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Thread: Baby opossums attached to dead mom

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  1. #1
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    Default Baby opossums attached to dead mom

    Found a dead opossum hit by a car with babies still attached and wriggling around. They have hair, but eyes are closed. I brought dead opossum into my attic since it is hot up there. Rehabber opens at 9 am. Should I keep them attached to their mom?

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Baby opossums attached to dead mom

    NO!
    I don't know much about opossums but this I DO know - they are attached to and suckling from something that is beginning to decay and the milk in her body is too. It will make them very ill.

  3. Serious fuzzy thank you's to CritterMom from:

    Milo's Mom (07-22-2019)

  4. #3
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    Default Re: Baby opossums attached to dead mom

    https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...E7&FORM=VDQVAP

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    this short video shows baby opossum removal. She repeatedly says--"Pull from the BODY --NOT from the head...but the text was written opposite. I assume the body IS the proper holding area. because THAT is how she did the removal....

  5. #4
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    Default Re: Baby opossums attached to dead mom

    This is a different video showing extremely YOUNG babies in the pouch...Are your babies this tiny ?

    __________________________________________________ ________________

    https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...06&FORM=VDQVAP

    ___________________________
    __________________________________
    ___________________________________________

    This video shows eyes-closed babies...but a little older that the last video-----




    https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...6&&FORM=VRDGAR



    Which one reflects the age of the babies that you saved ???



    Knowing the approx. age will help to decide on a feeding program for the babies....

    _________________
    I've never raised opossums but several TSB members are knowledgeable --and will come on soon to assist you....

  6. #5
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    Default Re: Baby opossums attached to dead mom

    In POST #3---BABY removal video--Sorry I posted the incorrect video--
    HERE is the removal video---OOOOPS.


    https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...7&&FORM=VRDGAR

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    _______________________

    I know these are eyes-open babies...but the removal part was instructive.

  7. #6
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    Default Re: Baby opossums attached to dead mom

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    I took them to a wildlife rehabber. All babies survived the night. She said one looks like he was injured. They just need to be cleaned and hydrated. One plus about this heat wave... I kept the mom and babies in my attic, so they were warm. Four detached themselves and were crawling around mom, calling for her (a puffing/hissing sound). One started to open his eyes. They are so cute.

    I should have asked the rehabber if I should have removed them from mom. I thought it would be more comforting for them to be with their dead mom than in a box of fleece.

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