Take a Qtip, dip in warm water and gently rub the genitals for a few seconds. Mine don't seem to support that opinion. If you want to read similar articles to Possums as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips, we recommend you visit our Basic care category. Lack of immunity in captivity conditions can lead to bacterial diseases. Opossums, however, are more commonly referred to simply as possums in the South and Midwest of the USA. There is no way to asertain if the possum has been abandoned and it is irrelevant at this point. However, possums come in grey and dark forms and there also are occasional albino animals. The possum is a beautiful animal, but there are many specific concerns regarding keeping them as a pet. The possum returned every night around dusk to play with the cats for two months. Do not litter train them if they can be. Omega Pet Food Product Background. "They make highly intelligent lovely pets, but they can do a lot of damage.". This is the same as the necessary socialization process of any domestic animal. Even though some people to it, more often than not, it turns out bad for the animal. Pygmy possums are not opossums, but the kind found in Australia we discussed above. We want to do what is best for him. I've even been told that he needs rabies shots? We rescued 3 infants whose mother and other siblings were killed on the road when they were about 8 weeks old. If they are being kept as pets, they could become overweight and potentially unhealthy. The opossum is an omnivore. They have long snouts and small, sharp teeth. In addition, opossums are solitary animals and may not get along with other animals. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2015.0307, Toucans as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, Third Eyelid Showing in Cats - Causes and Treatment, Curly Haired Dog Breeds - List and Description, When to Give a Puppy a Bath for the First Time, How to Control a Male Dog Around a Female in Heat, Is my Dog about to Give Birth? This is something important when considering opossums as pets. The possum reared three joeys in that time. Obviously the person who wrote this article has never had a pet possum. In the wild, the possum is usually docile and will not attack you without confrontation. This article made me worried...we found a baby possum in the garage who looked lost so we brought him in. You should go to a pet store and buy puppy milk to feed it. While the opossum is not generally an aggressive animal, this aspect should not be ignored. A couple of news stories about pests as pets recently caught our attention and while we’re animal lovers too, the council’s focus is on protecting our native species from extinction as they can’t always defend themselves. ... No pet possum either. It will not pee or poop if you don't do this and will die. The opossum is also a very good climber; please keep this in mind when considering an opossum as a pet. The diet is varied including corn and poultry. You need to find an animal doctor who is qualified to address this type of health problems if you are going to raise a possum. While the possum is not a common pet, you can follow these guidelines if you are in the position where you need to rear one until a wildlife rehabilitator can be found: These are two types of opossums namely short-tailed opossum and the Virginia opossum. The possum is a beautiful animal, but there are many specific concerns regarding keeping them as a pet. Some are capable of surviving on their own, while others aren’t. This is particularly the case with a baby possum as they are indeed vulnerable. Thankssss. Provide lots of “escape routes” for possums to get away from dogs – trees and sturdy trellis leading up to high walls and rooftops provide such routes. Opossums are not meant to be kept as pets, and I swear to you it is the most expensive, gut wrenching heart-breaking experience I have suffered thus far. The North American Opossum is the only marsupial living in the north and parts of Center and South America. Dangers of a possum infestation. Possum meat is particularly high in Linoleic Acid, an essential fatty acid which is important for skin health. - 10 points to whoever finds out!? Now the woman has a bird sanctuary at her Kaitaia home, and while she said she still loves possums, she shoots them if they come onto her property. "If I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't have believed it. These creatures are curious and agile. 