Finding a baby opossum can be alarming, but knowing how to care for it properly is crucial for its survival. Feeding a baby opossum requires careful consideration, as their dietary needs differ significantly from adult opossums. Improper feeding can lead to serious health problems and even death. This guide will walk you through the best practices for feeding orphaned or injured baby opossums. Remember: It's crucial to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately if you find a baby opossum. They possess the expertise and facilities to provide the proper care. This information should only be used as a reference in emergency situations before professional help arrives.
What Do Baby Opossums Eat in the Wild?
In their natural habitat, baby opossums (joeys) primarily nurse from their mother's milk. This milk is rich in nutrients essential for their growth and development. As they grow older, their diet gradually transitions to include a wider variety of foods, mirroring that of adult opossums. Adult opossums are omnivores with a diet consisting of insects, fruits, vegetables, and small vertebrates. However, a baby opossum's primary food source is its mother's milk.
What Should You Feed a Baby Opossum?
If you find yourself temporarily caring for a baby opossum before professional help arrives, you'll need to provide a suitable substitute for its mother's milk. Never attempt to feed a baby opossum cow's milk or other forms of milk intended for human consumption. This can cause serious digestive problems.
The best substitute for a baby opossum's milk is a commercially available formula specifically designed for orphaned marsupials. These formulas are carefully formulated to replicate the nutritional composition of opossum milk. You can usually find these formulas through wildlife rehabilitation centers or specialized pet stores.
What if I Can't Find a Marsupial Formula?
In an absolute emergency and only as a temporary solution before professional help arrives, you can try mixing a small amount of kitten milk replacer (KMR) with a tiny amount of cooked, pureed meat (chicken or beef). This should only be a last resort and used in tiny quantities. This is not a long-term solution and is not ideal; it lacks crucial nutrients.
How Often Should You Feed a Baby Opossum?
The frequency of feeding depends on the joey's age and size. Very young joeys may need to be fed every 2-3 hours, while older joeys may only need to be fed every 4-6 hours. A wildlife rehabilitator can provide specific feeding instructions based on the joey's condition.
What About Solid Foods?
Baby opossums start consuming solid foods as they mature. Even then, introducing solid foods should be done gradually under the guidance of a wildlife rehabilitator.
How to Feed a Baby Opossum: Practical Tips
- Use a syringe or eyedropper: Never force-feed the joey.
- Keep it warm: Maintain a warm and comfortable environment for the joey.
- Monitor its weight: Regularly weigh the joey to monitor its growth.
- Observe for signs of illness: Consult a vet immediately if the joey shows any signs of illness or distress.
What to Do if You Find a Baby Opossum
If you encounter a baby opossum, your first step should always be to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They are equipped to handle the situation, provide the proper care, and ensure the baby opossum's well-being. Do not attempt to raise it yourself unless absolutely necessary and only as a temporary measure until professional help can be secured.
This information is for educational purposes only. The proper care of wildlife should be left to trained professionals.
