Short-Tailed Opossum

• ExerciseModerate

  Daily supervised time outside the enclosure keeps them happy.

• GroomingLow upkeep

  They keep themselves clean — just keep the enclosure fresh.

• Living spaceCompact setup

  The enclosure is their whole world — fits easily in any home.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment4–8 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Obesity · Dental issues · Nutritional deficiency

Native to the scrublands of Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina, Monodelphis domestica is a pouchless marsupial that carries its young clinging to the belly. Adults weigh only 60-150 grams and live roughly four to eight years in captivity. They are strictly solitary and must be housed one per enclosure, since adults will fight if paired. Provide a tall glass tank or fine-barred cage with deep aspen bedding, several hides, and climbing branches, as these agile escape artists exploit any gap. Feed an insectivore base of crickets, mealworms, and a quality insectivore or ferret diet, with small amounts of fruit and the occasional pinkie mouse. Keep the room warm at roughly 24-29C. Handle gently and often from youth to build trust. They are legal in most US states but restricted in California and a few others, so verify local rules first.

• How much activity does a Short-Tailed Opossum need?

  Moderate. Daily supervised time outside the enclosure keeps them happy.

• How much grooming does a Short-Tailed Opossum need?

  Low upkeep. They keep themselves clean — just keep the enclosure fresh.

• How much space does a Short-Tailed Opossum need?

  Compact setup. The enclosure is their whole world — fits easily in any home.

• Is a Short-Tailed Opossum a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Short-Tailed Opossum live?

  4–8 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Short-Tailed Opossum?

  Keep an eye out for Obesity, Dental issues, Nutritional deficiency. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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