cute. Short-Tailed Opossums will live for 4-6 years WITH PROPER CARE!!!! The body measures 8–16 cm in length, and the tail 4–8 cm. To change the entire substrate can be after 1-2 weeks or when needed (if you notice it has become too messy). Males can have a musky smell, but not really noticeable. If you must have two, get separate cages. Small rodents are quickly grabbed and dispatched with a bite to the head (Figure 12-8). Before thinking of travelling with your STO, think of getting a pet sitter or letting a family member or friend take care of him or her. When changing a meal or brand you have to do it slowly, a process that takes about 4 weeks as you are checking on your STO’s behavior and health. They will only use one side of the cage as a restroom. Anti-Pill Fleece– easier to clean, considered best by most people especially if you are using the critter nation cage. Read more details on using fleece. Why? Short-tailed opossum care advice. DO NOT put dusty bedding in this cage. DO NOT use scented detergents or any kind of softeners!!! We are a USDA breeder in Houston, TX and have over 15 years breeding experience. Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to outline the minimum standards of care for opossums (Monodelphis domestica). Browse our products made for opossums. It is up to you, but Breeders are recommended. You can also get an older STO if you want. Housing: A secure enclosure is strongly recommended as these animals are quite good at escaping. They are relatively tidy animals that use one portion of their enclosure for their toilet, so a small litter box can make cleaning easy. I will bring him to a vet but with this Coronavirus it’s tough plus I’m not sure how a vet would be able to pick him up to examine him. Bonding bags to carry your opossum in will help with the bonding process. The short, thick fur varies in color from gray to … Optionally, owners may provide a shallow dish in a corner for the STO to use as a litter box. High quality dry Cat food for adult STOs and High quality dry Kitten food for young STOs. For fleece, you can Machine wash and either sun dry or machine dry. Opossum Breeders. The grey short-tailed opossum is the only marsupial species so far proven to possess a trophectodermic syncytium (Zeller & Freyer, 2001). You can DIY or get the Zilla Fresh Air Screen Cover (make sure the measurements of this cover match your aquarium measurements). Based on Owners Experiences and Expert Recommendations. First, we will show you an image of the recommended item and its name. These opossums are from South America, and as New World marsupials, they are closely related to the Virginia opossum that is found in North America. Here is a video showing this substrate use: Brazilian Short Tail Opossum gathering nesting supplies in her tail, #8. Bigger the better. The general agreement however is a dry food that contains at least 30% protein, 9-13% fat, and up to 5% fiber. When you go looking to purchase a STO make sure to do your research on the breeder. List Of Animals Cute Animals Baby Opossum Baby Squirrel Pet Health Amphibians Pet Care … This has more ventilation than the Exo Terra. The gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) is a small South American member of the Didelphidae family of opossums. 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. Will he warm up if we give him alot of attention and listen when he opens his mouth at us to leave him alone? DO NOT use dryer sheets!! Individual adult animals (80-155 g) were maintained in modified single rat or guinea pig cages, although larger cages … A 10 gallon or larger aquarium with a secure lid or a narrow-mess wire cage work well. The gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) is a nocturnal South American marsupial that has been gaining popularity as a laboratory animal.However, compared to traditional laboratory animals like rats, very little is known about its behavior, either in the wild or in a laboratory setting. Description: Dense, short … Housing: A secure enclosure is strongly recommended as these animals are quite good at … Only 3-6 inches long. #1. When short-tailed opossum pets cannot be found locally, many breeders will agree to ship STO during periods of warm weather via airplane for an additional $130-150. And the 3 month baby opossum would eat it, but she did not regain her strength and continued to deteriorate. Put in cucumber chops, these will be a source of water (water bottles leak as you move). The opossum is used as a research model in science, [3] and is also frequently found in the exotic pet trade. STOs are very clean, curious, and make friendly pets. I had to go site to site to learn more, however, because each site would have never enough information. Where did you get your STO? Lifespan is about 5 years. STO’s are pretty hardy. I keep the opossums indoors. Fruit:oranges, apples, grapes or other ripe fruits or carrots can also be fed once a week, as should a variety of live insects such as crickets and mealworms. They also feed on rodents. Located in Dickson, TN. For shelter, they use tree cavities, brush piles, the dens of other animals, and even attics, sheds, and garages. Remember also that STOs are nocturnal and she or he may sleep throughout the journey. Both need the care of a vet and treatment should basic health issues arise. You can also get those bowls that you attach to the cage. Short-tailed opossums can be astonishingly quick when attacking live prey, and care needs to be taken when offering a mouse to an eager short-tailed opossum. Small Furry Friend is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Remove accessories and wipe them down with water and white vinegar mixed in a 50/50 ratio. Males are usually bigger than the females. Call/text 413-772-9497 for more info!! The ideal temperature for their enclosure should be 75 degrees to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. A solid bottom is also important. I prefer to give them a pouch to snuggle in as well. And they didn't tell them that a … They are clean, and do not really smell, however clean their cage at least once a week or when needed. Strips of Plain paper roll and fleece strips, Caring For Short-Tailed Opossums (What, when and How to feed your Sto), Caring for short-tailed opossums (cleaning their cage). (Short Tail Opossum) Taking Care of a Newly Purchased Young Opossum. Let me begin by clarifying… There is no such thing as a domesticated opossum. #6. 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Situation ( what, when and How to feed your STO in it and she/ he love! Sleep throughout the journey hair loss could be from that fighting/stress too can warm itself up we... Exotic pet are: Strips of Plain paper roll and fleece strips– STOs these! Enough clean water in his or her cage health Amphibians pet Care Pictures...