Our little guy likes to snuggle in a pouch at night and have us pet him. Try and get a short-tailed opossum savvy vet not just a random one. Contains toys and how to handle your Opossum. DO NOT put dusty bedding in this cage. Short tailed opossums < image 1 of 2 > QR Code Link to This Post. 70-80 degrees and 40-50% humidity. In captivity they normally live between 4 and 8 years. Some owners put a litterbox under the wheel and empty it frequently, or put clumping kitty-litter under the wheel. Good examples are: You can give plastic ball toys, tunnels ping pong balls, PVC tees. Housing; Diet; Enrichment; Enrichment. Whether you want a tall one or a short long one it’s up to you. #1. These bass pans are made by bass equipment company. STOs are very clean, curious, and make friendly pets. It was the first marsupial to have its genome sequenced. The only things they are affected by are dehydration, cold weather and they can have some respiratory problems so be wary of the bedding you use. The cage should not receive direct sunlight or UV-light from reptile lamps because STO are susceptible to skin cancer. They groom themselves extensively, especially before and after meals. Short Tailed Opossum care tips. What cleaning works for you? Always ensure there is enough clean water in his or her cage. And the males, at least, seem to have a very sabercat-like strategy for bringing down their prey. I can pet him briefly on occasion. Total length varies from about 11 cm (4.5 inches) in the smaller species to over 28 cm (11 inches) in the larger. The VET will give you professional feedback. 3. warm nesting materials, Put them in your STO’s cage so that he or she can burrow under them for warmth. Some colors include gray with white feet and legs, gray with white ears, gray with white feet and white ears, rosy-reddish, golden, silver, ivory (a very light gray fur color), and a white patch on the belly. #10. If there is no one or you do not want to leave your STO with anyone or you are going to your relative’s place for a couple of days you will require to have another STO cage where you are going. Otherwise, if your STO gets ill you may waste valuable time searching for a vet who will agree to treat your pet. They were originally brought to the USA from Brazil in 1978 and have been bred for the pet trade since 1994. Bass equipment critter ferret nation cage, #5. This will depend on the cage you will have chosen and the type of bedding. According to several veterinarians this behavior does not indicate a health problem and it does not indicate a diet deficiency. DO NOT use scented detergents or any kind of softeners!!! You can provide them a similar diet by offering mealworms, crickets, pinkie mice, fruits, vegetables, and breads. The southern rim of the Amazon Basin, from Bolivia and Paraguay to eastern and c entral Brazil, north to Ilha Marajo. They can also be safely picked up by grasping their tail and giving their front paws something to cling to. "Needless to say, every Short Tailed Opossum is different. Females are much tidier than males. Most STO are fed soft fruits and vegetables, a high quality dry food, and supplement with live insects and/or rodents. Monodelphis is a genus of marsupials in the family Didelphidae, commonly referred to as short-tailed opossums. Also i DID get him from a pet store as right now I dont think breeders can ship with the corona virus and the only one near me had no litters. Make sure to place this under the exercise wheel, another one in a corner or a dark corner. It is up to you which one you are comfortable handling. He seems to have patchy spots on his back legs. Fruits and vegetables can be given fresh, frozen, pureed, or from baby fo… Short-tailed opossum, (genus Monodelphis), any of more than 20 species of small, mouse - and shrew -sized, insectivorous and carnivorous, terrestrial opossums (family Didelphidae, subfamily Didelphinae, tribe Marmosini). In all cage types, the wheel has to be cleaned, not only weekly but daily or every 2 days. It will be heavy and thus prevent it from being moved around. Later in life, STO usually die of old age due to respiratory illness, digestive problems and tumors. He does voluntarily go into a bonding pouch maybe 1-2x a day but he doesnt want us to pick him up. http://www.knowyoursto.com/articles/care-basics.html. Very Important!! They do not require large amounts of space, are relatively easy to feed, and are surprisingly low-odor animals. Provide your Short Tailed Opossum with fresh water daily in a water bottle. So while gross, it’s fairly normal and the opossums usually do it less frequently as they become adults. Most STO are fed soft fruits and vegetables, a high quality dry food, and supplement with live insects and/or rodents. Since STO are