Need help for newborn opossums formula

[Marie14]

I thought someone that also had experience with baby opossums could help. I’m currently in Mexico and a classmate has 8 baby opossums. The only milk replacer the have available here is Esbilac and royal canin. I believe the Esbilac is the one without probiotics. She is currently feeding royal canin and they look underweight and dehydrated. Any help on what to feed would be appreciated. I don’t want them to die on her overnight.

[Mel1959]

You don’t mention how old they are or how much they weigh? How often are they being fed? Until 4 weeks old or about 30gr. they should be fed every 2 hrs.

[Marie14]

[QUOTE=Marie14;1312191]I thought someone that also had experience with baby opossums could help. I’m currently in Mexico and a classmate has 8 baby opossums. The only milk replacer the have available here is Esbilac and royal canin. I believe the Esbilac is the one without probiotics. She is currently feeding royal canin and they look underweight and dehydrated. Any help on what to feed would be appreciated. I don’t want them to die on her overnight. They have hair and eyes are slightly open so not exactly newborns.

[Chickenlegs]

How big are the possums? Baby possums need a lot of hydration. If they are very young they need to be tube fed. They need a warm humid environment. Please give some details or a photo of the babies. There are specific formulas for baby possums and if they were taken from a dead mama they will need antibiotics. Pleeeeze give us some more information.

[Marie14]

They have hair and some are just starting to open their eyes. I have mentioned everything about warmth and hydration and feeding times to her. My concern is the formula. As I mentioned she is currently giving royal canin puppy formula. That and Esbilac is all we have in Mexico. I also told her to get heavy whipping cream. My question is an opinion about the formula that she’s using. They look very dehydrated and thin. I will try to post a pic if I can figure it out. Also, they are defecating normally with no diarrhea.

[Chickenlegs]

The National Opossum Society has an excellent formula. She should be able to find most of the ingredients. Look on facebook for “ The Opossums Pouch” LOTS of helpful info. They need LOTS of hydration. A baby possum needs lots of hydration more than lots of nutrition. In a week she can start teaching them how to lap formula from a saucer.