Do short tail possums make good pets?
Short-tailed opossums have grown in popularity as exotic pets over the past few years. They are very good pets for beginners due to their cleanliness, omnivorous diet, and general good health. These opossums are small, friendly creatures with easy care requirements—and they’re cute!
Do opossums have short tails?
The gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) is a small South American member of the family Didelphidae. Unlike most other marsupials, the gray short-tailed opossum does not have a true pouch….
| Gray short-tailed opossum | |
|---|---|
| Family: | Didelphidae |
| Genus: | Monodelphis |
| Species: | M. domestica |
| Binomial name |
How big do short tail possums get?
3 to 6.5 inches
Short Tail Possums are one of the few true insectivores found in the Americas. These possums range in length from 3 to 6.5 inches and weigh from 2 to 3 ounces. Their tail is prehensile and unlike most marsupials, this possum does not have an abdominal pouch.
Are possums aggressive?
Opossum are not aggressive: their open-mouth, defensive hissing is merely a bluff to look vicious. And if that doesn’t work they play dead when really scared! If there is an opossum in the backyard, don’t worry. They aren’t a threat, and more than likely they will be moving on in a short while.
Are short-tailed opossums social?
Social Behaviors: A Short Tailed Opossum can become a friendly docile pet that can easily be handled by people and is curious, active, and entertaining. Because they are naturally solitary animals, they should be housed individually.
Are opossums good to have around?
Opossums are omnivorous and are beneficial to humans because they cause very little damage and they consume undesirable insects, snails, and slugs. The many beneficial qualities of opossums include: Keeping neighborhoods clear of unwanted pests like cockroaches, rats, and mice.
Are possums friendly to humans?
But they are typically gentle animals. However, when dealing with a possum, as with any kind of wild animal, you should always exercise great caution. Opossums are not aggressive and will often run away when interrupted. They will not attack you if you don’t provoke them.
Do possums keep rats away?
Opossums also keep rats and cockroaches at bay by competing with them for food. In fact, it’s common for opossums to kill cockroaches and rats if they find them in their territory.”
Can you pet a possum?
Question: Can I keep an opossum as a pet? Answer: No. All wild animals belong in the wild. Give the opossum the chance to live the life nature intended…in the wild.
Where do possums go during day?
They are generally nocturnal and they spend the day in hollow tree trunks, rock crevices, under brush piles, or in burrows. They are excellent climbers and good swimmers. Opossums also spend a lot of time slowly ambling about on the ground, and as a result they are frequently struck by cars.
What do possums hate most?
Possums hate the taste of:
- Molasses.
- Garlic.
- Onion.
- Hot peppers.
- Hot sauce.
- Mustard.
- Quassia chips.
- Black tea.
What time of year do possum have babies?
Baby season starts in March and rehabbers are on high alert from April through August. We get a lot of calls about orphaned baby opossums in April including momma opossums that were hit by a car and have a pouch full of neonates.
What does it mean when a possum is out during the day?
Opossums will also come out of their dens or shelters during the day if chased or startled by other animals like dogs and cats. The pests have many predators and will seek safety at the first sign of a threat. They often climb trees or fences and wait throughout the day until they feel comfortable returning home.