How to Get My Virginia Opossum to Eat

The Virginia opossum is around the size of a housecat, and is North America's only marsupial, meaning the female carries and nurses her young in her pouch or marsupium until they are three months old. Though it is not quite suited to domestication, the Virginia opossum can thrive as a pet if it is well-fed. This marsupial is an omnivore and generally eats anything that you offer it. However, you must take care to feed your Virginia opossum a balanced diet that provides a good source of protein, fat, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Things You'll Need

  • Omnivore food formulated for zoo animals
  • Boneless poultry, fish, crickets and mealworms
  • Cereal, whole grain breads and cooked grains
  • Cabbage, carrot, spinach, melons, apples, cashews or berries
  • Eggs
  • Low-fat yogurt and cheese
  • Virgin olive oil or flaxseed oil
  • Clean drinking water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed your opossum commercial omnivore food formulated for zoo animals, such as Mazuri Omnivore-Zoo Feed A as part of its main diet. Do not feed your pet commercial cat or dog food or beef products, as these foods are detrimental to its health in the long term.

    • 2

      Supplement its diet with additional low-fat protein foods such as boneless poultry, fish, crickets and mealworms. Combine high-fiber foods such as cereal, whole grain breads and cooked grains with the protein food.

    • 3

      Provide a wide variety of fruits and vegetables as treats twice a week. Cut small wedges of high-moisture fruits and vegetables such as cabbage, carrot, spinach, melons, apples or berries and offer them to your opossum.

    • 4

      Offer natural sources of calcium and fat once a week. Feed cashews, eggs and low-fat dairy products such as yogurt and cheese.

    • 5

      Mix half a teaspoon of virgin olive oil or flaxseed oil with your Virginia opossum's food before serving, once a week. These oils are a good source of fat that help to maintain a healthy skin and coat.

    • 6

      Maintain a steady supply of clean drinking water at all times. The Virginia opossum is susceptible to dehydration and must have access to water to keep it hydrated.