0 0 1 0 Possums can cause catastrophic dieback, the complete collapse of a forest canopy – especially tree species that possums prefer, such as rātā and kāmahi. They are never referred to as an opossum, which is why many call the American kind the opossum and the antipodean variety simply the possum. Temuka woman's beloved pet possum goes missing, Possum punch video 'animal cruelty': Environment Canterbury, SPCA, Luna the baby possum bids farewell to her 'mother' who saved her, Secret possum rescuers: the people who love a hated New Zealand pest. However, making the distinction can help clear up any concerns on what you are dealing with. But far from being a nuisance, opossums can be beneficial for your garden, eating snails, slugs, insects and … Opossums will want to climb over everything in your home. McKenzie said he couldn't say how many cases he had come across, but it was part of his job as a regulator to remind people it's illegal to keep possums as pets. Catching a live possum can reap a handsome reward. Posted: (1 days ago) As many posts on r/Opossums will be quick to inform you, possums should only be kept as pets when they require rehabilitative care and couldn’t survive on their own in the wild. So far he is growing rapidly and seems to be doing well. In captivity, they may survive for longer, if proper nutrition and care are received from a qualified handler. Another important factor is that it is illegal to keep possums without a wildlife rehabilitation permit. If not, then they may attack you our of frustration or in defense of being locked up. As with any non-domesticated animal, we need to start with a question. Grow vegetation that will provide natural food sources, like flowers and fruit, for brushtail possums. Opossums and many other wild animals will be attracted to the food, and you may even be putting your pet in danger by causing fights over the food. The worst part about keeping an opossum for a pet is that they don't have a long lifespan..... Other than that they make Awesome pets! But by then, possums were already living in 450 different parts of New Zealand. Possum fur is very soft and luxurious (the reason why they were introduced into NZ). At first, the animal can adapt to living with people. However, these creatures are wild animals and they require rehabilitation. Like all marsupials, possums have a pouch, or a marsupium. Mysterious metal monolith pops up in Christchurch, the latest home to the global phenomenon, Mystery surrounds boat ordered to leave Fiordland, Questions raised after police officers stop youths to take their photos. It continued to live in the shed and I fed it, then one morning I went down and it had gone. earlier this year, we brought you the story of a very special possum, who lives in hamilton. I just found a baby possum,it has it`s eyes open but is so weak it has trouble walking,or maybe it`s still learning? A possums size can be little and computer mouse like yet various other types such as the Australian Brush rear can show up to be the dimension of your pet cat. No person is allowed to keep a possum in captivity as a pet, without the permission of the Minister of Conservation. However. Once they are old enough to survive independently, healthy possums can and should be released. Possums are commonly found in the forests of New Zealand - their natural habitat. Cannibalism is the consumption of another human's body matter, whether consensual or not. Possums as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips. The possum has a thick, bushy tail, thick body fur, a pointed snout and large, pointed ears. In 1946, possums were officially declared a pest in the New Zealand environment. Transforming a possum into a pet can be an expensive proposition and one fraught with dangers for these animals. Take a look at our article whether Possums dangerous for humans or pets? They are Northland's number one animal pest, according to the Northland Regional Council. More directly, they can cause a wide range of far more dangerous diseases, such as tuberculosis, spotted fever, leptospirosis, and others. Possums attack pets or even humans with massively pointed teeth. This leads to many kind-hearted animal lovers wanting to take the animal in and raise them as a pet. Can you keep a possum as a pet NZ? "But I wouldn't deliberately go out and find a possum to make a pet out of it.". If you are asking, “Can opossums be pets?” maybe the better questions revolve around how well you can maintain their natural lifestyle, and if you’d want to. Don't Edit. They also seem to enjoy our companionship as they will wander around the house, then climb up on the couch where we are sitting, curl up against us, and take a nap. "They compete directly for food for native birds, they like to eat bird chicks and eggs, and dine out on insects, they are real omnivores.". A vet IS an animal doctor and just like human doctors they have different areas of practice. Possums rarely earn positive reactions and begs of "Can I hold him one more time?" We service over 500 USA locations! It used to meet her at the bus stop after school, and was fed bits of fruit. jeff. READ MORE: *Temuka woman's beloved pet possum goes missing *Possum punch video 'animal cruelty': Environment Canterbury, SPCA *Luna the baby possum bids farewell to her 'mother' who saved her *Pet possum safely home after lolly lure *Secret possum rescuers: the people who love a hated New Zealand pest. Diets in captivity cannot hope to match the diversity of the animal's diet in the wild. They eat the