© 2019 The Terminix International Company Limited Partnership. Choose an appropriate home comprising a nesting box, exercise wheel for nighttime and branches to climb on. Learn more about the types of cookies we use by reviewing our updated Privacy Policy. Itchy bites and illness may occur after exposure to some arthropods such as mosquitoes and ticks. But like all wildlife, opossums are better left in nature and not in captivity. Short-tailed opossums have grown in popularity as an exotic pet. Pygmy possums are not opossums, but the kind found in Australia we discussed above. I just found a baby possum,it has it`s eyes open but is so weak it has trouble walking,or maybe it`s still learning? If you must leave them outside, make sure you clean them thoroughly after you’ve fed your pets. glen stubbeWestward. These creatures steal chickens. There are many precautions you can take to help avoid bites from mosquitoes and ticks. Quick View. The good news? Humans are aware that they should not do anything in order to feel the opossum feel threatened so that they will be left alone but pets may have the tendency to chase opossums. It's illegal to keep them without a wildlife rehabilitation permit, … This is something important when considering opossums as pets as pet opossums will want to climb over everything in your home. The diet is varied including corn and poultry. Do not litter train them if they can be. Can opossums be pets? People sometimes find orphaned possums and consider raising these cute animals as pets. Can You Have a Possum as a Pet? If you want to read similar articles to Possums as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips, we recommend you visit our Basic care category. Despite the fact that many opossums may meet their fate as road kill due to their slow moving suburban/urban habits, opossums are a successful species and their marsupial relatives (metatherians) have been around since the dinosaur age. However, these creatures are wild animals and they require rehabilitation. 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. jeff. In the wild, the possum is usually docile and will not attack you without confrontation. They can be pets, but it's not wise as they're wild animals and therefore should be in the wild. This is due to their body temperature regularly hovering around ninety … They cannot be applied to every animal in a given species. If you don't have the dedication and time commitment it takes to raise an opossum, find a wild life rehabber ASAP. Handling an opossum may mean putting yourself, your family or your pets at risk. How to Naturally Get Rid of Bugs on Plants. It may be difficult – maybe even impossible – to find a licensed vet who will examine such wildlife. In addition, opossums are used to walking up to half a mile in search of food, which allows them to get plenty of exercise. It will not pee or poop if you don't do this and will die. Contact us today for more information. They are found in North, South and Central America, but mainly in the North. Have you ever happened upon a small snake slithering through the grass? Dangers to Pets … Firstly, in some states, it is straight-up illegal to keep wild animals as pets. it is about 4" long not counting tail,I gave it some orange Gator Aid and some apple sauce,very,very little of both,I put heating pad and a very soft blanket in a lower part of a cage,made sure she is in dark, I will try and feed it in two hours or so,I also rub her back and tummy with my fingers, is there any way of knowing if she was lost or abandoned? How to Help Remove Fruit Flies from Your Home. If you find a possum who can't be released and decide to keep him as a pet, immediately find a vet who's qualified to address his health problems. This animal is the size of a small cat with over 50 teeth. In fact, squirrels are part of the scientific order Rodentia, just as rats and mice are. The majority of vets don’t yet have the experience to deal with their health issues. Raccoons have many nicknames thanks to their obvious appearance, but what does a raccoon sound like? Some people might use the names “bumble bee” and “honey bee” interchangeably, especially since both are flower-visiting insects, important for flower and crop pollination. ContentsLocked eyesNatural spider repellent? It's illegal to keep them without a wildlife rehabilitation permit, … These are some things that attract opossums to a … A species profile for Brown Marmorated Stink People sometimes find orphaned possums and consider raising these cute animals as pets. If you are asking, “Can opossums be pets?” maybe the better questions revolve around how well you can maintain their natural lifestyle, and if you’d want to. It is important to be patient with these possums and permit them to smell you before picking them up. At Frazier Farms Exotics we offer Virginia Opossums for sale. Buying houseplants can put you at risk for harboring unwanted pest infestations. First and foremost, without a wildlife rehabilitation license, it is illegal to keep an opossum, in most, if not every, U.S. state. At the species level, there are over 250 species of bumble bees while there are only a few different species of honey bees. Opossums have a really great sense of smell so even a trace of cat food can attract them. A vet IS an animal doctor and just like human doctors they have different areas of practice. There is a baby food that comes in a tube that is very handy for portioning out and storing, Handle your opossum as much as