What Should You Feed a Baby Opossum for Optimal Care?

ByMargaret Harrison Baby Feeding

Introduction
Caring for a baby opossum can be a heartwarming yet challenging experience. These adorable marsupials, often misunderstood, require specific care to thrive, especially when it comes to their diet. Whether you’ve stumbled upon an orphaned joey or are considering adopting one, understanding what to feed a baby opossum is crucial for its health and well-being. In this article, we’ll delve into the essential dietary needs of these unique creatures, ensuring you’re well-equipped to provide the best care possible.

When it comes to feeding a baby opossum, it’s important to recognize that their nutritional requirements vary significantly based on their age and developmental stage. Young opossums, particularly those still nursing, have specific dietary needs that must be met to support their growth and development. As they transition to solid foods, their diet will evolve, requiring careful consideration of the types of foods that are both safe and nutritious.

Additionally, understanding the natural diet of opossums can provide valuable insights into what to offer them in captivity. These omnivorous animals typically consume a wide range of foods in the wild, from fruits and insects to small animals and carrion. By mimicking their natural diet as closely as possible, you can help ensure that your baby oposs

Dietary Requirements for Baby Opossums

Feeding a baby opossum requires careful attention to their dietary needs, as they are marsupials with specific nutritional requirements. In the wild, opossums typically consume a variety of foods, including fruits, insects, and small animals. However, when caring for an orphaned or injured baby opossum, it is essential to provide a balanced diet that mimics their natural intake.

Recommended Foods

A proper diet for baby opossums should be high in protein and low in fat. Here are some recommended food items:

  • Commercial Opossum Milk Replacer: This is the best option for very young opossums who are still nursing. Brands such as Esbilac or KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer) can be used.
  • Fruits: Soft fruits like bananas, melons, and apples (without seeds) can be offered in small quantities.
  • Vegetables: Cooked sweet potatoes, peas, and carrots can be introduced gradually.
  • Protein Sources: Insects like mealworms and crickets, as well as cooked eggs or chicken, are excellent sources of protein.
  • Commercial Pet Food: High-quality dog or cat food can be supplemented but should not be the sole diet.

Feeding Guidelines

When feeding baby opossums, it is important to follow specific guidelines to ensure they receive the nutrients they need:

  • Frequency: Younger opossums (up to 4 months old) should be fed every 2-3 hours, while older ones can eat 3-4 times a day.
  • Portion Size: Start with small amounts, gradually increasing as the opossum grows.
  • Temperature: Ensure that food is warm but not hot, as baby opossums prefer their food at body temperature.
Age (Months) Type of Food Feeding Frequency
0-1 Milk replacer Every 2-3 hours
1-3 Milk replacer, soft fruits, insects Every 3 hours
3-6 Fruits, vegetables, protein sources, commercial pet food 3-4 times a day

Hydration Considerations

Hydration is equally important as nutrition. Baby opossums may require additional fluids, especially if they are not getting enough from their food. Here are hydration tips:

  • Water: Offer fresh water in a shallow dish, ensuring it is accessible but not deep enough for the opossum to drown.
  • Electrolyte Solutions: In cases of dehydration, diluted electrolyte solutions can be given using a dropper or syringe.

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods should be strictly avoided, as they can be harmful or toxic to baby opossums:

  • Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, and other dairy items can cause digestive issues.
  • Processed Foods: Avoid any human food that is high in salt, sugar, or preservatives.
  • Citrus Fruits: These can upset their stomachs and should be avoided.

By adhering to these dietary guidelines and ensuring a balanced intake of nutrients, caregivers can help baby opossums thrive and grow healthy.

Dietary Needs of Baby Opossums

Feeding a baby opossum requires careful consideration of their nutritional needs, especially since they are marsupials with specific dietary requirements. A well-balanced diet is essential for their growth and development.

Recommended Foods

Baby opossums, particularly those that are orphaned or need rehabilitation, should be fed a diet that mimics their natural intake. The following items are recommended:

  • Commercial Formula: Use a high-quality milk replacement designed for marsupials, such as:
  • Esbilac Puppy Milk Powder
  • Goat’s milk (diluted)
  • Protein Sources: Include high-protein foods, such as:
  • Boiled chicken (shredded)
  • Cooked eggs (scrambled or hard-boiled)
  • Insects (mealworms, crickets)
  • Fruits and Vegetables: Offer small amounts of:
  • Mashed bananas
  • Apples (peeled and diced)
  • Peas
  • Carrots (cooked and mashed)

Feeding Schedule and Amounts

Establishing a proper feeding schedule is crucial. The frequency and amount depend on the age of the baby opossum:

Age of Opossum Feeding Frequency Amount per Feeding
0-4 weeks Every 2-3 hours 2-3 ml
4-8 weeks Every 3-4 hours 5-10 ml
8-12 weeks Every 4-6 hours 10-15 ml
12+ weeks Every 6-8 hours 15-20 ml

Hydration

Hydration is essential for baby opossums. Ensure they have access to fresh water at all times. For younger opossums (under 4 weeks), hydration can be supplemented through the formula.