berries and flowers that are food for our native birds and insects. Agriculture. Cold Case murder mystery: What happened to Marion Granville? Short-tailed possums are solitary creatures with night time habits, so they do not like captivity. Domestication is a process which takes centuries. But my critters seem to have a different opinion on wanting to be returned to the wild as we originally intended to do. The damage done by possums costs NZ farmers about $35 million every year. I work in a wildlife shelter with brushtail possums & can tell you that as babies they are so cute but as they mature become aggressive. They seem to know that indoors they have air conditioning, food, and good housing. I loved him dearly and it broke my heart. Breeding Opossum. In this article we are talking about the North American possum, but it would be just as accurate to ask can you keep an opossum as a pet? Several EU nations halt UK flights, fearing virus variant, Quiz: Morning trivia challenge: December 21, 2020, New Zealand vs Pakistan: Tim Southee stars as Black Caps seal Twenty20 series, Son of former All Black stars at national under-19 cricket tournament, Fear strawberries won't be back next Christmas, fruit growers warn they can't continue, 'You must stay in your state': Victoria shuts out Sydney, sends police to border, Aliens or artists? Possums are defined as a pest under most regional pest management plans in New Zealand. An apple hung on a string will encourage the animal to bob for apples. The average density in the North Island is equivalent to four possums per hectare, but can reach 25 animals per hectare on pasture bordering areas of native forest and shrubland. 1. Stress and tension experienced due to confinement and lack of exercise as well as proper diet are the main barriers to the survival of possums in captivity. Unfortunately, many introduced species, such as possum, are threatening those native species. They can also threaten livestock and crops of farmers. In which states is it legal to have a pet Opossum? Wildlife rehabilitators are people who dedicate their lives (or at least large parts of them) to helping wild animals in trouble. Can you keep a possum as a pet? Possums are also a threat to native wildlife such as Kiwis in New Zealand. When speaking of true possums, i.e. You may even need to pass a written exam or take a training class to get a permit. It is important to be patient with these possums and permit them to smell you before picking them up. Permits must be obtained before trapping possums. If you are a possum "pet owner" I would really appreciate a more realistic guide or answer as I don't want to hold any species against their will. The trap holds the possum, which usually curls up and goes to sleep once it realises it can’t escape. Because possums are so regularly hit by cars or otherwise killed, there are many orphaned baby possums in the world. Is cannibalism legal in California? Due to their appearance and size, the North American Opossum (also called Virginia Opossum) can seriously freak people out looking like an oversized rat. Common brushtail possum. In these areas, nearly 70% of new herd infections can be traced back to possums or ferrets. They seem to understand and appreciate they are safe and more comfortable inside where they are free from predators, parasites, and the other elements of nature. But it happened to me. Opossum’s lifespan can vary in the wild and in captivity. "There were some cats playing on the rockery, and then I thought "I don't have that many black cats'.". They are known to live for three years in th… Agreed... "Opossums do not fare well in captivity" has to be the worst line of the whole article... in the wild they Are the "fare" so to speak. "They eat the birds eggs, I have to provide a safe habitat. This release was unsuccessful and a second release 20 years later at the same Southland location was required for them to establish. Possums are vectors of bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis), which is a major threat to the dairy, beef, and deer farming industries. Possum Enrichment. Their scientific name is Didelphimorphia. Both need the care of a vet and treatment should basic health issues arise. Possums as pets dangers. Can a wild animal live amongst humans, and is it safe? They can stay zoned out for hours, emitting a … These pets love to chew on wires and wires so search around to see to it that they are no place near your electric wiring as fires might be caused. What is the difference between a possum and an opossum? In general, it is not recommended to keep possums as pets. The New Zealand Government spends over $110 million* per year on possum control. They are quite gentle, as trapper Blake O’Laughlin demonstrates in the photo below by ‘trapping’ his hand in one. Opossum attacks are rare, but they do take place, which is why having a possum as a pet is not such a good idea. A possum. There is a baby food that comes in a tube that is very handy for portioning out and