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Short
Tailed Opossums Article By ExoticPets Short tailed opossums (Monodelphis domestica) are small marsupials found in Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. They are considered good luck in their native countries. Unlike many marsupials the opossum does not have pouch. Instead its teats are arranged in a circle on its tummy. Babies are born naked and pink and resemble Tic-Tacs at first and there are usually several in the litter. The gestation period is quite short as is with most marsupials. Short tailed opossums have 50 very tiny teeth within their large triangular shaped mouth, which they will open sometimes when approached. I have never had one of mine bite. Opossums range from 3 to 6 1/2 inches long with a tail that is 1.5 to 3 inches long. They weigh from 2 to 3 ounces. Males can grow up to 1/4 larger than females. They have short, thick soft fur. Their coats are usually a medium grayish to brown, with a buff covered underbelly. There are other colours including Rosy, spotted, and Ivory. Their ears are very sensitive to sound and remind me of a sugarglider's ears. Opossums make a variety of quiet sounds. They have large dark eyes that are perfect for night vision. They are nocturnal so will be most active at night, although once awake will be social during the day. Their sense of smell is well developed. Their tail, which is prehensile, helps them grasp and keep their balance while climbing. It is used to grasp and balance and is also used to carry bedding materials when building their nests. They are very entertaining to watch building their nests. Unlike their North American cousins the tail is not weight bearing. Opossums are very clean little animals and easy to take care of. I have mine in large aquariums full of branches and toys and ladders for them. In addition, a hamster wheel (solid) can also be used to provide opportunity for exercise. Never use cedar shavings because the oils and dust from cedar can be harmful to small mammals. I use other types of softwood shavings. They can also be kept in cages with narrow bars.. Sto's are excellent escape artists, so a tight fitting aquarium lid or good latches on bar cages are a necessity. I will also put in other materials suitable for nest building. They enjoy climbing and sleeping in "houses" such as small boxes, clay pots, plastic igloos and hamster houses. A few days before one of my females was to have babies, I placed a few different types of nests in her aquarium. She chose to use a clay pot to keep her babies in. A jar or other vessel placed in a corner can serve as a litter box for them. They are solitary animals and do not share quarters with other opossums. They are only together for breeding purposes, which is around 10-12 days only. My opossums are fed a high quality dry cat food free diet, They also enjoy mealworms, crickets, and different fruits and vegetables, baby food fruits and vegetables and boiled eggs ..They are not chewers like rodents and so I find blending fruits or using baby foods or pulpy type fruits works best. ,,mine love oranges, avocados, bananas, and blueberries. There are different opinions on which diets are best for them and each person may choose which they feel is the best.. Some use fox food, and others a pre-made insectivore diet. I find the diet I have them on is successful and they are very healthy. The short tailed opossums make an excellent pet for all ages, they are very tame, and enjoy being handled. I have not found any difference in personality with males or females. They have a very inquisitive nature as well. Article by Ratkateers Rodentry Short tailed
opossums are very clean. After each feeding they clean and groom themselves
thoroughly from head to toe. In their cage, they will choose one place
to potty. You can easily train your opossum to use a litter box. Just
place a small container in the area, and fill it with clay litter or shavings
and clean it often. Housing Health
& Other Issues Interview with Smiley's Exotic Critters Positives of STO's as pets? Negatives of STO's as pets? Anecdotes/stories about your STO pet? Do they have scent glands or an offensive smell? What is their average lifespan? Do they tolerate interaction? What is their general personality, disposition, and
attitude? Are they sweet and petable, or mischievious and playful? Are they hyper, or more sedate when being handled?
How destructive are they in their cage? Are there any problems associated with their claws? How messy are their droppings? Can they be litter box trained? What size cage do they need? What is the best diet for them? What vaccinations/vet care do they require? At what age would it be best to get one? Are they difficult to breed? What kind of person should own these animals? |
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