Quick Answer
Opossums can be kept as pets, but it's a challenging and specialized endeavor that requires expertise and dedication. They have specific dietary, environmental, and social needs that must be met to ensure their health and well-being. In many places, opossums are protected by law, so check local regulations before attempting to keep one as a pet.
Handling and Capturing Opossums for Pet-Keeping
When capturing opossums for pet-keeping, it’s essential to handle them carefully and humanely. Opossums are nocturnal, so they’re most active at night, and handling them during this time can be challenging. Use a secure, escape-proof enclosure or trap, and approach them slowly and calmly to avoid startling them.
Diet and Nutrition for Captive Opossums
Captive opossums require a balanced diet that includes a mix of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and commercial opossum food. A diet rich in calcium is crucial to support their bone growth and development. A good starting point is to provide 1/4 cup of commercial opossum food per pound of body weight per day, supplemented with fruits and vegetables. For example, a 5-pound opossum would require 1 cup of commercial food per day, plus additional fruits and vegetables.
Environmental and Social Requirements
Captive opossums require a spacious, escape-proof enclosure that provides ample space for activity and climbing. The enclosure should be well-ventilated and maintained at a temperature range of 50-70°F (10-21°C). Opossums are solitary animals and should be kept alone, as introducing them to other opossums can lead to stress and aggression. A minimum enclosure size of 2x4x4 feet (60x120x120 cm) is recommended, with a depth of at least 2 feet (60 cm) to allow for digging and burrowing.
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