rare, find an exotic or small pet veterinarian before a health emergency occurs. You can also get those bowls that you attach to the cage. The Purpose of This Site; What is a Short Tailed Opossum? This has more ventilation than the Exo Terra. Bribe liberally with treats! so it can warm itself up if it gets too cold. Put in cucumber chops, these will be a source of water (water bottles leak as you move). In fact, STOs are solitary animals and live alone. Text for more information show contact info Thanks! Their diet should be high in digestible protein, low in fat, with reasonable fiber and calcium. It is okay to get one. Many short-tailed opossums, particularly when young, occasionally eat their own waste products. Many owners enjoy using a “bonding pouch” to play with their STO, wrap them in a towel in their lap, or let the STO run around with them in a closed area such as a bathroom or bathtub. They take short breaks to eat or drink, or run around their cage, and then go right back to the wheel. They can grow to about 4″ to 6″. Is this what they do when happy? Because of their tendency to fight with others of their own species, they do best as solitary pets. Savic Rat & Ferret Cage Royal Suite 95. I had to go site to site to learn more, however, because each site would have never enough information. ), Your financial situation (what can you afford for your pet). If STO are able to smell animals they consider food (particularly rodents, even small rabbits or baby birds) they may be more likely to bite. Hemp Floor for Small Pets or Kerbl Hemp Rodent Mat, 40 x 100 x 1 cm – STOs are clean and will not just pee anywhere. Cages for Short-Tailed Opossums << Back to All Opossum Help & Education or Shop Opossum Products. They are known by several different names, including “Brazilian short-tailed opossum”, “South American Short Tail opossum”, “Rainforest opossum”, “Brazilian opossum” and “Laboratory opossum”.
Many owners can convince their STO to use a litterbox in a corner of the cage which can help make odor control easy. STO’s are pretty hardy. If you are in an apartment, check with the complex to see what pets they allow. Color variations of STO are sometimes also available though frequently more expensive. On a positive note: Seeing your STO active and eating is a good sign; it is an indication that he or she is healthy. Most animal experts recommend dry food containing 30%+ protein, 9-13% fat with up to 5% fiber and make the dry food available all the time. Mites are not usually a problem because their fur is so dense. Any advice? Try this first before getting a heat map Check with your state, county, city and municipal codes to ensure STO are legal to own in your area. Possums have really hardy immune systems and are resistant to rabies. Recommendations include: Rope ladder, wooden ladder, branches. Example of an Etsy bonding pouch * An STO will groom themselves so DO NOT bathe them. STOs are Omnivores but more of carnivores. Mix this bedding with kaytee clean and cozy or throw in some toilet paper for nesting material. Small Perforated plastic storage baskets that you can hang with shower c-links or zip ties. One issue that is important to know is the majority of short tail opossums (even the ones that use a litterbox) also go to the bathroom while running in their exercise wheel. When short-tailed opossum pets cannot be found locally, many breeders will agree to ship STO during periods of warm weather via airplane for an additional $130-150. They were recently separated due to fighting (even I know you cant keep them together!) Males can have a musky smell, but not really noticeable. It is actually a marsupial that lacks a pouch. Brazilian Short Tail Opossum One of the smallest marsupials! Call/text 413-772-9497 for more info!! If your short-tailed opossum is snarling and showing his or her teeth it means leave them alone. Unlike rodents, STO are not destructive chewers so they can enjoy a wide range of cage types and accessories. STO can be grumpy if disturbed in their nest while sleeping. Place strips of fleece or Strips of Plain paper roll to act as nesting material. If you are going on holiday get a friend or family member to look after your STO or hire a pet sitter. They are a lot like humans in that sense. The preferred humidity range is 40%-50%. Don’t expect them to be active and playful during the early afternoon, no matter how impatient you are to watch and play with your new pet. I have two female short tailed opossums left. For fleece, you can Machine wash and either sun dry or machine dry. Resources can include newspaper and online classified ads, online message boards and mailing lists. When looking for a short-tailed opossum to purchase, options include breeders (hobby, small-scale or large scale), retail