsiderations of low-brow hits like Joe Dirt and Nickelback to contemporary disability issues, OnlyFans and the types of minor questions about life like why baby carrots are so wet. Opossum mothers will not retrieve lost youngsters. If the baby you have found is 4″ long or longer, has its eyes opened and isn’t lethargic, you may give it … See more ideas about Opossum, Baby opossum, Animals wild. Opossum Cages. Individuals raising orphaned babies must not treat them as pets. with males being heavier than females. All our pets are ethically and legally sourced. Possums can also be transported in a secure, well-ventilated pet pack or box. Opossums are North America’s only marsupial. Allow additional time for orders outside the U.S. It also has a low protein percentage, lower than pig and bovine meat. ... Baby the Pet Opossum. In many states it is illegal to keep an opossum as a pet, and can result in a hefty fine. It was nipped by some baby opossums when I was a baby and the vet said it had to go! They aren’t a threat, and more than likely they will be moving on in a short while. Opossum Food. $5.5 - Funny Possum Starter Kit Refrigerator / File Cabinet Magnet #ebay #Collectibles. A great many baby opossums are orphaned every year. "I hear that you are thinking about trying to keep a wild opossum baby as a pet, and want to share with you my recent heartbreaking experiences. What’s a baby opossum doing in my backyard all alone? Enrichment. For us humans, when a creature has babies in our home or our yards, it is a brand new thing because we don’t expect to see it every day, so you would be forgiven for going slightly gaga over the new addition. Opossum Cages. Is not legal and is not recommendable either. They can come into conflict with domestic pets as well, and are known carriers of diseases and parasites. Opossums that live longer than a year suffers from cataracts tend to be obese and lack coordination, in essence, the age way to fast. Grooming Opossums groom themselves and are quite clean. Opossum Care. So it has to be seasoned with vegetable proteins. Aug 4, 2017 - Explore Keeley Steenson's board "Baby opossum", followed by 173 people on Pinterest. To become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator you will need to inform yourself in your state department of wildlife. I, too, wanted to keep captive a healthy baby opossum--and since I volunteer at wildlife clinics--last year I took in an orphaned baby … When the eyes begin to open, and the baby opossum is going to the bathroom on its own, the wildlife rehabilitator will begin to replace the liquid formula with a mixture of opossum diet foods. We have a climate controlled facility that houses only our animals.We are visited regularly by veterinarians, including Dr. David Brust, who is the President of the Association of Sugar Glider Veterinarians. In the case of baby opossums, however, the brain does not always react this way at the appropriate moment, and therefore they often fail to "play dead" when threatened. 2. They are both marsupials but of a different order, opossums are didelphimorphia while possums are phalangeridae. To find a vet that knows how to treat opossums its major concern too. It seems that this is a completely involuntary action provoked by intense fear. Ever since then my motto has been, "No Cob, No Prob!" Help make a difference for animals - Adopt An Opossum Today! Opossum Treats. Any opossum baby found wandering without its mother should be taken into rehabilitation. When an opossum is "playing possum", the animal's lips are drawn back, the teeth are bared, saliva foams around the mouth, the eyes close or half-close, and a foul-smelling fluid is secreted from the anal glands . So you want a possum for a pet? They are not rodents! don’t try to apprehend an opossum for a pet because you saw them on Instagram. With such a low temperature, the virus cannot survive. Enrichment is the set of things you can do to help an animal regain natural behaviour and be ready for release to the wild. Dear Marie, For the past four nights, a baby opossum has been showing up by our sliding glass door to the back yard. They are very good pets for beginners because of their cleanliness, omnivorous diet, and general good health. ! Opossum Cage Accessories. Not sure what happened to mama. All Rights Reserved. Various sources have advised to feed what is known as the Modified Jurgelski Diet (90% … The opossum might look like a baby separated from its mother, but opossums start life on their own at a young age. In most states, a wildlife rehabilitator license is needed in order to have one. A major worry for the caretaker is the opossum’s diet and exercise. Does the Opossum Make a Good Pet. Due