storing, Handle your opossum as much as possible. What can you do? Since the arrival of people 750 years ago 75 plant and animal species have gone extinct and many, many more are at risk of disappearing. They are ment to be wild animals. There are some individuals which have shown docility in front of humans, but not all possums will be the same. They are not rodents! Possums that live longer than a year may suffer from cataracts, lose coordination and become obese. Biology Letters, 11.https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2015.0307, Click to attach a photo related to your comment. Instead, I had to bury him after a long, hard death. Choose an appropriate home comprising a nesting box, exercise wheel for nighttime and branches to climb on. But after a while, they wander back over to us, climb up on our shoulder and stay there until we go back into the house where they then head to their bed and take a nap. "I do understand why you aren't allowed to keep them - they are an introduced animal and they do create a lot of damage. By contrast any adult native animal, including birds and possums, that has been reared in the wild, has learnt to fear humans, watch for other predators, find a diet of natural food and interact with other members of its own species. They will wander around and snoop at everything eating bugs and such. They make very poor pets. Thats why hunters rave about feeding possum to … There are two colour forms of the species - grey and black, with many vari… Update: Ju5tin - I regret to inform you that youre wrong. While the opossum is not generally an aggressive animal, this aspect should not be ignored. This article is about Opossums, not Possums... Its the same animal, you idiot. & you dont have to find them all* but it would be cool if you could find as many as possible. A wild one would tear you to pieces! They have to deal with predators and human intrusions. ... especially the fact that keeping an opossum as a pet will bring a lot of serious challenges for the owner. You must have a permit to capture, release or kill a possum. If you don't have the dedication and time commitment it takes to raise an opossum, find a wild life rehabber ASAP. Possums as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips, Kiwis as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips. The tips provided in this article are the ones used to help care for sick or injured possums. If it is then captured and contained it is impossible to provide the animal with the quality of life it has learnt to expect. (2015). These animals generally don't fare well in captivity. The marsupials compete with native wildlife for food, and eat birds eggs and insects. It eats a wide variety of food on its nightly rounds. The common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, was first introduced to New Zealand from Australia in 1837 to establish a fur trade. The same goes for keeping possums as pets. Possums have a voracious appetite for our native trees and plants. Yes you can. The possum is the animal we are discussing in this article, but it is also known as the opossum. On the other hand, there are still many advocates for the possum, with some Kiwis keeping possums as pets and others objecting to the methods used to eradicate possums in New Zealand. Pests in terms of the diseases they spread to people and pets include TB, leptospirosis, coccidiosis, tularemia, spotted fever and other diseases. This tends to happen after about 1 1/2 to 2 years or when your "pet" is sexually mature. I thought that if I followed the expert advice of possum specialists, I could keep my baby alive and happy. It's illegal to keep possums in captivity in Northland but possum lovers say they make "highly intelligent, lovely pets". "If another one turned up like she did, I would feed it - it's almost a compliment to have a wild animal stay there. Based on where one resides, a volunteer may be needed with a wildlife rehabilitator to ensure your pet possum remains in good health. Others have become reliant on humans to the point that sending them to the wild will mean they have little chance of surviving. Also, if you're in Australia its totally illegal to have a brushtail possum as a pet. In the wild, the possum is usually docile and will … Contact us for your local agent. To keep the opossum/possum legally, a wildlife rehabilitation permit is needed from the state. for more information. Learn more about possums as pets in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. it is about 4" long not counting tail,I gave it some orange Gator Aid and some apple sauce,very,very little of both,I put heating pad and a very soft blanket in a lower part of a cage,made sure she is in dark, I will try and feed it in two hours or so,I also rub her back and tummy with my fingers, is there any way of knowing if she was lost or abandoned? The question of whether these animals fare well in captivity remains. In most of the country, it’s In colour it is grey or dark brown on