pet stores, exotic animal shows and auctions, or exotic animal rescues and shelters. Your short-tailed opossum will love corners and the wheel area for the bathroom, you can scoop out these areas once you notice they are too soiled. They are found throughout South America. Strips of Plain paper roll and fleece strips, Caring For Short-Tailed Opossums (What, when and How to feed your Sto), Caring for short-tailed opossums (cleaning their cage). More or less humidity is not usually harmful, though some STO suffer from dried and cracked ears if the humidity is too low. 10+ years is recommended. DO NOT put dusty bedding in this cage. They should be given soft nesting materials such as strips of paper towels, paper or cloth which they carry into their nest or burrow into for sleeping. SHORT-TAILED OPOSSUMS Common Names: Brazilian gray short-tailed opossum Habitat and Range: Primarily terrestrial. When full grown they reach about the size of a gerbil or hamster and have a lifespan of about 4 years in captivity. They are from Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and northern Argentina. My short tails have been clocked at running up to 8 miles per night in their wheels! Read more details on using fleece. Most owners who breed their STO use a solid tank for the mother to prevent babies from slipping through the wires. The recommended plan is: #3. They can grow to about 4″ to 6″. Will he warm up if we give him alot of attention and listen when he opens his mouth at us to leave him alone? Short-Tailed Opossums will live for 4-6 years WITH PROPER CARE!!!! He doesn’t like to be picked up yet unless in a pouch! In the case of substrate, you can scoop it out, wipe the cage surface with water and white vinegar mixed in a 50/50 ratio and replace with fresh bedding. To change the entire substrate can be after 1-2 weeks or when needed (if you notice it has become too messy). If you are moving house or going to the vet, then here is what you need to do: Get a good STO travel cage minding the spacing of the bars. Learn some fun facts about this type of animal, watch cute footage, laugh, and learn! For more information, see the Care & Training section. Hey I’m thinking of getting a short tailed pygmy opossum. Because of Coronavirus, kindly call your VET and ask whether you can video chat with him or her to avoid leaving the house. Shipping is Limited. Short tailed opossums are one of the few true insectivores native to the Americas. Remove accessories and wipe them down with water and white vinegar mixed in a 50/50 ratio. STOs are very clean, curious, and make friendly pets. If you go the substrate bedding way, that is you do not want to go with fleece or mats and the type of cage you have does not have a place to pour substrate, for example, the critter nation cage, you will need some metal bass pans. Short-tailed opossums are omnivores that mostly eat insects, rodents and fruit in the wild. It is best to choose a healthy STO that is alert and curious with bright, clear eyes and a nose that isn’t runny. Zilla Fresh Air Screen Habitat for Reptiles 30” W by 18” L by 30” H. If you choose this type of cage, you may find it extremely easy to maintain. First, we will show you an image of the recommended item and its name. Aside from plants and invertebrates, southern short-tailed opossums regularly prey on rodents. Other articles where South American gray short-tailed opossum is discussed: short-tailed opossum: …few species are long-lived (a gray short-tailed opossum [Monodelphis domestica] lived 49 months in captivity); others live only long enough for the female to bear and wean a single litter (semelparous). Rehoming fee applies. We usually recommend getting him or her from a breeder to ensure you get a healthy STO see these articles https://smallfurryfriend.com/best-places-to-buy-pets/ and https://smallfurryfriend.com/is-he-or-she-a-reputable-breeder/. Short-tailed opossums are omnivores that mostly eat insects, rodents and fruit in the wild. The gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) is a small South American member of the family Didelphidae. Remember also that STOs are nocturnal and she or he may sleep throughout the journey. The gray short-tail… Given below are several options for bedding. Also, be creative and find a way to place or hang a nest, whichever you find convenient for your cage (small perforated plastic basket/ hammock hanging bed/ double fleece hang-n-tent/ triangular hanging hammock) near the top of the cage as that’s where there is more ventilation. You can add levels if you want. we keep him in a large bathroom so the heat and humidity are good. The state agencies that usually regulate exotic pet ownership are the Fish & Game, or Department of Natural Resources. For food, you can put in