Dr. Greenhorn
Well-Known Member
heh, you don't know what your getting yourself in to..your gonna be an animal shelter soon! I guess just as long as they leave alone the maryjane, its all good 
i have an opossum in my armpit
- Thread starter fdd2blk
- Start date
Dr. Greenhorn
Well-Known Member
they probably will , but stay in the general vacinity, we have a lot of boars that always come around my property, they don't bother,,,we actually like to watch them
1lastGodsend
Well-Known Member
KFCs grilled chicken tastes like crap.
Leave the critters alone. I dnt knw I get gut feelings with animals. Like maybe were supposed to leave them alone. Those two oppossums are goi g to bring their 15kids to your pad for a feeding too one day.
Leave the critters alone. I dnt knw I get gut feelings with animals. Like maybe were supposed to leave them alone. Those two oppossums are goi g to bring their 15kids to your pad for a feeding too one day.
stuboy892003
Well-Known Member
ive never seen one of them in my life lol the baby looks cool but the pic posted of the adult one is a but scarey
tip top toker
Well-Known Member
yeah man. that ent vermin, it's a furry little fun ball!
i find it amusing when people get a bit "ewwww it's a wild animal" on the most un-alarming of creatures. like moles, i freaking lovew moles, they'd be alllll over my garden if i had the option
AcidElement
Member
just found another one. i have a small kitchen sized rubbermaid garbage can outside my backdoor. i use it for yard trash, like hose wrappers or whatever. i heard a noise. looked i the can and there's another opossum. this one was slightly larger and had a full row of baby teeth. he was rather jumpy, as well. i got him out of the trash and let him go in the yard.
mothers can have up to 15 babies per litter. we have at least 2 mothers here who both just had babies. i may need animal control here pretty soon.
its a party out there and your not even invited !!! lmao
wrawlphe69
Active Member
I thought they carried diseases???
purplekitty7772008
Well-Known Member
He's a cutie.
I say keep him.
His mom isn't going to take him back. Period.
Same as birds. Its the human scent.
We had some baby birds right outside our back door
living in a nest in a hangable pot.
They were sooo cute. I used to give them water...
but nothing else. I used a turkey baster to give it to them.
I don't know if the mom knew about it, but they moved out
and learned how to fly in a few short weeks. Surprised
my husky didn't eat them.
I say keep him.
His mom isn't going to take him back. Period.
Same as birds. Its the human scent.
We had some baby birds right outside our back door
living in a nest in a hangable pot.
They were sooo cute. I used to give them water...
but nothing else. I used a turkey baster to give it to them.
I don't know if the mom knew about it, but they moved out
and learned how to fly in a few short weeks. Surprised
my husky didn't eat them.
G
guitarabuser
Guest
Those things are also know for ripping up people. They have a mouth full of theeth that will take the flesh right off. When I was a kid I saw one climbing out of the belly of a dead cow all covered in gore. Get rid of it. Make stew.
Green Cross
Well-Known Member
Even cats and dogs need rabies shots. I would keep it in a cage if I was going to keep it, because you won't domesticate it. IMO
Here's some info I found on the Internet:
RAISING ORPHANED OPOSSUMS
(Virginianus carolinensis)
2. Warm the baby quickly if it feels cold. Methods for warming include:
Place baby opossum in arm pit
· Gatorade ( regular or clear flavors)
· Pedialyte (clear)
· Sugar/salt water: 3 teaspoons Sugar, 1 teaspoon salt dissolved in 1 quart very warm water. Cool the water to room temperature before offering it to the baby.
4. Give it a warm box or pet carrier. Eyes closed infants and eyes open young that are in shock should be placed in a cardboard box or small/medium pet carrier with ravel-free bedding such as a few tee-shirts. Provide consistent source of warmth such as a heating pad on a low temperature setting. Place it half under the box or pet carrier.
5. Begin offering dilute formula. Make the formula as indicated in the diet section. Offer diluted formula every 2 hours using a 1 cc syringe, eye-dropper, or pet nurser. Syringes are better because there is less chance of aspiration. Give three feedings of 1 part formula / 2 parts water, then three feedings of 1 part formula/ 1 part water. If the baby does not develop diarrhea or bloat offer full strength formula at the recommended amounts and frequency for the age. If problems develop contact a veterinarian or the Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
6. Provide food and housing as described in the age and development chart. Contact the Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center if there are questions about the care instructions provided.
