Interview with Donna Overton

Positives of Fat-tailed Dunnart as pets?
An inside species. Small and cute. Mesmorising to watch. Fairly easy to feed and clean.

Negatives of Fat-tailed Dunnarts as pets?
Can be aggressive. Not that they will do much damage because their teeth are small, but gives you a fright. Also, unable to keep adult males together, so young must be sexed and removed as soon as independance is reached. I have had cases, not only of killings, but canabilism, which isn't nice to find.

Anecdotes/stories about your Fat-tailed Dunnart pet?
Seeing young for the first time. It's really hard to tell if the female is carrying pouch young, as she's only around 15 grams, the young are minute. Constantly looking for a bulge underneath, not quite sure. Finally seeing pairs of pink legs dangling out of pouch (its backward opening) was such a thrill.

Do they have scent glands or an offensive smell?
Not the animal itself. Cage needs to be cleaning regularly (because they're meal eaters, their faeces will smell)

What is their average lifespan?
Around 2 years.

Do they tolerate interaction?
If handled from a young age

What is their general personality, disposition, and attitude?
Hyper-active, shy and somewhat aggressive.

How destructive are they in their cage?
Not at all

Are there any problems associated with their claws?
No - more their teeth

How messy are their droppings?
Not messy. Small firm shaped which need to be cleaned up regularly.

Can they be litter box trained?
No - they will go anywhere

Can they be trained?
Don't know - I think unlikely

What size cage do they need?
At least 2,000 sq cm per animal, minimum height above substate 540cm, and extra 1,000 sq cm for each additional animal. They recommended sex ratio is one male to 2 females (although you could keep up to 4 females).

What is the best diet for them?
Small cubes of a dog health loaf is o.k. As well as meal worms, corn kernal, crickets, moths, fly pupae, cockroaches, pollen grains, sunflower seeds.

What vaccinations/vet care do they require?
Most vets would not know what to do with one!

At what age would it be best to get one?
From 2-3 months of age.

Are they difficult to breed?
No - but beware of the male exhausting either himself or his females (you may need to rest them) as he will go for it non-stop during the breeding season.

Other Consideration for owners of dunnarts ?
Here in Australia they're a fairly expensive for such a short-lived animal. You'll need to get them young (and sexed correctly) otherwise you'll lose you money (like I did) through by putting 2 males together.