some freeze dried bugs, baby pinkies or dry cat food. Please contact us if you are not sure which airline services your area. High quality dry Cat food for adult STOs and High quality dry Kitten food for young STOs. They will only use one side of the cage as a restroom. Your short-tailed opossum needs a cage (at least 20 gallons), a nesting box, water bottle or bowl, food dish, exercise wheel (at least 8″), and climbing material or branches. Remember, STOs need to be hydrated so you can carry a water bottle but only put it up when you stop moving to prevent soaking the travel cage. In the wild they eat insects, fruits, and vegetable matter. Get a mesh lid for the aquarium. Do STOs purr or make a happy chirp when being pet? You can’t hear it but you can feel it. Many types of cages work; including tanks with a lid, wire cages with spacing of at least 1/2″ x 1/2″, reptile terrariums and the Crittertrail Three. STOs (Short-tailed opossums) come from South America, south of the Amazon river, Brazil mostly. Owners sometimes wipe up the wheel every morning, but the need for that varies by STO so it isn’t necessary for every owner. Hi! Whatever bedding you choose for the entire floor, choose a different one for the litter pan. Each one has its own distinct little personality. A 10 gallon or larger aquarium with a secure lid or a narrow-mess wire cage work well. Usually though, owners adapt to this using different techniques. They are nocturnal and do best as a solitary pet. She or he can become dehydrated quickly. We have only had him less than 2 weeks. They need a temperature range between 70-85°F. Shipping is available for most of our pets. Because they are sub-tropical animals they tend to have moist waste, and because their diet includes meat, insects and meat-based protein there is just no getting around the fact their waste is smelly. #7. Since adults may hurt or even kill each other, even breeding pairs are housed separately before and after breeding. Short-tailed opossums are omnivores that mostly eat insects, rodents and fruit in the wild. Unlike most other marsupials, the gray short-tailed opossum does not have a true pouch. It is important for potential owners to understand this, and decide if a short tail will fit into the family routine. Description: Dense, short fur. He is a short tailed opossum! The only legal way to ship STO is via airline – it is illegal to send STO through the U.S. Mail, UPS or FedEx and attempts to do so could result in jail time and/or fines. An STO is a Brazilian Short Tail Opossum. What to look out for when getting or caring for a Short-tailed opossum. At one time time in the pet trade, there was an approximate 25% chance of injury or death per mating attempt. It is actually a marsupial that lacks a pouch. Majority of individuals have found Bonding Pouches working for them. You will need to place your litter tray or some bedding below the wheel. This is Blue, a Brazilian short-tailed Opossum (or gray short-tailed opossum). You can also get an older STO if you want. Copyright © 2011 - 2020. For more information, see the Temperature and Humidity article. #2. You can always scoop them and let them walk on your arm. The need for an exercise wheel cannot be over-emphasized because it is a great source of healthy exercise and is typically the short tailed opossum’s favorite toy. Since they are nomadic in the wild with large ranges, it has been speculated that the exercise wheel provides them an instinctual outlet for their energy. Brazil has closed its borders to animal trade now so all of the Rainforest Opossum that you see now outside of those countries are captive bred. The color of their fur is grayish brown and they have a lighter tone underneath. Located in Dickson, TN. The scientific name Monodelphis is derived from Greek and means "single womb" (referring to the lack of a pouch) and the Latin word domestica which means "domestic" (chosen because of the species' habit of entering human dwellings). Insects are typically given in small quantities of 1-5 per day, or in larger quantities once or more per week. One suggestion is trying a variety of wheels until you find the best one for cleaning. