Know anything about opossums?

sharky

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One of our admins is currently caring for a possum... I will Pm and ask her if she ll come
 
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breal76

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I need to know how old they should be till you can release them? I think telling me their weight would be sufficient. I can't age them by teeth..lol.

I have a foster opossum, but he looks like he is good to fly the coop.

He is eating solid cat food and probably weighs four pounds. It looks like he is good to go, but I am not sure and do not want to release him until I know he is ready.
 

strange_wings

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You really need to make sure it's legal for you to have a opossum in your state, even(especially) if you're going to release it.
Check state laws and call your Department of Fish and Game/Wildlife.
They may take it from you or give you the number and address for a wildlife rehabilitator near you. Not doing so, and if against any laws, can result in fines.

Caring for and releasing without a proper license or permit is also illegal in many states.
 
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breal76

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Not worried about the wild life department. Animal control knows I have it. I work for the Humane Society. This is a project I am taking on with approval. The thing is no one knows anything about opossums at the shelter. I don't have the money to join the Opossum Society (soon though). We have a squirrel rehabilitator, and I am taking on the opossums. The last person to Foster opossums has been gone from the shelter for 2 years. I am taking her place.
 

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I've had two that I took care of after their mother's were killed. They may have weighed a couple of lbs,but they had attitude when I let them free. I also made sure they could climb a tree well,to escape dogs and such. If it is eating and getting around good,I'd think a 4 lb possum could do just fine. There are a few running around in the woods behind my house that don't weigh half that much....
 

strange_wings

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Originally Posted by Breal76

Not worried about the wild life department. Animal control knows I have it. I work for the Humane Society. This is a project I am taking on with approval.
Oh, ok. I just wanted to make sure you weren't going to get yourself into trouble. Sometimes people don't realize there's laws concerning even the most common of wildlife.


Can you look up other wildlife rehabilitators or wildlife sanctuaries? They should know the best weight and age, and even may even suggest where would be best to release at.
 
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breal76

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Taterbug thanks for the info! I think my guy weighs that much. I haven't fiddled around with him too much because I need him to have that healthy fear. He just hisses and passes out everytime he sees me. lol.

I just got fed up with people trapping them and bringing them into the shelter, this is my turn to do something that I think is important. Teach and educate peeps about them. They are not aggresive and can be good 4 gardens eating slugs and such. Plus the babies are so cute.


I just wanted to make sure you weren't going to get yourself into trouble. Sometimes people don't realize there's laws concerning even the most common of wildlife.
Oh trust me I know all about it! lol..

I wouldn't be getting into this if there were more resources out there. This guy one day came in with a baby opossum and he told me he was shocked to see the love and admiration I have for them. I do like em lots. Anyway it was then I realized people just don't understand them because they don't think they are attractive.
 

sshapkido

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We had a possum that would come up and eat cat food off the back patio years ago. It shocked us at first, but then we just got used to him....hey, look, the possum's back. LOL...he was kind of cute...in an odd sort of way.
 

taterbug

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Originally Posted by Breal76

Taterbug thanks for the info! I think my guy weighs that much. I haven't fiddled around with him too much because I need him to have that healthy fear. He just hisses and passes out everytime he sees me. lol.

I just got fed up with people trapping them and bringing them into the shelter, this is my turn to do something that I think is important. Teach and educate peeps about them. They are not aggresive and can be good 4 gardens eating slugs and such. Plus the babies are so cute.




Oh trust me I know all about it! lol..

I wouldn't be getting into this if there were more resources out there. This guy one day came in with a baby opossum and he told me he was shocked to see the love and admiration I have for them. I do like em lots. Anyway it was then I realized people just don't understand them because they don't think they are attractive.
You are so right! People thought it was the grossest thing that I was feeding a baby possum with a medicine driopper! And when they saw me with the little one on my head hanging on to my hair,the just couldn't understand why I would let it do that! I think they are wonderful,unique and beautiful creatures. Thanks for helping the little guy!!
 

fred&nermal

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I've had a possum living in my backyard for 5 years at least. I always feel bad for him because I have never seen him with a mate, etc. How long do they live? He's pretty non-intrusive. I'd guess him to weigh about 9lbs.
 
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breal76

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Originally Posted by Fred&Nermal

I've had a possum living in my backyard for 5 years at least. I always feel bad for him because I have never seen him with a mate, etc. How long do they live? He's pretty non-intrusive. I'd guess him to weigh about 9lbs.
You know you must have had a delicious backyard! I have read a lot about them and from what I have read it says they are movers. So if your opossum liked it enough there to stay five years, well then you should feel special!
The average life span of a opossum is 2 years this is because of predetors and cars.

Anyway I think I will be able to track down the lady who used to care for them. She will let me know if my guy is ready to fly the coop. I am just glad he didn't die. I think he ate a slug today, there was one on the back porch. I faced his carrier towards the slug. Gave it some time. The slug is now nowhere to be found.
 

dawnofsierra

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Good for you for rescuing your new little one! My apologies for running late here, I've been having internet troubles...phone troubles..ack! Please pm me any specific concerns you may have, I've been in contact with a couple of wonderful, experienced individuals whose passion for opossums is every bit as strong as ours is for our kitties. Until Buddi entered our lives, I never knew how adorable and amazing opossums are!
 
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