Short-tailed Opossum

Short-tailed Opossum key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

4-6 years

Size

12-18cm (25cm with tail) / 60-150g

Diet

Insects (mealworms, crickets), fruits, specialized food

Environment

Must be housed alone. Add climbing branches and hammocks to cage

Diet

Omnivore favoring insects. Ferret food can substitute if no specialized food

Temperament

Curious and active. Daily handling builds a tame bond

Notes

Nocturnal. Cold-sensitive — maintain room temp around 25°C

About Short-tailed Opossum

Short-tailed opossums are small South American marsupials known for their curious, people-friendly nature. Learn about their size, lifespan, and care basics for this intermediate-level exotic pet.

7 things to know before welcoming a Short-tailed Opossum

1. 1Best Kept Solo

   Short-tailed opossums are naturally solitary animals, and housing multiple individuals together often leads to stress or fighting. It's best to keep one animal per enclosure.

2. 2A Nocturnal Schedule

   These animals sleep through most of the day and become active after dark. Rather than handling them during daytime hours, plan interaction time for the evening when they naturally wake up.

3. 3An Omnivorous Diet

   In the wild, short-tailed opossums eat mainly insects and fruit, and a varied, balanced diet is key to keeping them healthy in captivity. Offering a mix of food items helps prevent nutritional gaps.

4. 4Curious Yet Independent

   Despite their solitary nature, they tend to be curious and can grow comfortable with gentle handling in a calm environment. Building trust gradually, rather than rushing, tends to work best.

5. 5A Compact Enclosure Fits

   Adults typically measure 12–18 cm (about 25 cm including the tail) and weigh 60–150 g. Provide a space sized to match their small frame, with places to climb and hide.

6. 6Watch for Subtle Changes

   Because they're small, changes in health can be easy to miss. Keeping an eye on daily appetite, activity level, and droppings helps you catch anything unusual early.

7. 7Prepare Before Bringing Home

   Since they're nocturnal and prefer to live alone, set up a quiet resting space and enclosure layout in advance. Give them time to settle in gently after arrival.

Frequently asked questions about Short-tailed Opossum

Q.Do short-tailed opossums get used to people?

A.Individual personalities vary, but their curious nature often makes them receptive to gentle handling. Building trust gradually tends to work best.

Q.Can I keep more than one together?

A.Since they're solitary by nature, it's generally recommended to house them one per enclosure. Keeping multiple together can lead to fighting or stress.

Q.How long do they typically live?

A.Their lifespan is typically around 4 to 6 years. Individual variation exists, so ongoing health observation matters throughout that time.

Q.What do they do during the day?

A.Being nocturnal, they sleep for most of the daytime hours. They become active in the evening and at night.

Q.How big do they get?

A.Adults reach about 12–18 cm in body length, or roughly 25 cm including the tail, and weigh 60–150 g — a compact size among small pets.

Useful tools for Short-tailed Opossum care

Learn more about Short-tailed Opossum in the encyclopedia

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