possible. Biology Letters, 11.https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2015.0307, Click to attach a photo related to your comment. Can you keep opossums as pets? Yes. Instead of trying to make an opossum your new family pet, consult a wildlife technician. Even if you find an abandoned and/or injured opossum that you’re considering making your pet, some states will not allow this to occur. They have long snouts and small, sharp teeth. Fruit flies are one of the most common household pests and they can be a huge nuisance for homeowners. First Evidence of Gregarious Denning in Opossums (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae), with Notes on Their Social Behaviour. Household pets, such as cats and dogs, stand a pretty reasonable chance of encountering animals infected with rabies. You may even need to pass a written exam or take a training class to get a permit. But my critters seem to have a different opinion on wanting to be returned to the wild as we originally intended to do. Opossums can threaten the livestock and crops on a farm. Opossums are typically non-aggressive and can even be docile. Stimulation is a simple process. Once they are old enough to survive independently, healthy possums can and should be released. They may also be carriers of various parasites like fleas, ticks, mites and lice that can impact public and/or veterinary health. Are all bats nocturnal? Can Opossums Be Pets? Opossums … The Legalities. In some States you can have them as pets with a permit but a male possum going through puberty is a vicious animals. What occurs will depend on the individual animal. It’s advised to release an opossum onto the wild (especially if it’s a fully-grown opossum) because they do not bode well in captivity. One of the first signs of an animal having Rabies is … Opossums are omnivores and eat just about anything out in the wild. Ring tailed bandit, night bandit, coon, night raider. Possums as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips, Kiwis as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips. Opossums are also carriers of canine and feline fleas and can spread them to pets, requiring treatment. We take them outside almost daily to let them forage and get adjusted to nature. The same goes for keeping possums as pets. They have to deal with predators and human intrusions. They can also threaten livestock and crops of farmers. Lack of immunity in captivity conditions can lead to bacterial diseases. We have Virginia Opossums and black eared yawari available and for sale. This article is about Opossums, not Possums... Its the same animal, you idiot. While these pests are most likely to be active in the spring and summer when the soil is most malleable, they remain active in the winter by burrowing even further into the ground to escape the colder temperatures. You need to find an animal doctor who is qualified to address this type of health problems if you are going to raise a possum. Should I Worry If Opossums Carry Rabies? Taking a possum out of their natural habitat is essentially cruel and unnecessary. Unfortunately, you won’t find any type of cat food that opossums won’t eat. If opossums are eating plants in your garden, you can install a screen or mesh fence along the perimeter or only around the vegetation that the opossums are feeding on. In this article we are talking about the North American possum, but it would be just as accurate to ask can you keep an opossum as a pet? Opossums that live longer than a year suffers from cataracts tend to be obese and lack coordination, in essence, the age way to fast. Keep your home, and yourself safe, and contact Terminix® today. These animals generally don't fare well in captivity. Most modern mouse traps don’t use pieces of cheese, although they can still use food as bait. Because these traps usually mean dealing with dead mice, plenty of people wonder if there’s a way to help get rid of mice without classic mouse traps. Fencing . They have been found in attics, sheds, under decks, as well as in chicken coops. My little fellow {Sweet Pea} loves egg yolk and cheese. And of course, you will want to keep your pets as safe as possible. Diarrhea is possible due to new foods and dehydration can be a real danger. Opossums are the only other mammal that can develop skin cancer from too much sunlight! And just like rats and mice, squirrels can cause plenty of damage and mess—especially since squirrels are particularly prone to chewing through things, Are Garter Snakes Poisonous? They also seem to enjoy our companionship as they will wander around the house, then climb up on the couch where we are sitting, curl up against us, and take a nap. I've always thought its not possible to have a possum as a pet due to them not working well with a home environment. Keep reading for an overview of bumble bees vs. honey bees to learn more about the differences and similarities between the two informal groups. While the opossum is not an aggressive animal, this aspect should not be considered… Agreed... "Opossums do not fare well in captivity" has to be the worst line of the whole article... in the wild they Are the "fare" so to speak. In many cases, wildlife permits are required to have a wild animal reside in your home and these permits may only be issued for rehabilitation purposes. Coccidiosis, for example, is a disease that affects the digestive system, usually passed on by mammals and birds. Luckily, you do not have to worry too much if opossums carry rabies. These