Understanding the Needs of Your Baby Opossum
Finding a tiny, helpless creature can tug at your heartstrings. Imagine stumbling upon a baby opossum, seemingly alone and vulnerable. These nocturnal marsupials, often misunderstood, play a vital role in our ecosystem, acting as nature’s pest control by consuming insects, rodents, and even carrion. Unfortunately, baby opossums, also known as joeys, sometimes become orphaned or injured due to various circumstances like car accidents, habitat loss, or attacks by predators. When this happens, concerned citizens may find themselves faced with the daunting task of caring for these delicate creatures. However, properly feeding a baby opossum is absolutely crucial for its survival and successful rehabilitation. This comprehensive guide will provide you with essential knowledge about their dietary needs and offer practical tips for nurturing these little survivors back to health.
Before you even consider feeding, it’s vital to accurately assess the opossum’s age and overall condition. This dictates the type of care it needs.
Physical Characteristics
Consider the physical characteristics. A very young opossum, a “pinkie,” might be only a few inches long, hairless, and with its eyes and ears still closed. It will rely entirely on you for warmth and nutrition. As it grows, fur will begin to develop, and its eyes and ears will open. Larger joeys will be more mobile and might even attempt to hiss or bite when approached. Weight is also a critical factor. A healthy baby opossum should gain weight steadily. Track the weight with a kitchen scale to properly track the joey’s growth.
Behavioral Cues
Pay close attention to behavioral cues. A healthy joey will be relatively responsive to stimulation, though they can be very sleepy. It will vocalize – making soft chirping or squeaking sounds. Listlessness, lack of appetite, or labored breathing are all red flags indicating a potential health problem.
Determining if the Baby Opossum Actually Needs Help
Critically, determine if the baby opossum actually needs help. Mother opossums are often out foraging, leaving their young tucked away in a safe place. Observe from a distance for a few hours to see if the mother returns. If the baby appears injured, is visibly distressed, or if the mother is deceased or injured nearby, then intervention is necessary. If unsure, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for advice. Remember, removing a healthy joey from its mother reduces its chance of survival.
Gathering the Right Baby Opossum Food and Supplies
Providing the correct nutrition is paramount, and this starts with the right formula. Never give a baby opossum cow’s milk. Cow’s milk lacks the necessary nutrients and can cause severe digestive problems. Instead, opt for a commercially available puppy or kitten milk replacer powder. These formulas are specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of young mammals. Fox Valley Animal Nutrition, Esbilac, or KMR are popular brands often recommended by wildlife rehabilitators. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and storage. Prepared formula should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours.
Beyond formula, you’ll need appropriate feeding equipment. For very young joeys, a small syringe (without a needle, of course) is ideal for administering formula. As they grow, you can switch to a dropper or a small animal nipple. Make sure the flow rate is appropriate; the formula should drip slowly, preventing choking.
Maintaining proper hygiene and warmth is crucial for preventing illness. Provide a warm and draft-free environment using a heating pad set on low or an incubator. Keep the joey in a soft, clean nest made of towels or fleece. Regularly disinfect the feeding equipment and the enclosure to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Mastering the Feeding Schedule and Techniques
The feeding schedule and amount of food will vary depending on the baby opossum’s age.
Early Stages (Pinkies/Hairless)
In the earliest stages, when they are pinkies or have minimal fur, joeys need to be fed frequently, typically every two to three hours around the clock. The amount of formula per feeding will be very small, perhaps only a few drops initially. Gradually increase the amount as the joey grows. When feeding, hold the joey in a slightly upright position to prevent aspiration (formula entering the lungs). Allow the joey to suckle at its own pace, and never force-feed.
After each feeding, it’s vital to stimulate urination and defecation. Mother opossums do this by gently licking their young’s anal and genital areas. You can mimic this using a soft, damp cloth. If the joey doesn’t eliminate, consult with a wildlife rehabilitator.
Intermediate Stages (Fur Developing)
As the joey develops fur, you can gradually increase the feeding intervals. Start by extending the time between feedings by an hour or two at night. Gradually introduce solid food purees, such as baby food (plain chicken or fruit purees are good options).
Later Stages (Eyes Open, More Mobile)
Once the joey’s eyes are open and it’s more mobile, you can offer a wider variety of solid foods and reduce the amount of formula. Encourage self-feeding by placing small portions of food in a shallow dish.
Monitoring Weight Gain and Hydration
Regularly monitor the joey’s weight. A healthy joey should gain weight consistently. Dehydration is a serious concern. Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, dry gums, and decreased skin elasticity. If you suspect dehydration, offer electrolyte solution (available at pharmacies) and consult with a veterinarian.
Selecting the Right Solid Baby Opossum Food Options
As your baby opossum grows, gradually introduce solid foods to supplement their formula diet.
Recommended Foods
Recommended foods include high-quality kitten or puppy food, both wet and dry. The food should be easily digestible and nutrient-rich. Offer a variety of fruits like berries, melon, and grapes. Vegetables, such as cooked sweet potato and leafy greens, provide essential vitamins and minerals. Insects, like mealworms and crickets (available at pet stores), are a natural part of an opossum’s diet and provide valuable protein. Cooked eggs are another excellent source of protein. Plain, unsweetened yogurt offers beneficial probiotics.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid feeding opossums certain foods. Chocolate is toxic to many animals. Onions and garlic can cause anemia. Processed foods are generally unhealthy and lack essential nutrients. Sugary treats can lead to obesity and other health problems.
Weaning Your Joey
Weaning is a gradual process. Look for signs of readiness, such as increased interest in solid food, decreased interest in formula, and the ability to eat independently.
Begin by reducing the amount of formula you offer and increasing the amount of solid food available. Gradually decrease the number of formula feedings until the joey is completely weaned onto solid food. Ensure the joey continues to gain weight and remains healthy throughout the weaning process.
Addressing Health Concerns
Orphaned opossums are susceptible to various health problems.
Dehydration is a common concern, especially in young joeys. Diarrhea can be caused by improper diet or infection. Aspiration pneumonia can occur if formula is inhaled into the lungs. Metabolic bone disease (MBD) can develop due to a calcium deficiency.
Seek veterinary care immediately if the joey exhibits lethargy, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, or obvious injuries. Early intervention is crucial for improving the chances of survival.
Parasite prevention is also important. Consult with a veterinarian about appropriate deworming medications.
Preparing Your Baby Opossum for Release Back to the Wild
Before releasing your opossum, it’s crucial to prepare it for life in the wild.
Start by acclimatizing it to the outdoors. Provide supervised outdoor time in a safe, enclosed area. Introduce natural food sources, such as insects and berries, that the joey can forage for. Build a safe shelter, such as a wooden box or a pile of brush, where the joey can retreat.
Consider using soft release strategies. Continue providing food and shelter for a few weeks after releasing the opossum. This allows the joey to gradually adjust to its new environment.
Consulting with wildlife rehabilitators is crucial. They can provide valuable advice on preparing the opossum for release and can help you navigate any legal regulations regarding keeping and releasing opossums in your area.
Conclusion
Caring for an orphaned baby opossum is a challenging but rewarding experience. Providing the right baby opossum food and care is essential for its survival and successful rehabilitation. Remember to be patient, observant, and dedicated to providing the best possible care. Always consult with wildlife rehabilitation professionals for guidance and assistance. By working together, we can help these fascinating creatures thrive and continue to play their vital role in our ecosystem. Responsible wildlife stewardship ensures the well-being of these amazing animals.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not substitute professional advice from a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator.
