General Information:
The short-tailed opossum is not uncommon within the exotic pet trade, and breed readily in captivity. They're sometimes mistaken for rodents, but they're nocturnal marsupials in the family Didelphidae. They have some interesting characteristics; despite being a marsupial, they do not have a pouch in which they carry their young. Interestingly, the young latch on to a nipple on their Mother's abdomen until they're more developed.
They also have a hairless prehensile tail which is used to hold onto various items and assist them with climbing.
There are considered to be more than 20 species referred to as the 'short-tailed opossums', but the most commonly kept - and the one we're referring to - is from South America; scientifically referred to as Monodelphis. They're found throughout Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay.
They live between 4-8 years old in captivity.
Care:
Housing/Enrichment:
It's very important that whatever housing you choose for your opossum, bar spacing must be no larger than 0.5inches as they're known for being escape artists.
You really cannot go too big when considering a cage for your pet, most people recommend multi-story rat/ferret cages - avoid wire flooring.
Alternatively, some people recommend very large aquariums or reptile habitats such as Exo terras. Ensure there is adequate ventilation
Short-tailed opossums love to climb, forage and exercise. Consider enrichment such as ropes, bridges, hammocks, ladders, tubes, a large metal exercise wheel, and similar items.
We advise against any dusty substrate.
You can add a litter tray to your enclosure as short-tailed opossums will usually go to the toilet in the same place.
Socialising:
Short-tailed opossums are solitary animals and should not cohabit.
They're typically very docile, friendly, and inquisitive.
Please take care when handling them as they do have very sharp teeth and may bite when mishandled - like most animals.
Diet:
Providing a suitable diet can be considered the most difficult part of short-tailed opossums care.
Dry food should be available at all times. There are some commercially available dry foods for opossums depending on your location. Otherwise, there are several alternatives:
The short-tailed opossum is not uncommon within the exotic pet trade, and breed readily in captivity. They're sometimes mistaken for rodents, but they're nocturnal marsupials in the family Didelphidae. They have some interesting characteristics; despite being a marsupial, they do not have a pouch in which they carry their young. Interestingly, the young latch on to a nipple on their Mother's abdomen until they're more developed.
They also have a hairless prehensile tail which is used to hold onto various items and assist them with climbing.
There are considered to be more than 20 species referred to as the 'short-tailed opossums', but the most commonly kept - and the one we're referring to - is from South America; scientifically referred to as Monodelphis. They're found throughout Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay.
They live between 4-8 years old in captivity.
Care:
Housing/Enrichment:
It's very important that whatever housing you choose for your opossum, bar spacing must be no larger than 0.5inches as they're known for being escape artists.
You really cannot go too big when considering a cage for your pet, most people recommend multi-story rat/ferret cages - avoid wire flooring.
Alternatively, some people recommend very large aquariums or reptile habitats such as Exo terras. Ensure there is adequate ventilation
Short-tailed opossums love to climb, forage and exercise. Consider enrichment such as ropes, bridges, hammocks, ladders, tubes, a large metal exercise wheel, and similar items.
We advise against any dusty substrate.
You can add a litter tray to your enclosure as short-tailed opossums will usually go to the toilet in the same place.
Socialising:
Short-tailed opossums are solitary animals and should not cohabit.
They're typically very docile, friendly, and inquisitive.
Please take care when handling them as they do have very sharp teeth and may bite when mishandled - like most animals.
Diet:
Providing a suitable diet can be considered the most difficult part of short-tailed opossums care.
Dry food should be available at all times. There are some commercially available dry foods for opossums depending on your location. Otherwise, there are several alternatives:
- Insectivore diet
- Cat pellets
- Ferret pellets
- Fox pellets
- High protein
- Low fat