Opossum Diet Chart
[FONT=Times New Roman, Times New Roman, Times]Note: Volunteers who do not have access to Zoologic supplements can use the Home Formula.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, Times New Roman, Times]Wildlife Center Formula:
1 part Esbilac powder
1 part Zoologic Milk Matrix 30-55
2 parts Water
Home Formula:
1 part Esbilac powder
1/3 part Heavy Whipping Cream,
1.5 parts Water[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, Times New Roman, Times]Formula Introduction:
Formula Break-In Chart
Always begin new infants on dilute formula, and work up to full strength formula gradually.
[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, Times New Roman, Times]Feedings #1, 2 = 1 part full strength formula + 2 parts water
every 2 hours for 4 hours.
Feedings #3, 4 = 1 part full strength formula + 1 part water
every 2 hours for 4 hours.
Feedings #5, 6 = 2 parts full strength formula + 1 part water
every 2 hours for 4 hours.
[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, Times New Roman, Times]
If at any time the infant develops diarrhea or bloating, cut back on the concentration of formula until the situation clears up. If such problems persist for more than 36 hours, seek medical advice.
How to feed: Use a 1 cc syringe to feed formula. Wrap the baby in a cloth to keep it warm and secure. And hold it in a sitting-up position. Opossums rarely suckle a syringe but will lick from it. As soon as the babies are used to the formula, you may pour some in a shallow dish. Opossums learn to lap from a dish quickly. However, any baby not drinking well from the dish should continue to be hand fed until it is lapping from the dish and gaining weight.
Stimulating urine and feces: This should be done for babies whose eyes are closed or just opening. Use a slightly damp cotton ball or tissue to gently stroke the genital area. The baby should produce urine within a few seconds. Babies may not urinate or produce feces every time.
Self-feeding diet: Once the opossums teeth have fully emerged begin offering the self-feeding
diet. The base chow (Science Diet) should be soaked in water to make it soft and easier to eat
until they reach about 12 weeks of age when it can be offered dry. Formula should be poured
over the soaked chow until the babies have been weaned from formula at 10 weeks of age.
Two shallow dishes of water should be offered. One dish for drinking and one for defecating.
90% of diet: Purina puppy chow or Canine growth Science Diet (soaked in water until the opossums are older). (Pour formula over it until babies are weaned)
5% of diet: Fruits and vegetables cut in dime to nickel size pieces. Any fruit or vegetable may be used.
5% of diet: Insects such as crickets and worms, dead mice (cut up at first then left whole as babies get closer to release age).
Supplements: Lightly sprinkle the food with a calcium/phosphate powder to help prevent calcium deficiencies after the baby is no longer receiving formula.
Natural foods: Add as many natural food items to the self-feeding diet as are available.
Releasing hand-raised opossums
Opossums should be ready for release at 20 to 22 weeks of age. Prior to release, your opossums should have been in a large outdoor cage for at least two weeks, preferably longer. They should be acclimated to weather changes, outdoor noises and the sights and sounds of the world. They should be properly shy of dogs, cats and humans (EVEN YOU). They must be familiar with their natural foods.
The release site should be outside the metropolitan area, on land with appropriate shelter, a constant water source and abundant natural food resources. There should be other opossums in the release area but it should not be overcrowded with them.
Since opossums are nocturnal (active by night), it is best to release them in the late afternoon to early evening. Release when good weather is forecast for at least 4-5 days and the last chance of freezing temperatures has passed. Ideally, their nestbox should be left at the release site, under some bushes, and back-up food provided for 4-5 days until they have located their natural food sources.
