Feeding Short-Tailed Opossums

Feeding Short-Tailed Opossums: A Complete Guide

Short-tailed opossums (STOs) are unique, omnivorous pets that require a well-balanced diet to stay healthy and active. Providing them with a variety of high-quality foods will help mimic their natural diet and ensure proper nutrition. Here’s what you need to know about feeding your short-tailed opossum.

Essential Diet Components

Short-tailed opossums thrive on a diet rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. In the wild, they consume insects, fruits, and vegetable matter. In captivity, a balanced diet consists of the following:

1. High-Quality Staple Diet
   A formulated diet designed for omnivores serves as an excellent base. Exotic Nutrition’s Opossum Complete Opossum Food provides essential protein and nutrients tailored for opossums.  
   
   
   

2. Live and Canned Insects
Insects are a crucial part of an STO’s diet, supplying protein and enrichment. Offer mealworms, crickets, and pinkie mice, or convenient options like Exotic Nutrition’s Canned Crickets and Canned Mealworms. 

3. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits like apples, bananas, and berries, along with vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots, provide essential vitamins and fiber. Fresh fruits need to be cut into small pieces for easy consumption. Exotic Nutrition’s Garden Fresh Re-Hydrate is also a wonderful option.

4. Additional Treats and Supplements
Occasional treats such as super worms, dried insects, canned insects, hard-boiled or scrambled eggs, tuna, canned cat food, and fresh fruits and vegetables add variety and encourage foraging behavior. A calcium supplement can also help maintain bone health.

Feeding Tips

• Offer a mix of fresh and dried foods daily.

• Provide food in small amounts to prevent overfeeding and obesity.

• Ensure fresh water is always available in a water bottle. For younger opossums that are not too strong, one without a steel ball works best.

• Monitor your opossum’s weight and adjust food portions accordingly.

By offering a diverse, nutrient-rich diet with high-quality products from Exotic Nutrition, you can keep your short-tailed opossum happy and healthy for years to come!

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Notice: Exotic Nutrition cannot provide specific care guidelines on an individual basis. Please consult a veterinarian or experienced breeder.

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