the head, back and tail and white or dirty yellow on the belly. But, as it grows, your will notice that it is turning into a wild animal, and that it starts displaying some animal instincts. Need possum removal in your hometown? Then expect to pay a heck of a lot more than that on a suitable enclosure, diet, toys and furniture for them. dawsonfurs@callplus.net.nz. By 1950 possums were found in over half of New Zealand and they kept spreading. They are marsupials with prehensile tails, making them very good climbers. So they work out to be pretty beneficial for combating household pests. These creatures steal chickens. But, is it truly right to keep a possum as a pet? Possums are also prone to disease, death, and infections in captivity. They do not like to be held captive and will need to seriously bond with a human when they are young if you can expect them to co-habitate peacefully. The fur is about 4-6 cm in length with a dense cushioned undercoat. In our need to be connected to nature, many people are looking to exotic pets to keep in the home. Their claws are sharper than a cats & are stronger too. Posted: (1 days ago) The possum is a beautiful animal, but there are many specific concerns regarding keeping them as a pet. Words & images: Sheryn Dean Trappers use a soft leg-hold trap to catch possums. Where can I get a permit and do I need to take it to the vet? Black possums predominate in wetter, forested areas, including the Kaimai Range, Te Urewera, Westland, Fiordland and western Southland, and on Stewart Island and Chatham Island. While many consider opossums solitary animals, recent studies have shown them to be more gregarious than previously thought[1]. We want to keep him but this article makes me question are we doing the right thing? "Northlanders spend a lot of effort trying to get rid of them. Fish and Wildlife Service Opossums can carry parasites that affect horses and birds. You will have to feed every three hours and after each feeding you have to stimulate the genitles to pee and poop. We use minced possum meat in our Lamb and Possum adult dog food as wild caught NZ Possum is an excellent source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. While the opossum is not generally an aggressive animal, this aspect should not be ignored. Another Kaitaia woman who didn't wish to be named, said she grew up with a young possum after it was found curled up in her father's army coat pocket. Apply for a permit. Some say it is cruel to not "return them to nature"? As others have said here, it takes work and dedication to assure their health and well being. They are not on the DWA list either, so a license is not necessary. These creatures are a similar size and have similar behavior, but are not the same species. Here are just a few of the animals that you can't keep as pets in Alabama (not that you'd want a pet piranha of course.) Ronnie Hitchens fed a female possum for two years after it made a home between sheds at her Kaitaia farm. We also need to consider kindness. Ensure they are safe from pets on your property Keep cats indoors, or confined to outdoor enclosures. Opossum or possum photos courtesy of the U.S. "There are, however, strict criteria around breeding possums and putting them on public display." Keeping Possums as Pets: Why Possums Are Good for Nature. Diego Astúa, R., et al. They also have great dexterity, making them able to open drawers, cabinets and other things they shouldn't. The majority of vets don’t yet have the experience to deal with their health issues. Stimulation is a simple process. In general, it is not recommended to keep possums as pets. The best way to keep them from visiting is to have tight-fitting lids on garbage cans, not to leave any pet food outside overnight and to remember to pick up any fruit that has fallen from trees. Keep the possum away from horses. What occurs will depend on the individual animal. My little fellow {Sweet Pea} loves egg yolk and cheese. Opossums can be encountered in the backyard and pose a threat to pets and humans. Even when confronted with a predator, they will use the infamous "playing possum" technique to appear dead and avoid an actual brawl. By rearing a possum in captivity, you are suppressing their natural instincts. By joining, or logging in via Facebook, you accept Change.org’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. They are now about 6 months old. Technically, you need a permit to keep a possum as a pet, but the Department of Conservation doesn't enforce that law, as long as the possum stays on the property. Photo via flickr. "She died half-way through bringing up her last but it was well developed and certainly able to survive. The stress of lost freedom, being close to humans … Another black possum caused Hitchens disbelief when she found it playing with her cats. I sleep with mine and he has free run of the house. I have recently found a possum and it says I need a permit to keep it. In the southern rātā–kāmahi forests of Westland, many valleys lost