Here's the rest of it
[/FONT]
Here's some info I found on the Internet:
RAISING ORPHANED OPOSSUMS
(Virginianus carolinensis)
By Mary Stockard
(Revised 2005)
Initial Stabilization Care for Baby Mammals
1. Check for injuries. Seriously injured babies should be taken to a veterinarian that day.(Revised 2005)
Initial Stabilization Care for Baby Mammals
2. Warm the baby quickly if it feels cold. Methods for warming include:
Place baby opossum in arm pit
- <LI class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify">Quick method: Place the baby wrapped in a wash cloth inside a plastic Zip-loc bag. DONT seal the bag. Dip the bag in a bowl of warm (not hot) water. Gently swirl it around for about 5 minutes. This is not recommended for older, active young. <LI class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify">Heating pad: Set temperature on low. Place the heating pad half under a closed box the baby has been placed inside of along with ravel-free cloths to snuggle with. <LI class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify">Disposable plastic bottle: Use a plastic soft drink bottle or other plastic bottle. Fill it with hot water. Wrap it with a towel or other cloth. Place it inside a box with the baby. Make sure that it will not roll around possibly hurting the baby.
- Rice sock: Fill a sock 2/3 full of rice. Microwave it on high for 2 to 2 ½ minutes. Place it in the bedding in the box with the baby.
· Gatorade ( regular or clear flavors)
· Pedialyte (clear)
· Sugar/salt water: 3 teaspoons Sugar, 1 teaspoon salt dissolved in 1 quart very warm water. Cool the water to room temperature before offering it to the baby.
4. Give it a warm box or pet carrier. Eyes closed infants and eyes open young that are in shock should be placed in a cardboard box or small/medium pet carrier with ravel-free bedding such as a few tee-shirts. Provide consistent source of warmth such as a heating pad on a low temperature setting. Place it half under the box or pet carrier.
5. Begin offering dilute formula. Make the formula as indicated in the diet section. Offer diluted formula every 2 hours using a 1 cc syringe, eye-dropper, or pet nurser. Syringes are better because there is less chance of aspiration. Give three feedings of 1 part formula / 2 parts water, then three feedings of 1 part formula/ 1 part water. If the baby does not develop diarrhea or bloat offer full strength formula at the recommended amounts and frequency for the age. If problems develop contact a veterinarian or the Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
6. Provide food and housing as described in the age and development chart. Contact the Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center if there are questions about the care instructions provided.
Opossum Diet Chart
[FONT=Times New Roman, Times New Roman, Times]Note: Volunteers who do not have access to Zoologic supplements can use the Home Formula.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, Times New Roman, Times]Wildlife Center Formula:
1 part Esbilac powder
1 part Zoologic Milk Matrix 30-55
2 parts Water
Home Formula:
1 part Esbilac powder
1/3 part Heavy Whipping Cream,
1.5 parts Water[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, Times New Roman, Times]Formula Introduction:
Formula Break-In Chart
Always begin new infants on dilute formula, and work up to full strength formula gradually.
[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, Times New Roman, Times]Feedings #1, 2 = 1 part full strength formula + 2 parts water
every 2 hours for 4 hours.
Feedings #3, 4 = 1 part full strength formula + 1 part water
every 2 hours for 4 hours.
Feedings #5, 6 = 2 parts full strength formula + 1 part water
every 2 hours for 4 hours.
[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, Times New Roman, Times]
If at any time the infant develops diarrhea or bloating, cut back on the concentration of formula until the situation clears up. If such problems persist for more than 36 hours, seek medical advice.
How to feed: Use a 1 cc syringe to feed formula. Wrap the baby in a cloth to keep it warm and secure. And hold it in a sitting-up position. Opossums rarely suckle a syringe but will lick from it. As soon as the babies are used to the formula, you may pour some in a shallow dish. Opossums learn to lap from a dish quickly. However, any baby not drinking well from the dish should continue to be hand fed until it is lapping from the dish and gaining weight.
Stimulating urine and feces: This should be done for babies whose eyes are closed or just opening. Use a slightly damp cotton ball or tissue to gently stroke the genital area. The baby should produce urine within a few seconds. Babies may not urinate or produce feces every time.
Self-feeding diet: Once the opossums teeth have fully emerged begin offering the self-feeding
diet. The base chow (Science Diet) should be soaked in water to make it soft and easier to eat
until they reach about 12 weeks of age when it can be offered dry. Formula should be poured
over the soaked chow until the babies have been weaned from formula at 10 weeks of age.
