Orphaned Opossum

[Mother Goosey]

Hello!

Just to start off, I do have a rehab permit but I don't rehab often as I care for the wildlife alone and I'm not much in the way of funds. I mainly have the permit so I can intervene if necessary and can continue to provide care if the animal(s) are not too overwhelming.

My possum knowledge has gotten a little rusty and the only time I dealt with one volunteering, it was an older orphan(was a predominantly raccoon rescue but they kept a few other species). I found a dead momma possum and only one surviving orphan, younger than my experience.

He is eating well, 2 - 3 hour cycle for feeding/potty, 1 - 2cc's, lively, warm, and well hydrated. The only thing I'm finding baffling is his age. I know at 10 weeks their jaws can open independently. His can, but his eyes aren't open. His mouth can open, eyes are closed, and has a soft peach fuzz all over with very obvious whiskers on the face. If he's 10 weeks, shouldn't his eyes be open by now?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I think you are overestimating his age. How long has he been in your care?

 

[Mother Goosey]

A day and a half. I know between 6 and 7 weeks they grow hair on their neck and back, which he does have. He weighs 23 grams. It's baffling because if I remember right the eyes begin to open at 8 - 9 weeks of age and them the mouth no longer has its 'seal' at 10 weeks. I find it confusing because he has all the signs that he's somewhere between 6 - 7 weeks, but the only difference is he can move is mouth open and closed of his own will.

Weight generally isn't a good indicator of age, many variables. I weigh daily just to keep track of growth, don't want any weight drops. I found the momma in the city so I can assume she lived off a steady diet of small creatures, trash, and pet food. She was maybe a foot in length. Looked to weigh between 5 - 7lbs.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I would put him solidly around 7 weeks and just figure the mouth issue is an anomaly

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Also - I do hope you'll update pictures as he grows - they change so fast.

 

[Mother Goosey]

Do bear in mind these are marsupials and the beginning of their life is fairly different compared to that of a mammal's. I know people may look and think that it's a newborn. If it were a mammal, I'd agree, but marsupials are very different.

They begin life after an amazingly short gestation period, as a small little embryonic 'bean' wiggling to the safety of mom's pouch to attach itself and continue the development process. When they're born they don't even weigh 1 gram. They're features aren't even distinguishable until a little later.

 

[Mother Goosey]

Also - I do hope you'll update pictures as he grows - they change so fast.

Ohh, I thought maybe you were one of the many that wasn't aware they were marsupials, my apologies! So many people around here think they're rodents because of the tail.

I sure will! He was so dehydrated when I found him, but after getting him all cozy he was starving! Poor baby... I wish the others had made it... but I don't think I could have handled more than 5 by myself.

 

[jentralala]

Awh, what a cutie! I used to volunteer at a wildlife rehab (we did mostly raccoons and squirrels). Oppossums are tricky little fellows, especially in dietary needs. I'd recommend contacting the National Opossum Society, we talked with them extensively and they were very kind and gave great advice, they even sent us packets full of information.

 

[Mother Goosey]

Awh, what a cutie! I used to volunteer at a wildlife rehab (we did mostly raccoons and squirrels). Oppossums are tricky little fellows, especially in dietary needs. I'd recommend contacting the National Opossum Society, we talked with them extensively and they were very kind and gave great advice, they even sent us packets full of information.

Thanks! I thought as juveniles/adults their diets vary from fruits, veggies, insects, small mammals, and amphibians? I do know they're lactose intolerant and it's not generally recommended you allow them to get obese, so intake should be supervised rather than free feeding, and ofcourse they need exercising and enrichment, in the form of toys, attention, and foraging opportunities. I've always secretly wanted a pet opossum. Thinking about getting a permit for ownership. I mean, he's growing up alone, no clue what another opossum looks like. I know they have natural born instincts but I think a solely human raised possum may have trouble fitting in, maybe?

Edit: He's currently on Esbilac Puppy Milk Replace, 2 parts water, 1 part formula since he's regained hydration. I'll gradually up the formula/water ratio. He has healthy colored stools, a nice brown/tan color and pees almost every 3 hours. Thinking Wombaroo Possum Milk Replacer may be more suitable though.

 

[chickengirl987]

This will be a cool story, subscibing!