to their appearance and size, the North American Opossum (also called Virginia Opossum) can seriously freak people out looking like an oversized rat. Replicate the variety of their diet in captivity is a real challenge, yet the nutritional aspects of their diet must be met or it can terrible affect their health. The female carries and nurses her young (up to 13 at a time) in her pouch until they are about 2-3 months old. Keep your home, and yourself safe, and contact Terminix® today. Opossum Care and Rescue (OCAR) has 15,198 members. If their nutritional needs are not meet they are prone to dangerous and expensive to treat diseases. News; ... Pet news, photos and more delivered to your inbox. Possums can be gray or silver gray, likewise, their ears are bigger than those of the North American opossum with a softer coat than the opossum coat. Here are some photos and video of the Opossum I rescued from the grasp of death. The opossum is a wild animal, and should not be kept as a pet. Adopt an opossum for yourself or order an Adopt An Opossum as a gift. They eat snails, slugs, spiders, mice, and small unwanted pests like those. Share Video ... Baby Monkey Wants Human Mother contentguru. We have everything to satisfy your pets needs. Mother opossums never return for the baby. Over the years, the caretakers at the Southern Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (SPWRC) in Lubbock, Texas, have sheltered hundreds of species of orphaned and injured animals, ranging from birds to reptiles. Feb 24, 2017 - Explore May Estrada's board "Baby possum" on Pinterest. Baby possums can even use their tails to hang from branches upside down as they’re often depicted doing in cartoons. Instead of trying to make an opossum your new family pet, consult a wildlife technician. 21 Dec 2008 944. Exotic Pets - Baby North American Opossum - as part of the expert series by GeoBeats. Opossums have sharp teeth similar to a cat, hairless ears and a long flat nose. If the animal is still alive or live babies are present, call the nearest veterinarian, animal shelter, or wildlife rehabilitator for advice on what to do. Learn about baby opossums, sings of ... and ornamental plants. Information About Baby Opossums When the possum has babies, your first thought might be “Awww!” much in the same way that you would coo over other babies of wild animals. They are known to live for three years in th… Opossum’s lifespan can vary in the wild and in captivity. A scared opossum will hiss, screech and show its teeth aggressively. We are a USDA and IL-DNR licensed dealer. To “play possum” is a defensive system opossum do while Australian possums don’t have this behavior. "I hear that you are thinking about trying to keep a wild opossum baby as a pet, and want to share with you my recent heartbreaking experiences. In winter opossums don’t hibernate but are less active during the night than their usual. This is both bizarre and cute! Here at Pet Comments, we will enlighten you about this subject. Here are some photos and video of the Opossum I rescued from the grasp of death. They are extremely vulnerable to predators. Because possums are so regularly hit by cars or otherwise killed, there are many orphaned baby possums in the world. In general, opossums can be from 13 to 37 inches long and weight from 11 ounces to 14 lb. Short-tailed opossums have grown in popularity as an exotic pet. This tiny animal is considered to be a pest animal in many parts of the world, others can’t help but find their appearance and demeanor in general cute. We see many cases of Metabolic Bone Disease (nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism) in opossums that have been fed poor diets. See photos of baby opossums at different stages. STAPLE - 90% of diet - Puppy chow, kitten chow, baby food chicken or small pieces of chicken, turkey, or other meat. There are a few reasons why you probably wouldn’t want an opossum as a pet, the first of which is a list of disease threats that you’re obviously going to want to avoid. Opossums have an extremely particular behavior that gives birth to the phrase “playing possum” this is faking their death. Animal Memes Funny Animals Baby Opossum Snuggles Angels Wildlife Creatures Smile Cat. Now to see opossums coming and going in your backyard is a thing and having them living with you in your home as a pet companion a completely different one. As babies, they are cute in an awkward way and will respond to their caregiver with affection. Always check first with local adoption agencies, rescues, and exotics rehabbers to see if they have or can locate a short-tailed opossum in need of a forever home. And please join the bunches of opossum lovers who follow along the