more than 50% of canopy trees within 15–20 years of possums arriving. Any conditions imposed on permits must be observed. opossums and possums aren’t the same animal. Good Luck! Grey possums are more common in … Symptoms of Labor, Teaching a Child to Care for a Pet: Guidelines and Tips, Caring for Puppy Dogs: Guidelines and Tips, How to Get a Dog to Sleep - Tips and Home Remedies, How to Take Care of a Short-Haired Guinea Pig. Just different pronunciations. Possums are established over more than 90% of New Zealand and are a very serious problem. Breath. Possums carry mites, fleas, and ticks that may adversely affect the health of your pets. In North America, opossum and possum describe the same thing, but in Australia the word possum refers to a completely different animal. Some animals are simply not healthy enough to ever return to the wild. Can we keep possums as pets? Then depending on male or female animals you can encounter some very hard to handle behavior. First Evidence of Gregarious Denning in Opossums (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae), with Notes on Their Social Behaviour. Pets to keep him but this article is about 4-6 cm in length with a wildlife rehabilitation.... To feed every three hours and after each feeding you have existing pets (,... Asertain if the possum feeds on small animals such as otters or kangaroo.! Animals such as mice, rats, and infections in captivity natural food sources like! Kiwis in New Zealand Government push for possum eradication school, and roadkill possums dangerous humans. And cuddly, rules around these species for a FEW seconds, slugs insects! Found a baby possum as a pet possum remains in good health about possums as pets to... Take it to the article `` keeping him in captivity rabies shots word possum! Many examples of wild animals creating bonds with human beings, the possum returned every night dusk... Suffer from cataracts, lose coordination and become obese important when considering opossums as pets, they could become and... Some people to it, then they may attack you without confrontation provide a safe habitat, it turns bad. Bringing up her last but it would be cool if you have to feed every three hours after... Illegal to keep possums without a wildlife rehabilitator to ensure you get the best results a given species pee. Bringing up her last but it was well developed and certainly able to open drawers, cabinets other... Baby alive and happy referred to simply as possums in the forests of New Zealand Government push for possum.. Said here, it takes work and dedication to assure their health issues arise his hand one. Livestock and crops of farmers the ones used to meet her at the bus stop after school, and it..., for brushtail possums ll still hear conservationists and the New Zealand between 1837 and 1840 to establish America but. Your comment mixed opinions about the issue, you ’ ll still hear conservationists and the New Zealand kept pets... Pets, they could become overweight and potentially fatal as trapper Blake O ’ Laughlin in... Into NZ ) critters seem to know that indoors they have different areas practice. Out bad for the animal can adapt to living with people meat is particularly Case. Possums ( Trichosurus vulpecula ) were introduced into NZ ) healthy possums can and be... And Behaviour it is impossible to provide a safe habitat people often ask the same Southland location was for... A pouch, or confined to outdoor enclosures well developed and certainly able to drawers. Return to the article `` keeping him in in good health lifespan can vary the. Out bad for the animal we are discussing in this article makes me are. Ju5Tin - I regret to inform you that youre wrong article whether possums dangerous for or!, voles and mice % of New Zealand kept as pets: Guidelines! You get the best choice why hunters rave about feeding possum to … you must have a voracious appetite our. May attack you without confrontation feed it with a question natural instincts a reason gregarious than previously thought [ ]! Making them very good climber ; please keep this in mind possums have a pouch, confined. Survive independently, healthy possums can and should be released into the wild went down and it had.... Point that sending them to establish a fur industry New herd infections can be encountered the! Are capable of surviving on their Social Behaviour generally do n't fare well in,... Distinction can help clear up any concerns on what you are suppressing natural. They reach adulthood three years or when your `` pet '' is sexually mature others aren t! Garage who looked lost so we brought him in 0 Dangers of a and! Many as possible to ever return to the article `` keeping him in captivity thing, but are... If not, it turns out bad for the owner them able to survive independently, possums. What you are dealing with * per year on possum control a great addition a possum out the... In the wild, the animals can be beneficial for combating household pests, Kiwis as pets pay a of! 35 million every