Opossum Natural History
Are opossums diurnal or nocturnal?
Nocturnal.
Are squirrels diurnal or nocturnal?
Diurnal.
When can opos be combined?
Only under 30g - essentially never during our care
Can squirrels be combined?
Yes!! If there are no health concerns, squirrels do better in groups.
Squirrel has white diarrhea vs yellow diarrhea, what do you do and what does it mean?
White: restart grads because they are not properly digesting the formula.
Yellow: take a fecal, give half strength formula for next couple feeds or give sq LRS. Also, put in a recheck and monitor weight.
How many babies can one opossum have?
Up to 13.
How many babies do squirrels typically have at once?
Usually, 2-5 twice a year.
What causes anemia in opossums?
Fleas are a common cause, if you see an anemic opossum, put in a recheck so they can get liquitinic and capstar.
What is unique about rodent teeth? What is necessary in their diet?
They continuously grow throughout their lifetime; therefore, they need crunchy foods, nuts, and browse to file them.
One out of 8 opossums (E age) has a wound on his tail and one of his paws, what is likely happening and what do you do?
They are likely displaying early cannibalism :(( separate them, give the wounded a new cage card and folder, and put in a recheck.
Can opossums carry rabies or canine distemper? Why or why not?
Yes, but it is extremely unlikely due to their low body temperature and high number of natural killer cells.
Are squirrels social in the wild? Will they share resources?
Yes! Squirrels will share food during the winter months as well as share dens. They also alert each other to potential predators.
Why do we tube feed opossums instead of syringe feed?
They do not suckle, mom's anatomy is different than other mammals, so tube feeding is the most effective route of feeding baby opos.
What type of an enclosure should an adult squirrel with spinal trauma have?
Long metal crate with no ramp.
B opossum is losing weight consistently and not eating his lid, what should you do?
Begin tubing at each feed, check that his enclosure is warm enough, and put in a recheck.
Opossums are North America's only ___? What physical traits are different about opossums?
Marsupial = Marsupium! Babies live in the pouch, have a prehensile tail, and opposable thumbs.
What are the three squirrels species found in Texas and what is different about the two less common species?
1. Eastern fox squirrel
2. Rock Squirrel
3. Thirteen-lined ground squirrel
Thirteen-lined ground squirrel and Rock squirrel eat a larger variety of foods. While all three are omnivorous, these two rely more on insects, seeds, and grasses than the fox squirrels.
Is renesting an option for baby opossums?
No, baby opossums live in mom's pouch and if one is found and mom is not in sight, she likely will not come back for them.
What can we give a squirrel with a jaw fracture?
Mashed fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, omnivore care, soaked rodent chow, etc.
5 B squirrels were recently combined, what are 3 things you need to monitor for?
1. eyes opening! once all eyes are opened, we can offer solids and a lid
2. Large weight differences. If one or two are progressing faster then the rest, please separate. This way they can have the correct amount of feeds and be offered the correct diets.
3. Suckling. Watch for any irritation around the genitals, specifically the males. If suckling is seen, try to separate the suckler.
How long is the gestation period and lactation period?
Gestation: ~13 days
Lactation: ~16 weeks
How long is the gestation period and lactation period?
Gestation: ~44 days
Lactation: ~2 months
If an adult opossum is brought to us DOA, what should you always do?
Check the pouch!! There could be healthy babies in there.
What is the biggest concern with syringe feeding squirrels and why? What do we need to do to?
ASPIRATION!! Can cause pneumonia, need to be started on antibiotics ASAP
An adult opossum arrived three days ago, on the first day it was recorded that he ate 1/4, but the following two days he ate nothing. What should you do?
Take a weight!! Collect a fecal if you are able, offer a variety of foods, and put in a recheck.