baby opossums

[Carlala]

i may be getting so baby opossums im not sure how old they are yet but I know they are very young. does anyone know what they eat and how to care for them? with my sister working for a vet i think this is going to be a very interesting summer filled with lots of babies

[Jackie in Tampa]

FV 32/40 is also for possies..
depends on how old they are, they will syringe feed if they are older babies, little littles need to be tubed.
I am not a possie rehabber...
I am sure someone will help you when you have them...
treat them like baby sqs as far as heating pad, hydration, warming first etc...
we;ll need pics!!!:D

[Carlala]

ok ty very much. if i end up with them i will be sure to post pics if I don't its because another colleague of my sister took them instead :)

[djarenspace9]

Feel free to PM or email me if you do get them.
I can talk you through most of it.
I really feel its best opossums go to an experienced person whenever possible,
because things can be complicated if they can't or won't lick the formula.
Tubing is necessary sometimes and it's a lot for an inexperienced person
to deal with the first time.

[djarenspace9]

You can use FV 32/40 if they are under 45grams.
If they are larger Fox Valley sells a different mix (not the ones used for squirrels).
It's important that the right formula mix is used because their needs are very
different than other mammals.

[Carlala]

thank you for all the advice. If i dont get these ones i am sure that i will have some at one point or another to care for my sisters vet is a wildlife rehabber but from what I hear she really doesnt know what she is doing however people are always bringing babies to her office and she gives them to the vet techs and assistants to care for so when my sister gets them i care for them because I have more experience with babies than she does:thankyou :)

[djarenspace9]

:thumbsup The world needs more rehabbers for sure!

If there is a chance you will get possums try to learn the feeding method and how to tube.
There's videos that show how, I'll see if I can find the links for you.

Having feeding tubes is important, see if the vet can provide those.
If not you can order them, they are very inexpensive.
That way you don't find yourself in a jam.

The website squirrelsandmore.com is very good for supplies.

Housing is important too...the infants need heat and humidity
and if you do not have an incubator that does both, you can simulate the effect.
I have some guidelines I can share with you.

Possums are not difficult but have some unique needs.
They are awesome creatures that are very misunderstood.
Can you tell I'm in love with possums?? :thinking :rotfl

Keep us posted if you get the babies! :peace