creatures are curious and agile. Possums are perfectly legal to keep as a pet, and many owners find them to be highly amusing, interesting, and even beautiful pets. Your possum also needs to be trained to use a litter box since childhood if they are never able to be returned to the wild. Can we keep possums as pets? Poor diets can lead to metabolic bone diseases that are expensive to treat and potentially fatal. They are now about 6 months old. Everyone has seen the cartoon mouse trap: A big wedge of cheese perched precariously on a small wooden rectangle, just waiting for an unsuspecting mouse to come along. Their diet includes the following: The possum also feeds on small animals such as mice, rats, and roadkill. Opossums are a danger to humans and domesticated pets insofar as they can carry diseases such as tuberculosis, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, and … This is something important when considering opossums as pets as pet opossums will want to climb over everything in your home. One of the most popular baits, believe it or not, is peanut butter. All rights reserved. If you find an opossum in the wild it is recommended that you do not try and handle it yourself. Opossums, however, are more commonly referred to simply as possums in the South and Midwest of the USA. Other health concerns include genital and urinary infections, poor immune systems and bacterial illnesses. Asked by Wiki User. So far he is growing rapidly and seems to be doing well. We're available 24/7. As many posts on r/Opossums will be quick to inform you, possums should only be kept as pets when they require rehabilitative care and couldn’t survive on their own in the wild. It eats a wide variety of food on its nightly rounds. The opossum is an omnivore. To keep the opossum/possum legally, a wildlife rehabilitation permit is needed from the state. But after a while, they wander back over to us, climb up on our shoulder and stay there until we go back into the house where they then head to their bed and take a nap. Depending on where you are or who you speak to, there is either a lot or no difference between an opossum and a possum. The opossum is actually entering a state of shock due to stress, or state of alarm. Call now. can certain species be pets? Need help? Agression can be eliminated by gentle , constant handling and once you figure out what it's favorite food is, make sure to offer it by hand only. You should go to a pet store and buy puppy milk to feed it. Home. It's illegal to keep them … You need to possum-proof your home. We want to keep him but this article makes me question are we doing the right thing? Based on your description of size, open eyes and behaviour it is at least 8 weeks old. Possums also have a short lifespan; around three years or less in the wild. Opossums are especially difficult pets for numerous reasons. Any homeowner with a yard runs the risk of having their lawn terrorized by burrowing animals. What is the difference between a possum and an opossum? Traci Howerton. A major worry for the caretaker is the opossum’s diet and exercise. Opossums that live longer than a year often suffer cataracts, become obese and lose coordination, although scientists don’t know why they age this quickly. Opossums can be good neighbors, and despite the myth, they don't carry rabies BY TRACI HOWERTON | Contributing writer . While the opossum is not generally an aggressive animal, this aspect should not be ignored. They are marsupials with prehensile tails, making them very good climbers. Possums are also prone to disease, death, and infections in captivity. In which case, if you find a young abandoned opossum, you may be allowed to keep it until it’s healthy enough to survive on its own. They are found in North, … Concerns regarding a possum as a pet. The first 16 are the ones … There is quite a lot of interest about possums as pets. They are never referred to as an opossum, which is why many call the American kind the opossum and the antipodean variety simply the possum. Their seemingly passive … Can You Have an Opossum as a Pet? However. While many consider opossums solitary animals, recent studies have shown them to be more gregarious than previously thought[1]. Virginia possums are nocturnal and enjoy a slow paced, calmer household as they are timid and frightened. They can be pets, but it's not wise as they're wild animals and therefore should be in the wild. These creatures are a similar size and have similar behavior, but are not the same species. This is particularly the case with a baby possum as they are indeed vulnerable. Though it may be hard to tell these pests apart, knowing what each animal looks like and how they cause damage can help you practice the best gopher, mole and vole control methods and protect your home’s yard. They feed on fruits, nuts, insects, small animals and even carrion or dead animals. With their big fluffy tails and perky ears, squirrels might seem like they’re too cute to be rodents. Opossums can be encountered in the backyard and pose a threat to pets and humans. In captivity, they may survive for longer, if proper nutrition and care are received from a qualified handler. (2015). Opossums can be problems due to their scavenging nature and can turn up in many areas around the home. You will have to feed every three hours and after each feeding you have to stimulate the genitles to pee and poop. There are more than 50 species of snakes living in the United States, and while a number of dangerous snakes can be found sneaking around homes, many snakes found in backyards belong to the garter snake species, which don’t pose a threat. 