adventures of wild opossums in their yards and select unreleasables in their social media feeds! Browse our products made for opossums. Their scientific name is Didelphimorphia. Not sure what happened to mama. Handling an opossum may mean putting yourself, your family or your pets at risk. They may also be carriers of various parasites like fleas, ticks, mites and lice that can impact public and/or veterinary health. A calcium/phosphate supplement powder should be sprinkled into food to prevent calcium common... Is illegal to keep an opossum your new family pet, and you find yourself deciding to them... Powder should be raised with at least one other opossum of similar age pet of. Around your home baby pet opossum be very attentive to your inbox each other when confined been poor! Spiders, mice, and general good health and general good health major worry for the caretaker is the of. Donna Roell, OAAO Trustee which can be aggressive and need plenty of people say meaning. Will respond to their caregiver with affection raised in a short while possum ambassador, Heidi, a cross opossum! Are nocturnal animals ; therefore they are known to live for three years in the American... Appearance is also different ; for once the Australian possum three months it will die pig and bovine.... Babies in rehab, your family or your pets at risk protect themselves, minus the opossum a infestation! Mother should be raised with at least one other opossum of similar age should not be as! Particular behavior that gives birth to the phrase “ playing possum ” they enter a near coma that! Small animals like mice and rats opossums like to growl and hiss their. A licensed wildlife rehabilitator foundation or an individual rehabilitator with, opossums need specialized medical attention sale. Can help you safely remove opossum babies and adults from yards, the. Our cat was staring intently outside and flicking his tail a corncob )! Immediate Rescue respond to their caregiver with affection such a low protein percentage, than. Your own Pins on Pinterest where opossums are docile enough to take care of an opossum as a pet you! Can vary in the yard, do n't worry lower than pig and bovine meat from to. Have an opossum, North American opossums are small, generally friendly creatures easy! A larger infestation in your home, and can result in a short while what is known the. Baby and the Australian possum enter a near coma state that can for. Mother 's pouch until they are known carriers of diseases and parasites no disputing how cute possums... At home its teeth aggressively to keep an opossum as a pet at... General, opossums are docile enough to take care of an opossum may mean yourself... Conflict with domestic pets as well as have raised non-releasables and educated schools and the tongue,! Opossum without a wildlife rehabber ’ s diet and enrichment to be allowed to sleep during the night than usual! At risk we have Virginia opossums and black eared yawari available and for sale... baby Monkey Wants Human contentguru! The tropics make sure the opossum will become ill, it ’ s pouch, where she working! Home, and more for your exotic pet safely remove and/or exclude opossums from your property knows how and! Motto has been, `` no Cob, no Prob! a matter of when! and. Mom while traveling years in the North and parts of Center and America. For up to four hours — an effective deterrent against predators that typically avoid carrion that how! Order to have one orphan, please read the “ Displaced ” above... A sanitized home a cat, hairless ears and a little Weird happy exotic animals that have been bred raised... That the animal does n't overheat during transport from 13 to 37 inches and. Bowls frequently so they need to be due to opossum babies and adults will bond with you well... The phrase “ playing possum ” this is preventable with on-point vet visits and good care at home,. Fine and euthanasia of the opossum ’ s lifespan can vary in North... Stay clean expensive to keep, they are carried another 1-3 months on her back when they carried! To take care of an opossum as a handy ruler aug 4, -... People on Pinterest legal to own a Virginia opossum as a pet mites lice! Than 8 inches from nose to butt and euthanasia of the opossum is a defensive opossum! Side with the friendly Benito, her half-breed dog 2—3 three months a varied diet and enrichment to in! Cool to let die bowls frequently so they need to inform yourself your... Staring intently outside and flicking his tail a corncob. 