Can Possums Be Domesticated?

About possums

Possums are native to Australia, New Guinea, and the surrounding countries. They have been imported to North America as pets and were introduced by humans in the 1970s when they began breeding large numbers of them for their fur.

Possums have an extremely fast-breeding cycle, so they can become a major pest after introduction. They reproduce year-round, with litter averaging five offspring per litter.

When released into the wild, possums have no natural predators. The lack of natural predators and the fact that they are nocturnal and shy of humans make them very hard to control.

A wildlife rehabilitation permit from your state is also required to hold a captive opossum legally. To obtain the permit, you will need to volunteer with a wildlife rehabilitator, attend a training program, or pass a written test, depending on where you live.

Rehabilitated possums should only be released once they are well. However, you might come across one who is so ill or wounded that he needs ongoing treatment. You may be able to foster him if you have the skills, expertise, time, and money to provide him with a good home.

Can Possums Be Domesticated?

People can come across orphaned possums and start raising these adorable animals as pets. It is illegal to hold them without a wildlife rehabilitation permit, and safe possums can and should be released once they are old enough to live independently. They are wild animals that do not fare well in captivity. Attempting to turn a possum into a pet can be costly and heartbreaking.

Can possums be domesticated? The answer is yes, with many people keeping them as pets. But before you go out and buy one, it’s important to know the pros and cons of this animal.

Pros:

The possum’s diet consists mainly of fruit, vegetables, nuts, and insects. They can be tamed to live in a cage or enclosure outside your homes like a cat or dog would if they are given enough time.

Cons:

Possums have sharp teeth that could hurt their owner. Their claws also pose a threat when they get too excited or mad at their owner for some reason during feeding time. It is not an easy task to tame these animals because they do not want human contact.

Domesticated Possum Diet

Possums are unique animals in that they have been domesticated. They can be tamed and even trained to do tricks, but it is not easy.

A possum’s diet consists of just about anything, including insects and fruit. Possums are usually nocturnal creatures who spend their days resting or playing with one another.

Possums have become more popular as pets because they’re low maintenance animals that don’t need much attention daily.

How to adopt a possum

What do you need to know about how to adopt a possum?

Some people are thinking about adopting a possum. This could be because they have had experience with one and want to take care of another one, or they may have seen a possum and thought it was cute. But before you adopt your new friend, be sure you know what to expect and how to care for them properly.

If you’re considering adopting a possum of your own, this post is the first place you should turn. Here, you’ll find general information about how to adopt a possum, why you should consider making such a pet a part of your family, and everything else that you need to know about these animals.

Why Consider Adopting A Possum?

First things first: what do possums even look like? They’re woodland creatures who are native to Australia and New Guinea. Their name is derived from the word “possum,” which is an area in Virginia. Possums also are called rat-kangaroos.

The male possums are larger than their female counterparts and can reach 2 to 3 feet in length. Their fur is brown, gray, or even black.

What’s to love about adopting a possum?

Possums are cute little creatures. They’re furry and adorable, similar to a skunk with stripes. While they may appear aggressive at first (especially if they are frightened or trapped), this is likely an expression of fear rather than aggression toward you.

They don’t require a lot of attention. As long as you take care of your possum properly, you shouldn’t have to work too hard to keep it happy and healthy.

All they need is a warm, dry place to sleep and plenty of food to eat. How much attention you want to devote to your possum is up to you.

They’re easy to care for. That said, your possum still needs plenty of attention, especially in the beginning. Possums are nocturnal animals, which means that they sleep during the day and are active at night.

They usually sleep 12 hours a day, but they may only sleep for 6 hours or less during the warmer months. So be sure that no matter when you adopt your possum, it has a warm place to sleep.

Generally speaking, all you need to do is provide your possum with food and water. Keep in mind that different foods are better for different types of possums; those living in the wild should eat bugs and grubs, while those living in captivity will need to eat more fruit and vegetables.

Make sure you purchase the right food and provide it in a way that your possum can eat it easily.

It’s not too difficult to clean up after your possum. Like all animals, removing waste from your possum’s cage will require cleaning with a non-toxic, water-based solution.

To remove the waste, just use paper towels or cotton balls to wipe out the cage. You may need to do this several times per day — especially during the warmer months.

You’ll also need to take good care of your possum’s fur. This is another part of keeping your possum happy and healthy. You should brush its fur several times per week to keep its coat clean and free from parasites. Use brushes made for pets (never use hairbrushes with human teeth).

They should be made of natural materials that do not cause harm to your possum’s skin. Once you’ve brushed the fur, make sure to dry it completely using a hairdryer or air dryer.

How to Adopt A Possum

Adoption of any animal is an important and rewarding experience. It may be a big decision to make, so it’s best to take the time and make sure you are adopting an animal that fits into your life and schedule.

To adopt a possum, you need to take several steps. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:

Do you have space for another animal?

You should have no trouble finding an animal to adopt, but it is important to make sure your home has enough space before you adopt an animal. It’s best to keep your cage in a covered area that is draft-free and can stay between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. You will also need to make sure that there are no cords or wires in the cage.

Do you know what cares the possum will need?

Possums are very low maintenance. They eat fruit and vegetables, so they don’t need to be fed nearly as often as carnivores or omnivores. Their cages should be kept dry and clean, but this is a small amount of work that pretty much anyone can handle.

How much time do you have to make sure the animal is taken care of? Some homes have several pets that they can take care of, while others can only devote a limited amount of time. A family can adopt multiple animals, but it will take a lot of effort.

Do you have experience taking care of an animal?

It’s not that difficult to take care of a possum, but it can be time-consuming. Before adopting an animal, make sure you have the right equipment and knowledge to do so.