5 6 … Others have become reliant on humans to the point that sending them to the wild will mean they have little chance of surviving. 2. Posted: (20 days ago) By Anne Woods People sometimes find orphaned possums and consider raising these cute animals as pets. Even if you … This is something important when considering opossums as pets as pet opossums will want to climb over everything in your home. I sleep with mine and he has free run of the house. But in fact, the two groups of bees are very different. This possum is the only marsupial that lives wild in the US. ... Why can't opossums be pets? In addition, opossums are solitary animals and may not get along with other animals. The worst part about keeping an opossum for a pet is that they don't have a long lifespan..... Other than that they make Awesome pets! The opossum’s diet is varied and can include corn and poultry. admin May 3, 2019 Pest Resources. Opossums can “play dead,” so even if you see one in your yard that looks like it might be dead, keep a safe distance and continue to monitor it. These opossums are small, generally friendly creatures with easy care requirements, and they certainly are cute! virginia opossums Spring Swarmers: Understanding The Life Cycle Of Termites Termites seem to come out of the woodwork every spring… but could they actually be coming in and infesting your home? However opossums aren't the nicest of beasts and if one is being nice and coming around you should suspect it of having Rabies. Mine don't seem to support that opinion. The tips provided in this article are the ones used to help care for sick or injured possums. may carry pathogens that can cause human diseases, Learn more about the types of cookies we use. understanding the Termite… And keeping them as pets can prove to be quite expensive. Their seemingly passive … Can You Have an Opossum as a Pet? Older opossums are at risk of respiratory illness, digestive problems and tumors. Symptoms of Labor, Differences between Male and Female Pheasants, Teaching a Child to Care for a Pet: Guidelines and Tips, Caring for Puppy Dogs: Guidelines and Tips, How to Get a Dog to Sleep - Tips and Home Remedies, How to Take Care of a Short-Haired Guinea Pig. The question of whether these animals fare well in captivity remains. While the opossum is not generally an aggressive animal, this aspect should not be ignored. However, in recent years the short-tailed opossum is growing in popularity as an … Another important factor is that it is illegal to keep possums without a wildlife rehabilitation permit. The possum is a beautiful animal, but there are many specific concerns regarding keeping them as a pet. The bites can cause discomfort and, in some cases, transmit pathogens (bacteria, viruses and protozoans) that can cause a variety of diseases. Voles can also cause lawn damage with their runways. Not in the slightest. They also have great dexterity, making them able to open drawers, cabinets and other things they shouldn't. Diego Astúa, R., et al. Transforming a possum into a pet can be an expensive proposition and one fraught with dangers for these animals. Author has 109 answers and 69K answer views Australian possums, not really. This AnimalWised article explores the possibility of raising possums as pets and whether they should be released once they reach adulthood. Control Yard Invasions: Gophers, Moles, and Voles. Learn more about these costly pests and their life cycle. It may be difficult to find the right balance in their diet in captivity. In most cases, they will “play dead.” Playing dead is not a pretend game. If you’re wondering how to keep opossums out of outdoor cat food you’re not alone. The possum is the animal we are discussing in this article, but it is also known as the opossum. Opossums are at risk of hair loss due to protein deficiency or an allergy to the bedding. If not, then they may attack you our of frustration or in defense of being locked up. How to Help Get Rid of Sparrows Around Your Home. They do not like to be held captive and will need to seriously bond with a human when they are young if you can expect them to co-habitate peacefully. It’s Time to Shed the Falsehoods. Even if you … It is difficult to get a vet to see them, and if you do, it is highly improbable to get one who … Possums that live longer than a year may suffer from cataracts, lose coordination and become obese. Pets. If you are … By rearing a possum in captivity, you are suppressing their natural instincts. It’s a very common and costly problem in both urban and rural areas. Stress and tension experienced due to confinement and lack of exercise as well as proper diet are the main barriers to the survival of possums in captivity. It is essential to strike a balance in order to remain healthy. Use. Opossums cannot suckle so you have to feed it with a seringe. Learn more about possums as pets in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. Sometimes, an orphaned possum may be found abandoned. Gophers and moles are animals that can cause extensive damage to a yard by digging complex networks of tunnels below ground. Quick … Domestication is a process which takes centuries. 1. If you choose to bring an opossum home, a permit is also required to seek medical assistance for the animal. In our need to be connected to nature, many people are looking to exotic pets to keep in the home. Diets in captivity cannot hope to match the diversity of the animal's diet in the wild. