by Jessy Hudson

Created on: September 26, 2009   Last Updated: September 27, 2009

The two main types of opossums kept as pets are the Short-tailed Opossum and the Virginia Opossum. Although these animals are closely related, they have slightly different dietary needs.

Short-tailed Opossums are insectivores. Their diet should be high in protein and low in fat. There are one or two available brands of commercial Short-tailed Opossum food, but these may be difficult to find at your local pet store. In place of commercial food, you can successfully feed your pet using cat, ferret or even hedgehog food. The ideal nutritional value to aim for is generally 30% protein, 10% fat and up to 5% fiber.

Virginia Opossums, on the other hand, are naturally omnivorous. Unlike their short-tailed cousins, they should not be offered cat or dog food. If possible, they should be fed a varied diet including a zoo-quality omnivore food, which can usually be acquired through online ordering. Although Virginia Opossums will eat almost anything, a good omnivore food plays an important part in ensuring that they are receiving the proper levels of certain nutrients.

Plenty of healthy treats should be offered to both varieties of opossums in order to supplement their diets. Opossums will enjoy a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including cucumber, berries and apples. Feel free to try out different foods, to see what your opossum likes. If your pet refuses to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, some will respond better to baby food. In addition, small amounts of dairy products can be fed to an opossum, as long as they are low in fat. Some good choices are cottage cheese, low-fat mild cheeses and yogurt. Nuts can also be given to your opossum, but watch them closely to ensure they do not have an allergic reaction.

Opossums can also be given meats such as cooked egg or chicken, though beef and pork should be avoided as they have high levels of fats, which can cause digestive problems. Your pet will also enjoy insects, such as mealworms or crickets. When acquiring insects to offer to your pet, remember to only use those purchased at a pet store. Insects found in the wild or intended for use as bait can carry parasites and pesticides that can harm your pet.

Any variety of opossum should always have fresh water available. This is particularly important if you own a Short-tailed Opossum, as they are very prone to dehydration. Spending even a short time with an empty water dish can harm them greatly.

Certain additives may be included in your pet's diet and can be mixed into their regular food daily. Garlic juice has been shown to help keep away fleas and other parasites. Olive oil and flax seed oil can help keep their fur soft and shiny. Also, a few drops of apple cider vinegar can aid in digestion.

As both Short-tailed Opossums and Virginia Opossums are naturally nocturnal, it is best to feed them at night. Dry food can be left in the cage until it is eaten, but fresh foods should be removed after a short time in order to avoid spoilage. Regardless of what species of opossum you own, if given the proper nutrition these creatures can make wonderful pets whose company you can enjoy for years to come.

Resources:

www.knowyoursto.com

www.geocities.com/efexotics/virginiaopossum.html

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