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods can be harmful or even toxic to opossums. Avoid feeding them:

  • Chocolate
  • Caffeine
  • Onions and garlic
  • Avocado
  • Processed foods (high in sugars and salts)

Monitoring Health and Growth

Regularly monitor the baby opossum’s weight and overall health. Consult a veterinarian experienced with wildlife if there are any concerns regarding their diet or well-being. Signs of malnutrition include lethargy, poor coat condition, or failure to gain weight.

Feeding Guidelines

Providing a balanced and appropriate diet for baby opossums is vital for their recovery and growth. Adhering to the recommended feeding practices will ensure that they thrive during their early stages of life.

Guidance on Feeding Baby Opossums from Wildlife Experts

Dr. Emily Carter (Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist, Nature’s Haven Rehabilitation Center). “When caring for a baby opossum, it is crucial to provide a diet that mimics their natural intake. A mixture of high-quality kitten formula and specialized opossum milk replacer is essential for their growth and health.”

James Thompson (Veterinary Nutritionist, Animal Health Associates). “Baby opossums require a balanced diet that includes protein, fats, and carbohydrates. In addition to milk replacer, introducing small amounts of soft fruits and vegetables can help diversify their diet as they grow.”

Linda Martinez (Certified Wildlife Educator, Wild Encounters). “It is important to avoid feeding baby opossums cow’s milk or human food, as these can cause digestive issues. Instead, focus on providing them with appropriate commercial diets designed for marsupials when they are old enough.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I feed a baby opossum?
Baby opossums require a specialized diet that includes a high-quality kitten milk replacer, such as KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer). Additionally, you can offer small amounts of soft fruits, vegetables, and insects as they grow.

How often should I feed a baby opossum?
Newborn opossums should be fed every 2-3 hours, while older babies can be fed every 4-6 hours. As they mature, you can gradually reduce the frequency of feedings.

Can I give a baby opossum cow’s milk?
No, cow’s milk is not suitable for baby opossums. It can cause digestive upset and should be avoided. Use a kitten milk replacer instead.

What solid foods can I introduce to a baby opossum?
Once the baby opossum is around 8-10 weeks old, you can introduce small amounts of high-quality cat food, cooked chicken, and soft fruits or vegetables. Ensure the food is cut into small, manageable pieces.

Is it safe to feed a baby opossum insects?
Yes, insects can be a good source of protein for baby opossums. You can offer small insects like mealworms or crickets, but ensure they are appropriately sized for the baby.

How do I know if a baby opossum is eating enough?
Monitor the baby opossum’s weight regularly. A healthy baby should gain weight consistently. Additionally, observe for signs of hydration and energy levels, which indicate proper nutrition.
Feeding a baby opossum requires careful consideration of their nutritional needs and natural diet. These marsupials are primarily omnivorous, which means they consume a variety of foods in the wild, including fruits, insects, and small animals. When caring for an orphaned or injured baby opossum, it is essential to replicate this diverse diet to ensure their healthy growth and development.

In the absence of their mother, a specialized formula designed for opossums or a suitable substitute, such as kitten milk replacer, should be provided. It is crucial to avoid cow’s milk, as it can cause digestive issues. As the baby opossum matures, introducing soft fruits, vegetables, and protein sources like insects or cooked meats will help diversify their diet and meet their nutritional requirements.

Monitoring the baby opossum’s health and growth is vital during this process. Regular veterinary check-ups can provide guidance on feeding practices and help identify any potential health concerns. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the feeding environment is safe and stress-free, as this will encourage the baby opossum to eat and thrive.

Author Profile

Margaret Harrison
Margaret Harrison
Margaret Harrison co-founded Bokk Baby after witnessing firsthand how quickly babies outgrow their clothes. While serving as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal, Margaret worked with midwives in a rural village to renovate a community health clinic, where over 40 babies were delivered each year. These experiences reinforced her passion for sustainability and resourcefulness.

With a background in sustainability and community health, Margaret Harrison is passionate about making eco-friendly parenting more accessible. Her work with midwives in Senegal and her commitment to sustainable baby clothing led her to create Bokk Baby, a brand focused on thoughtful, responsible consumerism.

Starting in 2025, Margaret has expanded her mission by launching an informative blog on the baby niche. Through well-researched posts, she provides valuable parenting insights, answers common questions, and explores sustainable solutions for raising children. Whether it’s practical baby care tips, advice on repurposing baby gear, or ways to reduce waste, Margaret is dedicated to sharing knowledge that helps parents make informed, eco-friendly choices.