OMG - Hubby talked me into keeping an opossum as a pet!

[Pebblszzz]

I still think he's adorable, and CUTE.

I said to hubby this morning: "I still think we're crazy trying to keep a wild animal in the house"

His reply: "Really? Well, we made the decision, we're going to stick it out - for HIM. If it gets to be too much, we'll send him packing in the Ocala National Forest one day"

So there ya have it. He's here for the time being. And the little bugger woke me up at 1:35am this morning, and kept me up for 2 hours! I was ready to show him the door....

But he's still cute.

First time he bites anybody or the cat, he's OUTTA THERE!!!

 

[Liz]

It sounds like you and your DH really have a kind heart towards animals. But I think you'd be much better off directing that heart towards going to the pound and adopting a cat or dog that needs a home.

I hesitate to say this because I don't want it to seem unkind, but I would have had these same feelings of "I've got to keep him, its for HIS good", etc. when I was much younger (thinking child). I think most people know, whether you know anything about opossums in particular, it is never ever a good idea to try to raise a wild animal in your home.

I really wish you and the little animal luck.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

So you are going to raise him, not let him learn what it takes to be in the wild and then if he gets to be to much release him back into the wild. That doesn't sound very responsible. I beg you to please follow Preshi's advice.

 

[preshi]

Originally posted by Miss Jasmine
So you are going to raise him, not let him learn what it takes to be in the wild and then if he gets to be to much release him back into the wild. That doesn't sound very responsible. I beg you to please follow Preshi's advice.

You couldnt have said it better, it would be extremely irresponsible to keep it until it did something you didnt like, imprint it with human behaviors and then send it out in the wild...

I have alot more to say but i'll keep it to myself it's not going to help anyways.

Question: Can I raise a baby opossum and release it back into the wild myself?


Answer: It is not in the best interest of the animal and it is illegal, in most states. Raising wild animals is not the same as raising a puppy or kitten. If not fed the proper diet or if early signs of illness are not recognized then the opossum will suffer and possibly die. Remember, they are wild animals. They will not show you when they are sick, as a dog would. This does not mean we do not want you to raise opossums, only that you must be properly trained first! Contact OSUS or a local wildlife rehabilitator for volunteer opportunities.


Another interesting opossum fact is that they can be carriers of numerous zoonotic diseases , but rarely show symptoms of the disease.

 

[CookieGVB]

Why do people ask for help when they've already decided what they're going to do?

 

[preshi]

I think because it sounds fun and exciting to have a wild pet around...

I just went through 6 weeks of hands on training and I still have continued education as a wildlife rehabilitator....

I still wouldnt go outside pick up a wild animal and try to raise it on my own...

I am done I could go on all day about why I KNOW this situation is going to turn out bad for this animal....but I'm sure you all or some of you are sick of seeing my rantings...