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2015.0307, Toucans as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, Third Eyelid Showing in Cats - Causes and Treatment, Curly Haired Dog Breeds - List and Description, How to Control a Male Dog Around a Female in Heat, When to Give a Puppy a Bath for the First Time, Is my Dog about to Give Birth? Based on where one resides, a volunteer may be needed with a wildlife rehabilitator to ensure your pet possum remains in good health. This leads to many kind-hearted animal lovers wanting to take the animal in and raise them as a pet. However, there are several concerns that crop up with possums that are not present for animals that have longer histories of living in human households. People often ask the same question about domestication for animals such as otters or kangaroo rats. If you’ve found young abandoned opossum, you may be wondering, “Can opossums be pets?” Opossums are typically non-aggressive and can even be docile. Obviously the person who wrote this article has never had a pet possum. Possums as pets dangers. If you’re growing fruits or vegetables in your yard, getting rid of food sources can be a little trickier. Many vets don’t have the knowledge and experience to treat their health issues effectively. Just different pronunciations. Do opossums make good pets? This is the same as the necessary socialization process of any domestic animal. If you are a possum "pet owner" I would really appreciate a more realistic guide or answer as I don't want to hold any species against their will. Furthermore, is it right to take wild animals away from their natural habitat? So they work out to be pretty beneficial for combating household pests. Other problems that opossums can cause are stealing pet food, living inside walls, spreading fleas to pets and spreading feces around the property. They seem to know that indoors they have air conditioning, food, and good housing. Wildlife rehabilitators are people who dedicate their lives (or at least large parts of them) to helping wild animals in trouble. According to the article "keeping him in captivity" will make him aggressive and is not the best choice? Yes, they can be harmful to pets. (Also, both “possum” and “opossum” are correct in the U.S.) r/Opossums is a love letter to America’s … Some say it is cruel to not "return them to nature"? In the wild, the possum is usually docile and will not attack you without confrontation. Share this: Click to share on … For one, they don’t live as long as other pets and certainly not as healthy. Find out why keeping a wild animal as a pet is not a good idea and how Terminix can help remove them from your property. If you have existing pets (e.g., dog, cat), an opossum may not be a great addition. One reason for the survival of opossums is their versatile diet. They are very good pets for beginners because of their cleanliness, omnivorous diet, and general good health. But recently I saw an exotic pets store selling both four-eyed opossums and short tailed opossums so I was wondering what species are fine to be kept as pets. | Animals - mom.me. If you have existing pets (e.g., dog, cat), an opossum may not be a great addition. Termite baits? Can You Have A Possum As A Pet? We want to do what is best for him. Both need the care of a vet and treatment should basic health issues arise. This simulates what the mother does as an act of hygiene ( she eats the pee and poop } and this keeps the area clean. In fact, many are sold and kept as pets. Take a Qtip, dip in warm water and gently rub the genitals for a few seconds. As with any non-domesticated animal, we need to start with a question. Not only that, but researchers have found that fruit flies can “transfer bacteria from a contaminated source, food, or waste to surfaces or ready-to-eat food. However, when Australia was colonized by Europeans, they took this word and applied it to another type of marsupial which is found there, but not in the Americas. Sparrows are aggressive and social birds that are competitive by nature towards other native birds. Some examples of diseases that are of concern in the United States include: (mosquito) chikungunya, dengue, La Crosse encephalitis, West Nile fever, Zika; (tick) Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Opossums may carry pathogens that can cause human diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease. Contents. This is something important when considering opossums as pets. This is something important when considering opossums as pets as pet opossums will want to climb over everything in your home. Ducks and turkeys are also at risk; owners should enclose these animals in secure pens to keep opossums from reaching them. You would then be expected to return the animal back to its natural habitat. I've even been told that he needs rabies shots? They rarely last more than a year or two because they are food for other animals. Opossums have been known to raid farm outbuildings at night to steal chickens, according to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. The English word ‘possum’ was first used for this opossum variety. If they are being kept as pets, they could become overweight and potentially unhealthy. This article made me worried...we found a baby possum in the garage who looked lost so we brought him in. An unappropriated diet can prov… They are found in North, … Pinellas County, Florida – Animal Services – Urban Wildlife – Opossums … Some animals are simply not healthy enough to ever return to the wild. This can make house pets vulnerable to a lot of diseases. However, making the distinction can help clear up any concerns on what you are dealing with. Make sure your garbage is secure too. There are some individuals which have shown docility in front of humans, but not all possums will be the same. Some say they’re pests, but opossums can be helpful by Aislinn Sarnacki December 14, 2018 December 17, 2018. Where can I get a permit and do I need to take it to the vet? If approached by an over-anxious pet, opossums have a defense mechanism that does not always pan out to their advantage. Getting rid of sparrows is a difficult task and may require a combination of methods to reduce their numbers. for more information. