Do opossums make good pets?

Short-tailed opossums have grown in popularity as exotic pets over the past few years. They are very good pets for beginners due to their cleanliness, omnivorous diet, and general good health. These opossums are small, friendly creatures with easy care requirements—and they're cute!

Can you domesticate a possum?

People sometimes find orphaned possums and consider raising these cute animals as pets. It's illegal to keep them without a wildlife rehabilitation permit, though, and once they're old enough to survive on their own, healthy possums can, and should, be released.

Do possums like being pets?

But what about a possum? Usually, a possum does not come to most people's minds when they think about owning a pet. These are wild animals, so generally, they do not make the best pets and are not always legal to house. However, there are some species of possums that have done well as tame pets.

How hard is it to domesticate a possum?

Opossums can not only be housebroken, but they can be taught to come when they are called and to even sit on your shoulder as you walk around. With a little patience and a calm demeanor, you should be able to tame a pet opossum.

Can opossums be house trained?

Whether you've just adopted a short tailed or a Virginia opossum as a pet, you can train your opossum to use a litter box. Both opossum species are clean animals and both tend to choose designated areas to defecate and urinate. These qualities make litter box training easier to accomplish.

Why Opossums Make AWESOME Pets!

Do cats and possums get along?

Adult opossums and cats seem to have a mutual respect and leave each other alone. In general, opossums are docile, non-aggressive animals and will not attack your pets. They prefer to escape and avoid confrontations, if possible.

How do possums show affection?

“They do something we call 'sliming,' which is where they'll lick your skin and rub their head against you. It's a sign of affection, but it's an experience when, in the middle of the night, you're awakened by a big opossum licking your face.”

Can you make a baby possum a pet?

While they can be tamed, they cannot be domesticated like a cat or a dog. They truly make horrendous pets. don't try to care for an orphaned or injured opossum yourself. Rehabbers work as apprentices for a long time before they can get licensed on their own.

Can I keep a baby possum?

Do not attempt to care for the opossum yourself. In general, it is illegal to do so unless you are a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Are opossums gentle?

Opossums Are Gentle Wild Neighbors

Opossums are peaceful animals that prefer not to fight although they may hiss, growl, and even bite if cornered. It is much more likely that the opossum will faint or “play dead” at the prospect of a confrontation. This physiological response is involuntary and automatic.

Are possums smart?

Opossums Are Smart Critters

For one, they have a remarkable ability to find food and to remember where it is. When tested, opossums outscored rats, rabbits, cats, and dogs — but not humans. 2 They also can find their way through a maze more efficiently than rats and cats.

What states is it legal to own a possum?

You may be able to own a pet opossum in Colorado, Maine, Indiana, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, and North Dakota with a permit. In Missouri, you can keep an opossum as a pet, but the Virginia Opossum is considered a large carnivore, so large carnivore permitting is needed.

What is the difference between a possum and opossum?

Both possum and opossum correctly refer to the Virginia opossum frequently seen in North America. In common use, possum is the usual term; in technical or scientific contexts opossum is preferred. Opossum can be pronounced with its first syllable either voiced or silent . So cute.

What do you feed a pet possum?

The best way to ensure your Opossum is getting the proper nutrients is to feed them a quality pellet diet like Insectivore-Fare, supplemented with lots of fresh vegetables and occasionally meat, eggs, insects, or plain low-fat yogurt as an added protein source.

Do possums bite you?

Just like any scared animal, it's possible for opossums to bite in defense. If they feel cornered or threatened, opossums will use several escape strategies ranging from playing dead to hissing. Biting is rare, but people should avoid contact with all wild animals to eliminate the risk.

How big is a 3 month old opossum?

When baby opossums are born, they are as small as a bee and weigh in around . 10 to . 15 grams. By the time they're 3 months old, they will gain nearly 150 more grams, which is still very small and under a pound.

Do opossums carry diseases?

Opossums carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease. They may also be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments.

Do opossums like to cuddle?

Even now that she's older, her favorite things to do are cuddle, eat and sleep - opossums sleep over 18 hours a day, according to Rice.

What do possums hate?

Did you know possums hate the smell of garlic? That's right! So, you could consider crushing garlic pods and spreading them around the area. They even hate mothballs and can't stand the smell or sight of them.

Should you feed an opossum?

It is not advised to feed possums regularly. When possums have to forage for themselves and only get a small amount from you, it ensures they maintain a more balanced diet. The natural mixture of food for possums is predominantly native leaves with some flowers and small amounts of fruits and insects.

What do opossums do in the winter?

Though they don't hibernate, opossums do slow down during the winter. They live in burrows that they fill with dry leaves or even shredded paper, and fat reserves help keep them warm. In the summer, they will lick themselves and cover their fur in spit to keep cool, according to the Animal Diversity Web.

Do possums get along with dogs?

Problem: Will an opossum attack my pets? Solution: In general, opossums are docile, non-aggressive animals and will not attack your pets. They prefer to avoid confrontations.

Where do possums sleep?

Possums sleep in nests in hollow trees or dens inside caves, attics, and abandoned buildings on the ground. They don't like the light, so they usually find places that are well covered during the day to sleep. Typically, any place well-covered, safe from predators, and free will be perfect for a possum to sleep in.