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We have recently added a proven pair and a female Short Tailed Opossum to our family to supplement
our other female.
The proven pair where purchased from Ste & Chez from near Southport. They are a lovely
couple and loved their animals. we asked loads of questions and they were more than happy to answer and even gave information
we had not asked for. We can't thank them enough for letting us have these beautiful animals.
Above is our female Short Tailed Opossum called Lulu.
The Short Tailed Opossum are originally from the South American countries of Brazil,
Bolivia, Paraguay and northern Argentina.
They are a marsupial animal although they lack the pouch. Like marsupials the babies attach to a
nipple to feed and stay there for a number of weeks to feed. If the baby dislodges from the nipple they are unable to reattach.
Short Tailed Opossums grow to about 4 - 6 inches body length and a tail about two thirds the size
or the body. STO's must be housed individually, even sexed pairs will fight. These fights often end with the death of one
of them.
Housing.
I keep my STO's in vivariums. as they are arborial the vivariums are as tall as they are long.
Substrate is either shavings or Easy-bed. It is easy to clean and as the STO's appear to do their
toiletry needs in a particular area, it is easy to spot clean.
Large branches and hollow logs are placed in the vivarium for climbing and nesting. Shredded paper
bedding / hay is placed in for the use of bedding. The will pull this bedding into the log they prefer and make a nest. Artificial
plants are used for decoration but the STO's do appear more confident when these are in the vivarium.
A large running wheel is also placed in the vivarium. The STO's spend a lot of time running on these.
Feeding.
Below is a list of foods we give to our STO's, they are in no particular order or preference. We feed a
number of foods on a daily basis and vary the foods we feed daily.
Dry chicken cat food ( we use a number of brands mixed together, high protien, low in fat brands ).
Parrot food, Guinea Pig food, Gerbil food,
Live mealworms, crickets, locusts
Dried mealworms, insect food for birds ( mix it with baby food )
Apple, Pear, Banana, Mango, Papaya, Grape, Melon, Kiwi
Baby foods, chicken, turkey, veg and pure fruits.
Hard boiled, scrambled and raw eggs. ( occasionally mix honey with them )
Red Nectar is given 3-4 times a week
Fresh water is avaiable at all times
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