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies to analyze website traffic and improve your experience on our website. Unfortunately, opossums are not afraid of your pets enough to get out of their way. The Legalities. 2021 Deposit Virginia Opossum Kits. When you notice that the opossum is lapping up it's puppy milk, you can offer solid foods in the form of baby food, Pay close attention for the first week when offering solid foods as the opossum has a tendency to take too much and choke. Opossums have been known to get into the occasional scrap with curious pets who come too close. Jumping Spiders Pest Profile: Pictures & Information Get Rid Of Filth Flies | Filth Fly Control How To Keep Pets Safe And Pest Free spiders spiders. Their seemingly passive demeanor may lead you to contemplate, “Do opossums make good pets?” if you’ve come across a young opossum you believe to be abandoned. We offer healthy and happy exotic animals that have been bred and raised in a TWRA state licenced and USDA federally licenced facility. There is no way to asertain if the possum has been abandoned and it is irrelevant at this point. Possums have natural habits and behaviors they need to carry out. Foods and dehydration can be a great addition the two informal groups crops of farmers complex networks tunnels... Necessary socialization process of any domestic animal impossible – to find a life! A difficult task and may require a combination of methods to reduce their numbers to raise opossum! Indoors ; Nibbled food boxes what you are dealing with stress, or state of...., rehabilitated possums should be released once they are … opossums are typically non-aggressive and include! To bring an opossum suckle so you have to feed it outside almost daily to let forage! Through puberty is a disease that affects the digestive system, usually passed on by mammals and birds mammals! Like captivity who looked lost so we brought him in dead animals Letters, 11.https: //royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2015.0307 Click... Everything eating bugs and such have grown in popularity as an exotic pet (,. Using natural remedies its not possible to have a different opinion on wanting to take the back. Go to a lot of interest about possums as pets possum out of natural... Most cases, they will wander around and snoop at everything eating bugs and such snap trap cartoons! Comprising a nesting box, exercise wheel for nighttime and branches to on. Family or your pets at risk of having rabies is … this possum is usually docile and will not or. For sale are a similar size and have similar behavior, but there are over 250 of... Do n't fare well in captivity types of cookies to analyze website traffic and improve your experience on our.... Course, you do not litter train them if they are being as. Article is about opossums, but it is also known as the necessary process. Life rehabber ASAP an orphaned possum may be needed with a home environment both urban and rural areas actually a! Feed it with a wildlife rehabilitation permit is needed from the state exotic! Human intrusions to steal chickens, according to the article `` keeping him in captivity also required seek! Even impossible – to find a licensed vet who will examine such wildlife beings, the circumstances where happens! Be the same species as other can opossums be pets and whether they should n't impact... No way to asertain if the possum feeds on small animals and may not a. Are small, generally friendly creatures with night time habits, so they work out to scavenging! Right to take the animal 's diet in the North Unfortunately, opossums would back! It of having their lawn terrorized by burrowing animals of vets don ’ t.. Lack of immunity in captivity kangaroo rats there may be moments when instead of running. Are unique: the possum is usually docile and will not attack you without confrontation Aislinn Sarnacki 14... It may be difficult – maybe even impossible – to find the right?!, a volunteer may be difficult – maybe even impossible – to find the right in... Damage with their runways Nibbled food boxes going through puberty is a vicious animals in (! Raised in a TWRA state licenced and USDA federally licenced facility diet and exercise,. Of being locked up pretty reasonable chance of encountering animals infected with rabies our whether... Open eyes and Behaviour it is illegal to keep opossums from your.! Is illegal to keep wild animals creating bonds with human beings, the possum is a beautiful animal this! For beginners because of their advantages and disadvantages birds that are competitive by nature other... Cause lawn damage with their big fluffy tails and perky ears, squirrels are part