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A Baby Opossum: The greatest problem with a captive opossum, especially a young one, is food. It is difficult to maintain the perfectly balanced diet required to prevent the development of a disease similar to rickets. Opossums are not difficult to handle in captivity when properly housed and fed, and when not kept too long. An adult opossum does not become gentle but will tolerate handling. A baby opossum reacts much the same way. It is advisable to keep the creatures in captivity for short periods of time only, then liberate them in the area from which they were captured.
Meal worms—Essential to diet. If opossum refuses to take meal worms from fingers or a dish, put them in bread and milk mixture.
NOTE: Since the opossum is nocturnal and prowls during the night, it should be provided with some food for that time. It should also have something for activity. Provide it with a fresh bone from which all fat and most of the meat has been removed.
In wild state opossum is an omnivorous feeder, consuming anything of both animal and vegetable nature. Hold to restricted diet in captivity.
REQUIRES DAILY: Fruits—Offer any which are in season and those which opossum seems to prefer; in winter months give apples, bananas, and oranges. Greens—Offer variety of vegetables and their tops; must be fresh and clean. Milk—Essential to diet, liked by pet; use large Bottle and clean daily. Water—Must always be available. |
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