Short-Tailed Opossum at a Glance
Short-tailed opossums are small, solitary, nocturnal marsupials from South America that are gaining popularity as exotic pets.
Opossum Care Complexity by Area
Short-Tailed Opossum Care Reference
| Aspect | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cage | 20+ gal tank with mesh lid | Escape artists — tight lid essential |
| Temperature | 75-85°F | Below 70°F causes health issues |
| Humidity | 50-70% | Misting may be needed |
| Diet | Insects + fruit + cooked meat/egg | Calcium-to-phosphorus ratio critical |
| Wheel | 6-8 inch solid wheel | Wire wheels cause tail injuries |
| Bedding | Paper-based, 2+ inches | For burrowing and nesting |
| Social | Solitary — house alone | Males fight, females may coexist |
Setting Up a Short-Tailed Opossum Habitat
Short-Tailed Opossum Care Guide
| Provide a 20+ gallon tank with a secure mesh lid (they are expert escape artists) | |
| Maintain temperature at 75-85°F with a ceramic heat emitter | |
| Feed a varied diet of insects (crickets, mealworms), fruit, and cooked lean meat/egg | |
| Supplement with calcium powder (phosphorus-free) to prevent metabolic bone disease | |
| Provide a solid 6-8 inch wheel for nightly exercise | |
| Handle regularly from a young age using a calm, patient approach | |
| Use wire mesh wheels — opossum tails curl around bars and can be degloved | |
| House males together — they are territorial and will fight | |
| Feed an all-fruit or all-protein diet — variety is essential for nutrition | |
| Keep below 70°F — cold stress leads to respiratory infections and lethargy | |
| Expect a cuddly pet — they are look-don't-touch for most owners |
Metabolic bone disease (MBD) from improper calcium-to-phosphorus ratios is the most common health problem in captive opossums. Dust insects with calcium powder at every feeding.
Short-tailed opossums are sometimes called 'sugar gliders without the gliding' — they share similar care needs (nocturnal, insect-based diet, temperature control) but are solitary, not colonial.
Short-Tailed Opossum: The Tiny Omnivore From Brazil
The grey short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) is a South American marsupial that has been kept as a pet in small numbers since the 1980s when they were widely used in biomedical research. Adults weigh only 50-150 grams -- lighter than most hamsters -- and have a prehensile tail, large dark eyes, and a pointed muzzle that gives them a perpetually curious expression. They are more active than rodents, more interactive than most insectivores, and unlike Virginia opossums, they do not "play dead" or become docile when handled. They are genuinely interesting exotic pets, but their dietary requirements (insectivore-leaning omnivore) and nocturnal activity pattern make them a niche choice that suits specific lifestyles.
Legal Status and Acquisition
Short-tailed opossums are legal in most US states without special permits, though California, Georgia, Hawaii, and a handful of other states restrict marsupials generally. Verify state and county regulations before acquiring one. Purchase only from USDA-licensed captive breeders; wild-caught imports are essentially unavailable and inappropriate for pet keeping. Expect to pay $150-$400 depending on breeder and color variant (standard grey, brown, and occasional white variants exist).
Housing
A 20-gallon glass or screen enclosure with a secure lid is the minimum for one opossum. They are agile climbers and jumpers (can leap several times their body height) and will escape from cages with inadequate latching. Multiple climbing branches, thick rope perches, and platforms at different heights provide vertical enrichment appropriate for an arboreal species. Unlike purely terrestrial rodents, STOs spend significant time off the ground.
Temperature should remain 75-85 F; below 65 F causes immune compromise and potential torpor. These are tropical animals not adapted to North American winters. Provide multiple nest boxes or fleece pouches at various heights -- they change sleeping locations regularly.
Diet
Short-tailed opossums are opportunistic omnivores with a strong insectivore component in the wild. The captive diet should be: 40-50% live insects (roaches, crickets, waxworms, mealworms; gut-loaded before feeding), 25-30% high-quality insectivore blend (such as Insectivore-Fare or TropiBird), 20-25% fresh fruits and vegetables. Protein from animal sources is essential -- purely fruit-or-seed based diets cause metabolic decline. They will enthusiastically eat anything offered; obesity is the most common dietary problem in captive STOs. Waxworms especially are highly palatable and should be treats only (high fat).
Fresh water via a small ball-tip water bottle changed daily; open dishes are drowning risks. Remove uneaten fresh food after 8-12 hours to prevent bacterial contamination.
Behavioral Characteristics
STOs are primarily nocturnal/crepuscular. They are active and fast; handling sessions require a closed room free of gaps (they will disappear into any opening). With regular gentle handling from weaning, they become tolerant of human contact but rarely become as passive as a tame rat -- they are always somewhat on-the-go. Biting from untamed individuals is possible; the teeth are small but sharp. Consistent handling starting at 4-6 weeks of age produces the tamest adults.
They are solitary and territorial; adult males should not be housed together. A male-female pair will breed continuously if housed together. Same-sex female pairs can sometimes work if introduced very young; adult female introductions frequently result in fighting.
Veterinary Care
Find an exotic mammal vet before acquisition. Common health problems: obesity and dental disease from inappropriate diets, metabolic bone disease from calcium-deficient feeding, hypoglycemia (they have fast metabolisms; 24-hour fasting causes significant metabolic stress). Lifespan in captivity is 4-7 years.
Sources
- Nowak RM. Walker's Mammals of the World, 6th ed. -- Monodelphis
- BSAVA Manual of Exotic Pets, 5th ed. -- Marsupials chapter
- Crouch C. "Care and husbandry of the short-tailed opossum." Exotic DVM, 2003