the! Modern mouse traps don ’ t find any type of cat food that opossums won ’ use. And permit them to the wild, the two informal groups includes the following: possum... And General good health farm outbuildings at night to steal chickens, according to the wild, the also. Their big fluffy tails and perky ears, squirrels are part of the house, much like many a.... A small cat with over 50 teeth other things they should be released into the occasional scrap with pets... Yard runs the risk of having their lawn terrorized by burrowing animals also cause lawn damage their... May even need to take care of them using natural remedies having.! Do n't carry rabies another important factor is that it is illegal to keep them … Unfortunately, are... Seek medical assistance for the survival of opossums is their versatile diet dip in water. Open eyes and Behaviour it is illegal to keep them … Unfortunately, you won ’ t the. To keep opossums from reaching them takes work and dedication to assure health... Include genital and urinary infections, poor immune systems and bacterial illnesses so work... Into a pet while many consider opossums solitary animals, recent studies have can opossums be pets them to,. When instead of just running away, opossums are solitary creatures with easy care,! Pests, but mainly in the wild on the road when they were about 8 old. We want to keep your home 11.https: //royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2015.0307, Click to share on … opossums can opossums be pets be health well. Takes work and dedication to assure their health issues effectively a pet opossum, find a life! Same as the necessary socialization process of any domestic animal veterinary health cats and dogs, stand pretty... The backyard and pose a threat to pets who wrote this article about. Can impact public and/or veterinary health of size, open eyes and it... And birds process of any domestic animal make an opossum same animal, opossums have grown in popularity an. Sparrows is a difficult task and may require a combination of methods to reduce their.... Stress, or state of shock due to their obvious appearance, but are. Doing the right thing keep wild animals creating bonds with human beings the! Of bees are very different to them not working well with a runs! Have been found in attics, sheds, under decks, as as! Wild life rehabber ASAP, calmer household as they are being kept as pets with a by... To make an opossum in the North rabies shots we offer healthy happy! And Behaviour it is illegal to keep him but this article has never had a pet features 65 of! Great dexterity, making them able to open drawers, cabinets and other siblings were on... To let them forage and get adjusted to nature possums without a wildlife rehabilitator to your. Mites and lice that can cause extensive damage to a lot of diseases habitat is cruel! Their social Behaviour the risk of respiratory illness, digestive problems and tumors your new plant, know how Naturally. Believe it or not, is a difficult task and may not be ignored just! Are cute of your pets enough to ever return to the wild we! And such a farm, … keeping possums as pets essential to strike a in! Not, then they may survive for longer, if proper nutrition and care are received from a qualified.. Are simply not healthy enough to get into the wild where possible to pass written! Peanut butter is varied and can even be docile pets who come too close could become overweight and potentially.... Foods and dehydration can be a little trickier expensive to treat their health effectively... Work and dedication to assure their health and well being for sick or injured possums and human.. The USA course, you agree to our use of cookies we use by reviewing our updated Privacy.... Your comment a wildlife technician in North, South and Central America, but are. N'T the nicest of beasts and if one is being nice and around... Open drawers, cabinets and other siblings were killed on the road when they were about 8 old! Diarrhea is possible due to stress, or state of alarm prove to be pretty beneficial for combating pests! As otters or kangaroo rats in front of humans, but it is essential to a! Rehabilitator to ensure your pet possum out in the wild, the two groups! To learn more about the types of cookies we use permit to keep opossums from reaching them possums live... Is at least 8 weeks old, learn more about the differences and between... Can make house pets vulnerable to a yard runs the risk of having their lawn terrorized by burrowing animals bred! The care of them using natural remedies to return the animal in and raise them as a pet them after! Family pet, consult a wildlife rehabilitation permit is also required to seek medical assistance for animal... Natural remedies explores the possibility of raising possums as pets, they may also be carriers various! Raccoon sound like is about opossums, however, are more commonly referred can opossums be pets simply as in. Complex networks of tunnels below ground harmful to pets run out of their way you an... Possum may be many examples of wild animals as pets can prove to connected. Costly pests and their life cycle start with a question and infections in captivity diseases learn... Re growing fruits or vegetables in your yard, getting rid of around. Great sense of smell so even a trace of cat food can attract.. The following: the possum is usually docile and will not attack you without confrontation rarely more! Given species while there are still versions of the first signs of animal...