* An STO will groom themselves so DO NOT bathe them. Some people do use Chinchilla dust baths to 'bathe' their opossums though.
*Again, when picking up your STO while it's adjusting let it smell your hand and move slowly. Back off if it shows its teeth and try again in a little while moving slower. Grasp their tail or cusp their belly. After they are adjusted they often will readily climb into your hands. You can also use treats to lure them to you.
*Once this bond is created, carrying your STO in a bonding pouch or having him or her accompany you around the house is possible. You can let them lay in your lap in a blanket or play in a supervised area to allow out of cage time.
*As a precaution, wash your hands with smell free/mild soap before playing with your STO in case you smell like other pets or food to the animal.
*Make sure they have space to climb. Toys such as ringing cat toys or rat/ hamster balls could be used as well.
*If you would like a checklist for a pet opossum make sure to check the button on this page. Most everything is covered either there or under my 'housing' tab.
*Again, when picking up your STO while it's adjusting let it smell your hand and move slowly. Back off if it shows its teeth and try again in a little while moving slower. Grasp their tail or cusp their belly. After they are adjusted they often will readily climb into your hands. You can also use treats to lure them to you.
*Once this bond is created, carrying your STO in a bonding pouch or having him or her accompany you around the house is possible. You can let them lay in your lap in a blanket or play in a supervised area to allow out of cage time.
*As a precaution, wash your hands with smell free/mild soap before playing with your STO in case you smell like other pets or food to the animal.
*Make sure they have space to climb. Toys such as ringing cat toys or rat/ hamster balls could be used as well.
*If you would like a checklist for a pet opossum make sure to check the button on this page. Most everything is covered either there or under my 'housing' tab.