Proper nutrition is first and foremost when it comes to keeping the Virginia opossum in captivity. Unfortunately I think they're still under-observed in a captive setting so getting it right takes a while. There are several websites that give good husbandry and feeding info but I believe people interested in their husbandry are still learning and arguing about proper care for them. Having access to a good exotics vet is ideal. MBD is common in captive possums as are a variety of other problems caused by improper diet.
Socialization is key to being able to enjoy a possum in captivity. The trick seems to be acquiring one at an early age. Nursing a possum appears to create the strongest bond. One that lasts well beyond sexual maturity and adulthood. Exposing a "pet" possum to new people and environments frequently keeps them fairly friendly. Possums that are not well socialized or that fight socialization do not make any type of pet. They are unpredictable and a liability in captivity. A poorly socialized possum may respond well to it's handler but badly to strangers. One must remember that they are solitary animals by nature and having them in a situation that forces them to live with another living creature for any length of time is highly unnatural for them.
Having an exotics vet will come in handy not only in general health but when you come to the decision of whether or not you should want your possum altered. Spayed or neutered. I would prefer not having sex organs removed but rather tied-off or snipped, as they would for people. I'm still reading up on the concept for dogs/cats but I believe the same could be applied and would result in less hormonal stress for the animal as it ages. It is very much something to consider. Possums are nocturnal. A sexually mature male will not let you sleep if allowed to roam in your home and they make sounds (clicking/smacking) that you will be able to hear from any room if you have thin walls.
Their sexual organs are not the same as other animals. Males have a bifurcated penis. That's right. Two tips. Females have two uteruses. All for maximum baby-havins. IMO they are very primitive mammals and I see them much in the way I see fish. They make lots of babies because not very many make it to maturity. They're not the brightest creatures but they have redeeming qualities.
I can't say they make "good pets". They have specific requirements which carry dire consequences if their needs cannot be met. They are very misunderstood and many people react badly to the idea of one as a pet. But observing them in captivity really strips away at all the misconceptions of them being disease-ridden, rabies carrying, trash eating vermin.
They're curious. They have favorite things that they like to claim by licking and rubbing all over them. Yes, sometimes these things end up covered in possum drool and get ruined. They don't really sleep hanging by their tails but they will use their tails to carry stuff around. Warm fluffy stuff to line their beds with. So if you're missing a sock, or beanie or dishtowel - check possum's bed. Babies will call (chuff) to you when they are scared, need help or want food, or when they don't like something like being cleaned or picked up too quickly. They have very bad eyesight but they have a keen sense of smell. They can tell who you are by your smell. They love to eat but they get tired of eating the same thing all the time. They can be messy. If their water/food dish
can be knocked over it
will get knocked over. They can be turned on to litter boxes and puppy pads. Yes, there is such a thing as potty training your possum. If you clean up after them properly you'd never be able to tell a person had a full grown possum in the house. Or 4. Males have a musky gland on their chest that smells like that of a ferret. Only not anywhere near as bad as a ferret! They can be horny lil basterds. Males like the ladies (and by ladies I mean human ladies) and like pulling hair
. They're not the smartest things in the world which makes them very unpretentious and funny. They look like if a panda and a pig had a baby. And they like to cuddle.
There's a lot to enjoy about a possum in your home but it's not the easiest thing in the world to deal with. Research is the best I can recommend. Be leery of people that tell you they have a pet possum and they are the best things in the world. They're leaving out quite a bit. Most reliable resources will tell you that ultimately they are wild animals better left in the wild. Which I agree with to an extent. If they felt this to be completely true they wouldn't put any effort in obtaining special permits to rehabilitate and release or open their homes to "long term captives".