Two shallow dishes of water should be offered. One dish for drinking and one for defecating.
90% of diet: Purina puppy chow or Canine growth Science Diet (soaked in water until the opossums are older). (Pour formula over it until babies are weaned)
5% of diet: Fruits and vegetables cut in dime to nickel size pieces. Any fruit or vegetable may be used.
5% of diet: Insects such as crickets and worms, dead mice (cut up at first then left whole as babies get closer to release age).
Supplements: Lightly sprinkle the food with a calcium/phosphate powder to help prevent calcium deficiencies after the baby is no longer receiving formula.
Natural foods: Add as many natural food items to the self-feeding diet as are available.
Releasing hand-raised opossums
Opossums should be ready for release at 20 to 22 weeks of age. Prior to release, your opossums should have been in a large outdoor cage for at least two weeks, preferably longer. They should be acclimated to weather changes, outdoor noises and the sights and sounds of the world. They should be properly shy of dogs, cats and humans (EVEN YOU). They must be familiar with their natural foods.
The release site should be outside the metropolitan area, on land with appropriate shelter, a constant water source and abundant natural food resources. There should be other opossums in the release area but it should not be overcrowded with them.
Since opossums are nocturnal (active by night), it is best to release them in the late afternoon to early evening. Release when good weather is forecast for at least 4-5 days and the last chance of freezing temperatures has passed. Ideally, their nestbox should be left at the release site, under some bushes, and back-up food provided for 4-5 days until they have located their natural food sources.
Here's the rest of it
[/FONT]
poplars
Well-Known Member
I've read they cannot be happy in cages. they'll go insane . . .Even cats and dogs need rabies shots. I would keep it in a cage if I was going to keep it, because you won't domesticate it. IMO
Here's some info I found on the Internet:
RAISING ORPHANED OPOSSUMS
(Virginianus carolinensis)
By Mary Stockard1. Check for injuries. Seriously injured babies should be taken to a veterinarian that day.
(Revised 2005)
Initial Stabilization Care for Baby Mammals
2. Warm the baby quickly if it feels cold. Methods for warming include:
Place baby opossum in arm pit
3. Treat dehydration. Give fluids by mouth using a 1 cc syringe, eye-dropper, or pet nurser. Offer the fluids at room temperature hourly for up to 6 hours. Do not exceed 12 hours. Any of the following fluids may be used and can be purchased at the grocery or drug store :
- <LI class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify">Quick method: Place the baby wrapped in a wash cloth inside a plastic Zip-loc bag. DONT seal the bag. Dip the bag in a bowl of warm (not hot) water. Gently swirl it around for about 5 minutes. This is not recommended for older, active young. <LI class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify">Heating pad: Set temperature on low. Place the heating pad half under a closed box the baby has been placed inside of along with ravel-free cloths to snuggle with. <LI class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify">Disposable plastic bottle: Use a plastic soft drink bottle or other plastic bottle. Fill it with hot water. Wrap it with a towel or other cloth. Place it inside a box with the baby. Make sure that it will not roll around possibly hurting the baby.
- Rice sock: Fill a sock 2/3 full of rice. Microwave it on high for 2 to 2 ½ minutes. Place it in the bedding in the box with the baby.
· Gatorade ( regular or clear flavors)
· Pedialyte (clear)
· Sugar/salt water: 3 teaspoons Sugar, 1 teaspoon salt dissolved in 1 quart very warm water. Cool the water to room temperature before offering it to the baby.
4. Give it a warm box or pet carrier. Eyes closed infants and eyes open young that are in shock should be placed in a cardboard box or small/medium pet carrier with ravel-free bedding such as a few tee-shirts. Provide consistent source of warmth such as a heating pad on a low temperature setting. Place it half under the box or pet carrier.
5. Begin offering dilute formula. Make the formula as indicated in the diet section. Offer diluted formula every 2 hours using a 1 cc syringe, eye-dropper, or pet nurser. Syringes are better because there is less chance of aspiration. Give three feedings of 1 part formula / 2 parts water, then three feedings of 1 part formula/ 1 part water. If the baby does not develop diarrhea or bloat offer full strength formula at the recommended amounts and frequency for the age. If problems develop contact a veterinarian or the Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
6. Provide food and housing as described in the age and development chart. Contact the Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center if there are questions about the care instructions provided.
