Terry Brandon. age 10. of Houston. Texas

How do I care for a pet opossum?

Not many people have a pet opossum. He is a very timid animal and usually too scared to make friends. But if you treat him right. like almost any animal. he gets to know and love you. Information is hard to come by for most pet books ignore the care and treatment of opossums.

So let's start by figuring out what he is used to in the wild. Give him the things he needs plus a few extras to make him feel at home. He would enjoy an outdoor pen with earthen floor and a sturdy tree branch. But he may settle for a sizeable cage. In either case. put rocks and old leaves on the floor. In the wild. his den is a rocky crevice or in a hollow tree.

At first his sleeping habits may disappoint you. For he is a nocturnal animal. He dozes by day and prowls by night to avoid his many enemies. You can change this habit for him by feeding him in the daytime. The switch won't hurt him. For extra fun. use feeding time to make him climb. Put some of his food where he has to climb for it. This is a pleasure to watch. He is slow. but sure. He uses his four little black feet and his long bare tail to grasp and hold on.

Your pet needs a mixed diet. In the wild he stuffs himself on mice. frogs. eggs. fish. birds. and fruit. He may settle for fish. eggs. hamburger and fruit for dessert. Persimmon is his favorite fruit. Never let him near the chicken yard. He is also very fond of young chicken meat. This kind of mixed diet calls for special teeth of various kinds. The opossum has fifty fine. sharp teeth.

It may take time before your pet is used to being handled. At first he may open his mouth and give you a low hiss when you touch him. He may even bite ‑ so remember those 50 sharp teeth. But he is far more likely to faint from fright. He may do this if a dog breaks into his pen. Don't worry too much. he is not dead although he looks that way. A little cold water will soon water will soon bring him to his senses.

Friends and family may consider your pet an ugly fellow. Ibis pale face. pointed nose. stringy grey coat and naked tail may not seem handsome to strangers. But when you are used to handling him. you can show a hidden beauty in his drab looking coat. Under the shaggy grey is another coat of pale. softest fur. And everyone must admit. an opossum is interesting. Mrs. Opossum is the only American mother to carry her babies in a fur‑lined pouch. Newly born. they are no bigger than bees. When big as mice they troop out and cling to Mammas coat. She may hoop her tail over her back for them. They will climb up. hanging on by their tails. front feet on her back.

In. the wild. the opossum may live seven years and grow big as a house cat. As a pet. he will give you enough pleasure to reward your tender care. But don’t expect to teach him any tricks. Let’s face it, the opossum is not a very smart animal.