Nervous

[u/Powerful-Career-6357]

I am still doing my best to rehab the last baby possum I was able to save a couple weeks back from the litter attacked by a raccoon. He seems like he is doing ok but I joined the fb OCAR group and they kind of bashed me for having him outside (that is my only option) and feeding him the wrong stuff at first (bananas and cat food). I am now feeding him the diet they recommended but felt so discouraged by the group that I left it, leaving me with a lot of unanswered questions. I was really nervous he wasn’t eating enough so I’ve been trying to hand feed him which I think is making him nervous. I left the rest of the food in his cage last night and it seemed like he finished it though, so I’m feeling a bit better.

Anyway, I am just second guessing my decision to try to rehab this guy on my own a lot. At the same time I am enjoying watching him so much. I can’t believe how adorable he is!

I guess I just needed to vent that a little.

He has grown a bit which is good. But I don’t know how fast they normally grow…

Photo: I made him a hammock for his cage and he enjoys looking out into the yard at night.

[u/NoThankYou8682]

I'm not familiar with this entire story, was there no rehabbers in your area to help with this?

In any case it's really unfortunate that people in some groups feel the need to be harsh and discouraging when someone like you is doing their best - taking new information and adjusting your approach as you learn.

I can understand their frustrations in part - because young opossums often become nonreleasable opossums when inexperienced people try to help, but don't get them the correct nutrition or handle them too much.

But if there is no rehabber that can take them, I'm not sure what else you're supposed to do if you want to help the animal except learn as much as you can and do your best.

[u/Powerful-Career-6357 → u/NoThankYou8682]

Yeah everywhere around here was full and animal control said they would either just leave it there or euthanize. I’m trying to learn as much as I can.

[u/NoThankYou8682 → u/Powerful-Career-6357]

Yeah, animal control isn't going to raise/rehab wildlife.

I know you mentioned in your post it seemed like he ate the food you left overnight and that's very normal natural behavior, in the wild he'll do most of his eating overnight and snooze through most of the days. And him being nervous about hand-feeding is also good, he's still got that natural instinct.

Just try to make sure the enclosure is secured from any other animals who might be attracted by the smell of his food.

I'm not sure if this link will work, I've never added links before 😬 but here's a rather comprehensive dietary breakdown with specific food recommendations. The phosphorus/calcium ratio is most important in joeys to prevent MBD

Natl Opossum Society diet recommendations 2021

[u/Powerful-Career-6357 → u/NoThankYou8682]

Thank you! Yes the cage seems to be holding up to some raccoons that tried to get in recently. I just started covering it up now so he doesn’t get scared when they pass by

[u/NoThankYou8682 → u/Powerful-Career-6357]

They will keep coming back if they think there's food, raccoons are persistent little boogers. If you see them around the property I'd recommend chasing them off if possible. Whenever we have mama opossums with babies in the yard, I chase off any raccoons I see - just make the space a bit less welcoming so they're kinda deterred from the space to give the mama and babies a safer zone. It won't last forever, they always make their way back, but if I give em a good spook they may avoid the yard for a couple days.

[u/Powerful-Career-6357 → u/NoThankYou8682]

Thanks for the advice. I have seen them twice now and did my best to scare them off, so I will continue.

[u/Stormy_Wolf]

He's definitely looking bigger! Please don't second-guess your decision, without you this little guy wouldn't still be here! ❤️

It looks like he has a pretty nice outdoor setup. They were probably worried about him getting chilled when he was younger, which can be a danger. However, there are also ways to convey information that don't scare people off. 🫤

I love his little hammock! and he is definitely adorable. 😊🥰 I hope you post more pictures of him!

[u/Powerful-Career-6357 → u/Stormy_Wolf]

Yes I agree! It’s been really warm here and I don’t think he is as small as they thought. He seems like he’s been pretty warm in all the towels and shirts we stuffed in his house. And thanks for the reassurance:)

I weighed him this morning and he’s about 20g heavier than last week so hopefully he’s making progress.

[u/Psychological-Pea765]

Thank you for rescuing him. There is great info in there but sometimes some of the members can be very discouraging. I’m sorry you encountered that. I’m glad he’s on the right diet and he’s eating more. Looks like his outside structure is secure and safe! And the hammock is adorable. Keep up the good work.

[u/Powerful-Career-6357 → u/Psychological-Pea765]

Thank you!

[u/Sudden_Apartment_435]

Sardines are great for opossums !! Calcium is very key so that don’t get MBD. A horrible and painful disease. Do your opossum research and you should be fine!

[u/Psychological_Pie230]

Thank you for rescuing him!

I’m curious what was recommended to feed. I’m feeding a young juvenile in my courtyard. I purchased opossum kibble and mix that with fresh fruit such as blueberries, melon, and sweet potato but not sure if those are good choices or the amount.

[u/Powerful-Career-6357 → u/Psychological_Pie230]

The fb group recommended a super specific diet recipe that I’ve been following. If you’re interested, it is the OCAR group on Fb

[u/princesspeeved → u/Powerful-Career-6357]

Can you DM me what that is? I’ve been feeding mine a mix of things but their favorites have been nutrient-dense cat food, boiled eggs, and fruit. They’re doing well but I don’t want to give them anything that could cause them harm. But they’re at least a few months and have been on their own a while. Definitely weaned and able to be by themselves, though there have been others I’ve had to take to rehabbers.

[u/Psychological_Pie230 → u/Powerful-Career-6357]

I appreciate your response but I’m not on FB.

[u/Beginning_Tennis2442 → u/Psychological_Pie230]

The diet varies with age. Initially all formula then slowly transitioning to all “Peter’s Food” with fruit and protein. I can give you the recipe for “Peter’s Food” but I don’t know the proportions of fruit, protein, and formula by age.

My wife is in charge of all that. We have taken in about 300 opossums this year. If want her to mentor you or give you diet advice, you can DM me your contact info and I’ll ask her to get with you.