opossum oproblems

[joe_p]

So I went into my cellar today to spray paint something (too windy in Kentucky to do it outside today) and this is what I found behind my door. Now I don't have my chickens yet, they will be showing up in June. I would rather not have this many opossums hanging around when they show up. My first reaction was to call and pay some one to remove them but then I looked at there size and got concerned that they still rely on their mother to survive. Would anyone be able to tell me by the image if they are still dependent? Also if I call to have some one remove them are they just going to kill them or will they relocate? Or is that depended on the person I call?





Thanks and sorry for the bad wordplay in the title : P

 

[joe_p]

Oh and kill is not an option for me.

 

[Ridgerunner]

That is dependent on who you call and what the laws are where you live. I'd suggest a call to your local animal control to see what options they may offer. In many places it is illegal to relocate them.

 

[dirtsaver]

Joe from what my friends tell me calling Metro Animal Service will end up nowhere. They will tell you they don't deal with wildlife and instruct you to call "Critter Ridders" or another company of that type.

It's the same in Oldham County where I work.

Larry

 

[babyblue]

those still look tiny enough to be on their mother, she has most likely go out for a bite to eat.

 

[dawg53]

I recommend you get rid of them soon,including the mama before you get your chickens.

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

Quote:
yeah, me too. But I wouldnt want to kill them either...

 

[lleighmay]

Those are still small enough to be dependent on their mother, and in fact should be in their mother's pouch. I raised a batch that size 2 years ago. They look like they should still be nursing. If she's not with them that's disturbing since they usually don't leave the pouch until MUCH later. Under the circumstances the odds are good that mom is dead (probably somewhere in or near your basement). I recommend you contact a local vet's office and get the number for a wildlife rehabber you can take them to. That way they'll be out of your basement and you won't have to kill them. They are not big enough to hurt you though they may "grin" at you and look mean- that's just an instinctive behavior.

 

[ginbart]

Quote:
I'm sorry but I need to ask you a question. How can you tell how big they are from the picture? I'm not being a smarty just wondering. Thanks

 

[tellynpeep]

Oh dang... they are cute! If the mom doesn't come back, call a wildlife rehabilitator and ask them what to do. They will know the laws, and will know if they are old enough to survive alone.