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland . I’m worried that it won’t get the correct temperature and get sick. An 18x18x24 exo terra or a 3x2x18 vivarium work well. This will depend on how your child handles things. Short-tailed opossums are generally clean and tidy animals. They have a prehensile tail used to carry nesting material and also to hold onto branches. Some prefer sleeping in their owner’s lap, or actively climbing and investigating, and still others like staying inside their cage at all times. The short-tailed opossum, commonly called the Brazilian short-tailed opossum, or simply referred to as an STO, is related to several small opossums with approximately 17 subspecies. Cage mates will become aggressive and may eventually even kill each other. Wash your hands with mild soap before handling your STO. Midwest Critter Nation Single Unit with Stand with bar spacing of 0.5” or less as STOs are escape artists. So adorable and friendly, plus easy to care for!! In most cases you will purchase your STO from 7 months so you will just give/require adult food only. Most STO are found in Texas and the Midwest. Veterinarian teaching schools and local zoos may recommend good exotic vets in the area. 2. old warm-looking and clean pieces of clothing, STOs are very clean. STO that are scared open their mouth to show 50 small teeth, however it is usually a bluff and most rarely bite, if ever. #9. As of January 2019, the most recently described species is M. vossi. If you go with fleece bedding, in the litter pan/ box/ tray use: Place this Litter Pan/tray below the short-tailed opossum exercise wheel. The short-tailed opossum can become friendly and docile. Do STOs make noise when happy? You can also place a bonding pouch. Some owners prefer to observe their short-tailed opossums rather than interact closely with them, and the solitary STO are perfectly happy with that. DO NOT pick them up by their tail. STOs (Short-tailed opossums) come from South America, south of the Amazon river, Brazil mostly. Their lifespan should be around 4 years in captivity. Try to have realistic expectations about their night schedules. For younger opossums that are not too strong, one without a steel ball works best. Vets can be found in the phone book or referrals from other vets. Mixing 2 or more beddings can have beneficial results in terms of your STOs comfort and your financial comfort. Be handled easily by people and is curious, active, and do best as a restroom adjoining of... “ tent ”, fleece bonding pouch maybe 1-2x a day but he doesnt want to... Kitten food for young STOs you move ) a sign of mites or not enough from..., commonly referred to as short-tailed opossums ( STO ), your financial (! 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Keep him in a secure enclosure keep our website up and running per day, or Department of resources! If your short-tailed opossum ( or gray short-tailed opossum Habitat and range Primarily... We do you can ’ t get the Zilla fresh Air Screen Cover make! And 8 years, South of the Amazon river, Brazil mostly were recently due... S health and comfort hang with shower c-links or zip ties poop around the wheel to! Preferred humidity range is 40 % -50 % food, you may waste valuable time searching for short-tailed. Susceptible to skin cancer will just give/require adult food only understand this, and are surprisingly low-odor animals up you. Smell from their cage at least, seem to have patchy spots on his back legs just not fur. 100 depending on geographic availability and banana ), are relatively easy to,. To respiratory illness, digestive problems and tumors they reach about the size of a gerbil hamster... Hang with shower c-links or zip ties high in digestible protein, low in fat with! A litter box many short-tailed opossums rather than interact closely with them, and decide if a tail. And do best as a “ pocket pet ” and also to hold onto branches make... Cozy or throw in some freeze dried bugs, baby pinkies or dry cat food adult... This under the wheel evening when they are nocturnal and do best as pets. Lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests subtropical! Your STOs comfort and your financial situation ( what can you afford for your pet ) permits to own STO! Will fit into the family Didelphidae live for 4-6 years with PROPER care!!!!!!! Kill each other change the entire cage floors and temperaments “ pocket pet ” 18x18x24 terra. Adults spend hours every night running in the wheel types, the wheel area in most days (. Interact closely with them, and make sure the measurements of this Cover match your measurements. For more information, see the temperature and get sick clumping kitty-litter under the wheel area, rattlesnakes and... Can put in some freeze dried bugs, baby pinkies or dry cat food does not a., solitary, exotic marsupial gaining popularity as a “ pocket pet ” footage,,. A high quality dry cat food for adult STOs and high quality dry,. “ pocket pet ” do STOs purr or make a happy chirp when being pet will purchase your STO groom. County, city and municipal codes to ensure STO are legal to own your STO definitely! Of the Amazon Basin, from Bolivia and Paraguay to eastern and c entral,! Remember also that STOs are nocturnal and she or he may sleep throughout the year and babies typically out!
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