Opossum Poop and Skin Questions

[CTSquirrel]

Hey Everyone!!

Normally I rehab squirrels, but at the moment I'm caring for a small 9 week old opossum that I got about a week and 3 days ago. I started feeding Fox Valley 32/40 a day ago, before that I had her on Esbilac. She weights about 30 grams, and I'm using the tube feeding method. A few days ago I noticed her skin started to look flaky around the corners of her mouth, now its all around her body. Is this normal and if not what can I use to treat it?
She also hasn't pooped in a day and a half. The last time I got her to poop I had her walk around my sink in warm water just up to her feet. It happened pretty quickly...but since then, nothing...although she doesn't look or feel bloated at all! Shes quite active when woken up, so no lethargy...She's also urinating quite well. I'm keeping her plenty hydrated with SQ fluids and we're feeding every 3 hours. Could she be eating her poop at this age? Any advice would be helpful!

Thank you!
:Love_Icon

[Rhapsody]

At this age and size the possum still needs to be be stimulated to go potty and may need more water.
Please keep the possum on Esbilac until it reaches 200 grams then you can start it on Peters Food.

*Post Pic of the Possum and its skin issue please so I may see.

Here is my Page on FB about Possum Care & Diet:
https://www.facebook.com/OpossumCare/

[Rhapsody]

P.S.
If its just a case of dry skin you can apply a small amount of coconut oil to the body.

[CTSquirrel]

Thanks!! I made the switch over b/c somebody on my wildlife forum said FV was better (which I was slightly hesitant b/c I've lost squirrels on it)...but I can easily switch back over. I'll take a pic of the skin at next feeding. It's just so odd, that this food is disappearing! I keep palpating and stimulating and there's nothing but a soft belly and lots of pee.

[CTSquirrel]

Here are the pictures of the skin

[Rhapsody]

Are you having to wash or wipe him off frequently due to loose poop? - if yes this could be the cause of the flaky skin.

Please use coconut oil sparingly and give amoxicillin.
Please switch back to Esbilac ASAP!!

[SammysMom]

Hi CTSquirrels...are you on the Rehabber's Corner on FB? There are also a lot of CT possie peeps there. You are getting great advice from Rhapsody. Not sure about that advice to switch to FV, but if it's 32/40 it is one I will never use again because I lost pinkie squirrels to it. Esbilac is terrific for pinkies and I should think would be good for possies as well.
I'm here in New Haven, so very close! I love seeing CT rehabbers here!:w00t

[Rhapsody]

Was thinking and wanted to let you know that baby possums also get this way due to a lack of humidity they usually get from their mom's pouch.

If you have the baby in a Rubbermaid container over top of a heating pad you can place a wet wash cloth in one of the back corners to help with the humidity level...... while still applying the coconut oil.

[CTSquirrel]

Are you having to wash or wipe him off frequently due to loose poop? - if yes this could be the cause of the flaky skin.

Please use coconut oil sparingly and give amoxicillin.
Please switch back to Esbilac ASAP!!

Nope, no diarrhea, all poop that I've seen from this girl has been normal formed (not hard) stools. I'm bringing her to work tomorrow and will have one of the Vets rx the amoxi, so we can start that.


Hi CTSquirrels...are you on the Rehabber's Corner on FB? There are also a lot of CT possie peeps there. You are getting great advice from Rhapsody. Not sure about that advice to switch to FV, but if it's 32/40 it is one I will never use again because I lost pinkie squirrels to it. Esbilac is terrific for pinkies and I should think would be good for possies as well.
I'm here in New Haven, so very close! I love seeing CT rehabbers here!:w00t

Yes, I am a member! I actually believe you know my mother in law...last name is Frattarola..One of my friends in that group said she never uses Esbilac, and thinks FV is better...which is what I had trouble with when raising small squirrels, but she said they changed their protein source that was causing the issues... I only had this lil one on FV for not even a day, so we're all good back to Esbilac


Was thinking and wanted to let you know that baby possums also get this way due to a lack of humidity they usually get from their mom's pouch.

If you have the baby in a Rubbermaid container over top of a heating pad you can place a wet wash cloth in one of the back corners to help with the humidity level...... while still applying the coconut oil.

I will try this, I initially had her in a incubator with a sponge, but i noticed that the blowing of the air, was not good for her lil eyes. It was just too strong. Right now shes in a small covered fabric carrier with a heating pad and lots of blankets, but there is no humidity other than what we experience in the house which is about 70% (we lack air conditioners)