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Mouse Opossums
There are several species of mouse opossums in the world. Of
those species, usually seen in the pet trade is the Murine Opossum,
(Marmosa Murine). Relative size, 85 to 185 mm and tail length
is 90 to 280 mm. Average life span, 3 years.
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Mouse Opossums As pets
by Melonie Buchanan
These mouse-like marsupials are rapidly making their way into the
pocket pet gallery. A Mouse opossum actually descends from the
marsupial order of sugar gliders and kangaroos. They come from the
Argentine pampas or in the Andes. Mouse opossums are nocturnal and
usually arboreal, though some species are terrestrial. They are
often found on banana plantations and among small tress and vine
tangles. In the wild, they build nests of leaves and twigs in trees
or shelter in abandoned bird's nests. They are generally solitary,
usually hunting and nesting alone.
Opossums are clean animals and routinely groom themselves. They are
easy to tame and rarely bite. Once a bond is established, these tiny
opossums will delight in your companionship.
Housing
A 15-gallon aquarium with a tight-fitting lid works best. It is best
to house each Mouse opossum singly. They are solitary animals and
can become aggressive and may even hurt or kill each other. They
will choose one corner of the aquarium to use as a bathroom, so put
a small bowl of unscented litter in the spot, which can be removed
for cleaning. When you first begin litter training, it is best not
to remove the odor completely. This way they will become accustomed
to the litter box more quickly. Supply paper-based material for
bedding and a nest box for a sleeping chamber. These guys love to
build elaborate nests! Mouse opossums also enjoy burrowing. Provide
them with at least 3" of bedding. A rodent sleeping chamber works
well, but we have found that small dog bowls work well too. They are
light enough for the opossums to get underneath and easily cleaned.
Mouse opossums are not rodents so they do not have the obsession to
chew. You can use plastic accessories in their cages without fear of
ingestion. Mouse opossums are nocturnal and play mostly at night.
Give them branches (oak and apple branches are ideal), ropes, a
mouse-sized wheel, and other accessories. Be sure that these are
free from pesticides. In addition, the mouse opossum has very little
odor, therefore making their cages very easy to keep clean. Cleaning
the cage once a month with water and dish soap is ideal. Use dish
soap because of its low toxicity. If you use bleach, be sure to
rinse the cage thoroughly afterward.
Feeding
In the wild, the mouse opossum's diet consists mainly of insects and
fruits but also includes small rodents, lizards, and bird's eggs. In
captivity, they enjoy crickets, mealworms, a variety of fruits
(avoid avocado), vegetables, eggs, and boiled chicken breasts. You
will also need to provide them with a good quality, commercial sugar
glider or insectivore diet. Mouse opossums love raw sugar in the
wild. You can provide them with nectars, such as Gliderade. Nectar
should be provided daily as a dietary supplement. Limit amounts of
fat, phosphorous, sodium and processed sugars in the diet. Avoid
caffeine at all cost. Provide your mouse opossum with fresh water
(de-chlorinated if possible) every day. It is best to use a very
small, mouse-type water bottle.
Medical Concerns
Mouse opossums are solitary animals and should be kept singly. Keep
only one per cage. These are vigorous animals that rarely become ill
when given a proper diet and their enclosure is regularly cleaned.
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