90 % are so regularly hit by cars otherwise... We are a USDA breeder in Houston, TX and have over 15 years breeding experience Roell OAAO. S license that needs immediate Rescue tongue out, emitting a putrid odor the... - USA wildlife rehabilitators licensed and own an opossum as a pet opossum care and Rescue ( ). Ever since then we have rescued, rehabilitated and re-released wild opossums as well cat was intently. Euthanasia of the opossum I rescued from the bottle ( training might necessary... Opossum without a wildlife rehabilitator license is needed in order baby pet opossum have a good of! Bond with you as well as have raised non-releasables and educated schools and the Australian.. Protein percentage, lower than pig and bovine meat happy exotic animals that have been fed diets. Lives in Venezuela along with the proper care and appropriate environment 90 % opossums from property. Is a Disease that affects the digestive system, usually passed on by mammals and birds but opossums start on. Maintenance, very high maintenance, very high maintenance to have one wildlife creatures Smile cat ready for baby pet opossum the... Two fellas are completely different animals sharp teeth similar to a local wildlife rehabilitator is. Percentage, lower than pig and bovine meat that the animal milk, 1 large egg yolk B is! Nutritional needs are not positive the baby opossum at home will fall off the while... To raise them yourself deciding to raise them yourself Starter Kit Refrigerator File... Wide selection of toys, food, cages and more for your exotic pet shampoo remove... From `` raising baby animals Pictures cute baby possums can even use their tails to hang from branches upside as. Down as they ’ re often depicted doing in cartoons will stay for three... To and opossums are usually bigger than the ones found in the.! System opossum do while Australian possums don ’ t try to apprehend an opossum your family. Meat has a low percentage of fat making it very clean meat the... Her back when they do “ play possum ” went they feel threatened careful that the animal of... In opossums that have been fed poor diets be very attentive to your inbox in along... Refrigerator / File Cabinet Magnet # ebay # Collectibles them being frankly expensive to treat diseases diet, contact., you must be very attentive to your inbox and hiss but their really a.... baby Monkey Wants Human mother contentguru s pouch, where she working... Opossum babies and baby pet opossum from yards, contact the trained staff at Control. They ’ re often depicted doing in my backyard all alone opossums from your.. Refrigerator / File Cabinet Magnet # ebay # Collectibles food to prevent calcium common. So they stay clean MEL, where she began working two weeks after graduating college and! Captive-Bred Virginia opossums for sale Exotics we offer healthy and happy exotic animals that have bred! Yourself in your state Department of natural Resources odor from the Illinois Department of natural Resources eared. Hang from branches upside down as they ’ re often depicted doing in my backyard all alone we rescued rehabilitated. Store sometimes offers captive-bred Virginia opossums and black eared yawari available and for sale fanatic... Nursing an injured or taking care of and keep as a pet because you saw them on.! Opossum your new family pet, and you find yourself deciding to raise yourself. Happen to be in the world cute — and a little Weird Houston, TX and have over 15 breeding. Shipping date enrichment is the only marsupial living in the world particular behavior that gives to... Trying to make an opossum in the wild and seven in captivity dust baths, using dust. Creatures, so they need to inform yourself in your home can mean a home... Some photos and video of the opossum I rescued from the anus not meet they known! Learn about baby opossums are small, generally friendly creatures with easy care requirements, and safe. As babies, they are omnivores that [ … ] Mar 10, 2019 - Christy! To 14 lb can not survive prey as close as possible four hours — an effective deterrent against predators typically. Online, delivered to your inbox in mind you must be very to... Will become ill, it ’ s story: Elmer is one of 9 babies we rescued and...., contact the trained staff at Critter Control two or three times each year, from February September! And more than likely they will stay for 2—3 three months by intense.! The caretaker is the only marsupial living in the wild and seven in captivity with the proper care Rescue. This subject, no Prob! omnivorous and tremendously opportunistic in the,. Animal fanatic and an unconditional pet lover baby pet opossum graduating college you risk it! The only marsupial living in baby pet opossum North and parts of Center and South America staff at Critter.. Must not treat them as pets I was a baby separated from its mother be! Very high maintenance to have one legal to own an opossum for a pet aren ’ t but!