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Short Tailed Opossums
(Monodelphis domesticus)

Article By ExoticPets

Short tailed opossums (Monodelphis domestica) are small marsupials found in Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. They are considered good luck in their native countries. Unlike many marsupials the opossum does not have pouch. Instead its teats are arranged in a circle on its tummy. Babies are born naked and pink and resemble Tic-Tacs at first and there are usually several in the litter. The gestation period is quite short as is with most marsupials. Short tailed opossums have 50 very tiny teeth within their large triangular shaped mouth, which they will open sometimes when approached. I have never had one of mine bite. Opossums range from 3 to 6 1/2 inches long with a tail that is 1.5 to 3 inches long. They weigh from 2 to 3 ounces. Males can grow up to 1/4 larger than females. They have short, thick soft fur. Their coats are usually a medium grayish to brown, with a buff covered underbelly. There are other colours including Rosy, spotted, and Ivory. Their ears are very sensitive to sound and remind me of a sugarglider's ears. Opossums make a variety of quiet sounds. They have large dark eyes that are perfect for night vision. They are nocturnal so will be most active at night, although once awake will be social during the day. Their sense of smell is well developed. Their tail, which is prehensile, helps them grasp and keep their balance while climbing. It is used to grasp and balance and is also used to carry bedding materials when building their nests. They are very entertaining to watch building their nests. Unlike their North American cousins the tail is not weight bearing. Opossums are very clean little animals and easy to take care of. I have mine in large aquariums full of branches and toys and ladders for them. In addition, a hamster wheel (solid) can also be used to provide opportunity for exercise. Never use cedar shavings because the oils and dust from cedar can be harmful to small mammals. I use other types of softwood shavings. They can also be kept in cages with narrow bars.. Sto's are excellent escape artists, so a tight fitting aquarium lid or good latches on bar cages are a necessity. I will also put in other materials suitable for nest building. They enjoy climbing and sleeping in "houses" such as small boxes, clay pots, plastic igloos and hamster houses. A few days before one of my females was to have babies, I placed a few different types of nests in her aquarium. She chose to use a clay pot to keep her babies in. A jar or other vessel placed in a corner can serve as a litter box for them. They are solitary animals and do not share quarters with other opossums. They are only together for breeding purposes, which is around 10-12 days only. My opossums are fed a high quality dry cat food free diet, They also enjoy mealworms, crickets, and different fruits and vegetables, baby food fruits and vegetables and boiled eggs ..They are not chewers like rodents and so I find blending fruits or using baby foods or pulpy type fruits works best. ,,mine love oranges, avocados, bananas, and blueberries. There are different opinions on which diets are best for them and each person may choose which they feel is the best.. Some use fox food, and others a pre-made insectivore diet. I find the diet I have them on is successful and they are very healthy. The short tailed opossums make an excellent pet for all ages, they are very tame, and enjoy being handled. I have not found any difference in personality with males or females. They have a very inquisitive nature as well.

Article by Ratkateers Rodentry

Short tailed opossums are very clean. After each feeding they clean and groom themselves thoroughly from head to toe. In their cage, they will choose one place to potty. You can easily train your opossum to use a litter box. Just place a small container in the area, and fill it with clay litter or shavings and clean it often.
Short tailed opossums make wonderful pets. They like to cuddle in your neck and stay in your pocket. They will wrap their tails around your fingers and sit and wash their faces. They are so cute!

Housing
The short tailed opossum will gnaw much like a rodent. You can provide them wood cages, plastic cages and even a Rubbermaid storage box. I have found a 10 gal aquarium works best. Opossums are escape artists therefore you should have a lid securely locked. Other items you can include in housing are next box for sleeping; you can also use a plastic flowerpot placed on it's side for a nest box. Fresh water is very important. Short tailed opossums can die from dehydration in a short amount of time.

Health & Other Issues
Short tailed opossums are solitary animals and should be kept separately. Babies can be kept together for 7 or 10 weeks of age. Short tailed opossums have few health problems. As with any exotic it is recommended you find a good exotic vet before an emergency should occur.

Positives of STO's as pets?
They dont really have an odor. Small one if that. They are very curious, good little pocket pets that can travel with you. Fun and entertaining to watch play, and hunt their crickets. Doesnt require a huge space. They are solitary animals, so you dont have to worry about getting it a friend.

Negatives of STO's as pets?
To some a nocturnal pet may not be ideal. Also they do eat live crickets and baby mice, so to some that may not be too great. Also, if not handled often they do have lots of tiny sharp teeth. They are solitary animals, and to some people that may not be what they are seeking.

Anecdotes/stories about your STO pet?
I have 4 stos. 2fm and 2m. They are breeders and pets. They are all very sweet and VERY curious. They will get into everything to see what is there.

Do they have scent glands or an offensive smell?
They do have a musky odor to them but you cant really smell it unless you are head down in their cage.

What is their average lifespan?
4-6 yrs

Do they tolerate interaction?
Yes they like it!

What is their general personality, disposition, and attitude?
Depends. I have a male and a female that are very open, love to come out and explore, then I have a female that will tolerate it, but she is very shy.

Are they sweet and petable, or mischievious and playful?
Both sweet and playful.

Are they hyper, or more sedate when being handled?
More, hyper. They are on the go, go, go! Love to explore and to play in long hair.

How destructive are they in their cage?
They are not. Not at all. They LOVE lots of toys and climbing toys.

Are there any problems associated with their claws?
Nope

How messy are their droppings?
Not messy. Like mice droppings

Can they be litter box trained?
They can be trained to a corner. Normally THEY pick the corner to potty in. That way its easy to scoop and clean.

What size cage do they need?
MIN size is 10gal tank. But a 20gal would be more ideal.

What is the best diet for them?
I feed mine high quality cat food with high protien, baby fruit foods, chopped up fruits, meal worms, crickets, mice.

What vaccinations/vet care do they require?
None, unless there's a specific problem.

At what age would it be best to get one?
3 months

Are they difficult to breed?
On a scale 1 to 10 - 10 being EASY - I would say a 7. Sometimes the male will kill the female..from my readings. I have had excellent luck. You have to place her in with him for 18days. Then there are the little stos on her belly!

What kind of person should own these animals?
Someone who is capable of caring for the needs of a sto. One that can provide the fresh foods every nite and interaction with them everynite.