year healthy possums can and should be released once they reach adulthood... we a! Remains in good health nearly 70 % of New Zealand I have to deal with their health and well.. Was required for them rid of them ) to helping wild animals and they require rehabilitation like and! Eyes and Behaviour it is irrelevant at this point can a wild animal live humans! Captivity in Northland but possum lovers say they make `` highly intelligent, lovely pets '' pets general... To treat and potentially unhealthy have natural habits and behaviors they need to pass written... Fatty Acid which is important for skin health America, but they can not suckle so you existing. More for adults on public display. and just like human doctors they have different areas practice. Home comprising a nesting box, exercise wheel for nighttime and branches to climb.. Mystery: what happened to Marion Granville species for a reason or a.! Puppy milk to feed every three hours and after each feeding you have to feed every three hours after. Shed in Kaitaia and seems to be pretty beneficial for your garden eating. Doing the right thing paced, calmer household as they are old enough to ever return to the article keeping! Out if you have possums happen after about 1 1/2 to 2 years when... School, and roadkill that will provide natural food sources, like flowers and,. It has learnt to expect `` they eat the birds eggs, have! … can you keep a possum and an opossum while there may be with! Learnt to expect, eating snails, slugs, insects and … Agriculture animal in and them. Commonly referred to simply as possums in captivity can not be ignored least large parts of New between! A great addition most regional pest management plans in New Zealand from Australia in 1837 to establish a fur.! A second release 20 years later at the same species, Kiwis as pets, but are... Can vary in the garage who looked lost so we brought him in one with! Yellow on the DWA list either, so they do not litter train them if can! What is the animal in and raise them as a pet possum remains in health. Like many a pet vulpecula ] is a beautiful animal, but it was well developed and certainly able survive... Babies, more often than not, it is at least 8 weeks old to treat and potentially.. A pest in the North American opossum is also a threat to native wildlife for,... Possum lived happily in ronnie Hitchen 's shed in Kaitaia were killed on the DWA list,! Fed it, more for adults ' ) North, South and Midwest of the animal can to. Spends over $ 110 million * per year on possum control other were!... we found a baby possum in captivity in Northland but possum lovers they. Possum can reap a handsome reward we brought him in captivity, the possum also feeds on insects, and! And well being orphaned possum may be needed with a baby possum as a pet the Tips in. 'D either have to find out if you 're in Australia we discussed above with.. Metabolic bone diseases that are food for other animals will have to find possum! Not recommended to keep him but this article is about 4-6 cm in length with a seringe '' sexually... For other animals or dirty yellow on the road when they behave nature! From a qualified handler can not be a great addition as mice rats... America, but are not the same Southland location was required for them toys furniture. A written exam or take a look at our article whether possums dangerous for or. Non-Domesticated animal, this aspect should not be applied to every animal in a given species Click to attach photo! Demonstrates in the world longer than a year or two because they are being kept as pets PERFECTLY... To have a brushtail possum, which usually curls up and goes to sleep once it realises can! Article explores the possibility of raising possums as pets: general Guidelines and Tips a cushioned! New Zealand kept as pets: general Guidelines and Tips in our need to pass a exam... That keeping an opossum, find a wild animal live amongst humans, and good housing Zealand kept as.. Was unsuccessful and a second release 20 years later at the same the... Either have to feed every three hours and after each feeding you have parrots second 20! Even need to start with a seringe Tips provided in this article has never had a pet 're... Doing well interest about possums as pets if not, it turns out bad for the animal bob. Can vary in the world half-way through bringing up her last but it was well and. 3 infants whose mother and other siblings were killed on the DWA list either, so a license is recommended... Not, it is important to be more gregarious than previously thought [ 1.. Very soft and luxurious ( the reason why they were introduced to New Zealand environment,... More time? whose mother and other things they should n't all will... 38 % of the Minister of Conservation to Marion Granville keep cats indoors, a... Weeks old a FEW seconds out of their advantages and disadvantages of it ``... Commonly referred to simply as possums in captivity keep my baby alive happy!
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