shorttail-jessica

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Short-Tailed Opossum Care

South American Short-tailed Opossums are a fairly new animal to the pet trade. They are about 6.5 inches long, and look kind of like a shrew. They are grayish-brown in color, and they live for about 8 years. It is important for them to have a temperature of about 75 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Temperatures lower than 70 degrees can cause death. Opossums are very solitary animals and should be kept alone. Even when breeding, the pair can be left together for no more than two weeks, and should be under constant supervision. Opossums can learn to use a litter box. They normally go to the bathroom in one specific corner of their cage, so all you have to do is put a small tupperware dish in that corner and fill it with bedding and they will use it.

Supplies

1. 10 gallon aquarium with tight, escape-proof screen lid
2. Water bottle
3. Bedding (I recommend Carefresh, as pine shavings can cause allergies)
4. Hideaway like a shoebox or straw "Roll-a-Nest"
5. Branches, rope or bird ladders to climb around on
6. 2 Feed dishes (one for cat food, one for moist foods)
7. Optional: small tupperware dish as litter box

Feeding

Opossums should be fed a high-quality cat food, along with fruits, veggies, and insects like crickets or mealworms.

Fruits: apples, peaches, grapes, oranges, bananas, etc.

Veggies: carrots, green beans, peas, etc.

Breeding

Opossums are usually sexually mature at about 5 months. To breed, put the male in the female's cage. Keep them together for no more than 14 days. Remember to remove any toys during this time to avoid distraction. After the male has been removed, give the female tissue paper to make a nest. The gestation period around 13-15 days. There about 4-16 joeys per litter. Their fur will grow in after about a month. They can be weaned after about 7-8 weeks. Female opossums can continue having litters until they are about 5 years old, while males are able to reproduce throughout their lifetime.