What to Feed a Baby Possum: A Guide to Orphan Care
Baby possums require a specialized diet to thrive, and providing the correct nutrition is essential for their survival. What do you feed a baby possum? The short answer is a specialized milk replacement formula designed for marsupials is crucial, but the specific type and volume depend on the possum’s age and development.
Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Baby Possums
Baby possums, also known as joeys, are born incredibly undeveloped and spend the first few months of their lives attached to their mother’s nipple, constantly feeding. When a joey becomes orphaned, replicating this natural feeding process is vital for their survival. Understanding their specific nutritional requirements at each stage is key. Feeding the wrong food can lead to severe health problems, including malnutrition, bone deformities, and even death.
Essential Nutrients and Milk Replacements
What do you feed a baby possum? The foundation of their diet is a high-quality marsupial milk replacement formula. Cow’s milk and other animal milk replacements are unsuitable and can be harmful.
Here’s what you should look for in a suitable milk replacement:
- High Protein Content: Necessary for rapid growth and development.
- Low Lactose: Possums struggle to digest lactose, which can lead to diarrhea.
- Specific Amino Acid Profile: Marsupial milk contains a unique blend of amino acids essential for their development.
- Fat Content: Provides energy and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Recommended milk replacement formulas include:
- Wombaroo marsupial milk replacer
- Biolac marsupial milk replacer
- Zoologic milk matrix 33/40
Important Note: Always follow the instructions on the packaging carefully when preparing the formula. Dilution ratios are crucial for providing the correct nutrient balance and avoiding dehydration or overfeeding.
Feeding Schedules and Volume
The frequency and amount of formula you give a baby possum depends entirely on its age and weight. Smaller, younger joeys require more frequent feedings than larger, older ones.
The following table provides a general guideline. Always consult with a veterinarian or experienced wildlife rehabilitator for specific recommendations tailored to the individual possum.
| Age (Approximate) | Weight (Approximate) | Feeding Frequency | Amount per Feeding |
|---|---|---|---|
| ———————- | ———————— | ——————– | ————————- |
| < 6 weeks (pouch joey) | < 50 grams | Every 2-3 hours | 1-2 ml |
| 6-10 weeks | 50-100 grams | Every 3-4 hours | 2-5 ml |
| 10-14 weeks | 100-200 grams | Every 4-5 hours | 5-10 ml |
| > 14 weeks (emerging) | > 200 grams | Every 5-6 hours | 10-15 ml (supplemental) |
As the joey gets older, you can gradually reduce the frequency of feedings and increase the volume.
Introducing Solid Foods
Once the joey is around 14-16 weeks old and showing interest in solid food, you can begin to introduce small amounts of appropriate foods. This should always be supplemental to the milk formula initially.
Suitable solid food options include:
- Finely chopped fruits and vegetables (e.g., banana, apple, sweet potato)
- Commercial insectivore diet
- Small amounts of cooked, unseasoned chicken or egg
Always offer a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet and observe the joey’s preferences.
Common Mistakes in Feeding Baby Possums
- Feeding cow’s milk: This is a major mistake. Possums cannot digest lactose effectively.
- Overfeeding or underfeeding: Follow feeding guidelines based on age and weight, and monitor the joey’s condition closely.
- Feeding spoiled food: Always use fresh formula and food.
- Force-feeding: This can cause aspiration pneumonia. Allow the joey to feed at its own pace.
- Introducing solid foods too early: Wait until the joey is showing clear signs of interest.
Hygiene and Safety
Maintaining strict hygiene is crucial when caring for a baby possum.
- Sterilize all feeding equipment (bottles, nipples, syringes) after each use.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the joey and its food.
- Keep the joey’s environment clean and dry to prevent the spread of infection.
Always wear gloves when handling baby possums to protect yourself from potential diseases.
Releasing the Possum Back into the Wild
The ultimate goal is to rehabilitate the possum and release it back into its natural habitat. Before releasing, it’s important to ensure the possum is:
- Healthy and at a suitable weight.
- Able to find its own food.
- Showing appropriate avoidance behavior towards humans.
Work with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator to determine the best time and location for release.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of bottle or syringe should I use to feed a baby possum?
Use a small, nipple-less syringe or a specialized marsupial nipple bottle designed for small animals. Avoid using human baby bottles, as the nipple flow is often too fast and can cause aspiration. Ensure the syringe is properly cleaned and sterilized between each feeding to prevent bacterial infections.
How do I know if I’m feeding the baby possum enough?
Monitor the joey’s weight gain. A healthy joey should be gaining weight steadily. Also, observe their behavior. If they are acting lethargic or constantly hungry, you may need to adjust the feeding volume. Consult a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.
Can I give a baby possum water?
Baby possums get most of their hydration from the milk formula. However, once they start eating solid foods, you can offer a small amount of water in a shallow dish. Ensure the dish is shallow enough to prevent drowning.
What if the baby possum refuses to eat?
There could be several reasons why a baby possum refuses to eat, including illness, stress, or an unfamiliar feeding method. Try warming the formula slightly and offering it again. If the problem persists, seek immediate veterinary attention.
How often should a baby possum poop?
The frequency of bowel movements varies depending on the joey’s age and diet. Younger joeys may poop after every feeding, while older ones may poop only once or twice a day. Constipation or diarrhea can indicate a problem, so monitor their bowel movements closely.
What temperature should the milk formula be?
The milk formula should be warmed to body temperature (around 98-100°F or 37-38°C). You can test the temperature by placing a drop on your wrist. It should feel lukewarm, not hot or cold.
How long can I keep prepared milk formula in the refrigerator?
Prepared milk formula should be used within 24 hours and stored in the refrigerator. Always discard any unused formula after this time to prevent bacterial growth.
Can I feed a baby possum insects?
Once the joey is old enough to eat solid foods, you can introduce small amounts of insects, such as crickets or mealworms. Ensure the insects are appropriately sized for the joey to swallow safely. Gut-load the insects with nutritious food before feeding them to the possum.
What fruits and vegetables are safe for baby possums to eat?
Safe fruits and vegetables for baby possums include: banana, apple, grapes, melon, berries, sweet potato, pumpkin, and zucchini. Avoid feeding them citrus fruits or any foods that are toxic to animals, such as chocolate or onions.
How do I stimulate a baby possum to poop and pee?
Like many marsupials, baby possums require stimulation to urinate and defecate, especially when they are very young. After each feeding, gently massage their anal and genital area with a warm, damp cloth to stimulate elimination.
What if the baby possum has diarrhea?
Diarrhea can be a sign of several health problems, including dietary issues, infections, or parasites. Stop feeding solid foods and offer only the milk formula. If the diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours, consult a veterinarian.
How do I handle a baby possum without stressing it out?
Handle baby possums gently and minimally. Provide a quiet, dark, and warm environment for them to rest. Avoid loud noises and sudden movements. Speak to them in a soft, reassuring voice. Proper handling reduces stress and promotes healthy growth.