Opossum Diet Chart
[FONT=Times New Roman, Times New Roman, Times]Note: Volunteers who do not have access to Zoologic supplements can use the Home Formula.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, Times New Roman, Times]Wildlife Center Formula:
1 part Esbilac powder
1 part Zoologic Milk Matrix 30-55
2 parts Water
Home Formula:
1 part Esbilac powder
1/3 part Heavy Whipping Cream,
1.5 parts Water[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, Times New Roman, Times]Formula Introduction:
Formula Break-In Chart
Always begin new infants on dilute formula, and work up to full strength formula gradually.
[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, Times New Roman, Times]Feedings #1, 2 = 1 part full strength formula + 2 parts water
every 2 hours for 4 hours.
Feedings #3, 4 = 1 part full strength formula + 1 part water
every 2 hours for 4 hours.
Feedings #5, 6 = 2 parts full strength formula + 1 part water
every 2 hours for 4 hours.
[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, Times New Roman, Times]
If at any time the infant develops diarrhea or bloating, cut back on the concentration of formula until the situation clears up. If such problems persist for more than 36 hours, seek medical advice.
How to feed: Use a 1 cc syringe to feed formula. Wrap the baby in a cloth to keep it warm and secure. And hold it in a sitting-up position. Opossums rarely suckle a syringe but will lick from it. As soon as the babies are used to the formula, you may pour some in a shallow dish. Opossums learn to lap from a dish quickly. However, any baby not drinking well from the dish should continue to be hand fed until it is lapping from the dish and gaining weight.
Stimulating urine and feces: This should be done for babies whose eyes are closed or just opening. Use a slightly damp cotton ball or tissue to gently stroke the genital area. The baby should produce urine within a few seconds. Babies may not urinate or produce feces every time.
Self-feeding diet: Once the opossums teeth have fully emerged begin offering the self-feeding
diet. The base chow (Science Diet) should be soaked in water to make it soft and easier to eat
until they reach about 12 weeks of age when it can be offered dry. Formula should be poured
over the soaked chow until the babies have been weaned from formula at 10 weeks of age.
Two shallow dishes of water should be offered. One dish for drinking and one for defecating.
90% of diet: Purina puppy chow or Canine growth Science Diet (soaked in water until the opossums are older). (Pour formula over it until babies are weaned)
5% of diet: Fruits and vegetables cut in dime to nickel size pieces. Any fruit or vegetable may be used.
5% of diet: Insects such as crickets and worms, dead mice (cut up at first then left whole as babies get closer to release age).
Supplements: Lightly sprinkle the food with a calcium/phosphate powder to help prevent calcium deficiencies after the baby is no longer receiving formula.
Natural foods: Add as many natural food items to the self-feeding diet as are available.
Releasing hand-raised opossums
Opossums should be ready for release at 20 to 22 weeks of age. Prior to release, your opossums should have been in a large outdoor cage for at least two weeks, preferably longer. They should be acclimated to weather changes, outdoor noises and the sights and sounds of the world. They should be properly shy of dogs, cats and humans (EVEN YOU). They must be familiar with their natural foods.
The release site should be outside the metropolitan area, on land with appropriate shelter, a constant water source and abundant natural food resources. There should be other opossums in the release area but it should not be overcrowded with them.
Since opossums are nocturnal (active by night), it is best to release them in the late afternoon to early evening. Release when good weather is forecast for at least 4-5 days and the last chance of freezing temperatures has passed. Ideally, their nestbox should be left at the release site, under some bushes, and back-up food provided for 4-5 days until they have located their natural food sources.
Here's the rest of it
[/FONT]
1lastGodsend
Well-Known Member
Yeah mom used to open my cage once ina while too.
Green Cross
Well-Known Member
Yeah I was raised in a cage too!Yeah mom used to open my cage once ina while too.
So the options are be unhappy in a cage, or die in the wilderness.
I would prefer to be in a cage
CrackerJax
New Member
Is this an option???
