this post was submitted on 25 Mar 2024
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Opossums

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[–] NakariLexfortaine@lemm.ee 5 points 8 months ago

Couldn't that be solved with "Purina Opossum Chow" or something?

Theoretically? Yes. If someone would actually go through the effort of mass producing a balanced feed, it would be an absolute game changer. The issue would come down to making sure things like the fat and protein weren't an issue, mainly due to the fact that in captivity, they're lazy bastards most of the time. They'll move and explore, but nowhere near to the levels of the wild, even with enrichment. Food comes to them? Why put in effort?

Huh, that's interesting, I didn't know that.

It's not one of the more commonly dropped facts, but those are also the only parts of their body that are completely hairless! Their ears are velvet soft, and the tail goes from fairly scaly to surprisingly smooth at the tip. They also have rough tongues, but produce an amazing amount of saliva, so getting slubbed(when they hang their tongue out and rub their face all over something. It's a marking technique, and quite the sign of affection) is a unique experience.

possum potty

I cannot overstate the stench. It is a cloying, vaguely sweet scent that clings to everything it touches. I'm certain there's a way you could empty the refuse into a sealed container, but if there's any level of open air, it will get into the walls. Even better, they may dip their tail in it, while actively shitting, accidentally. It gets into the floors. Bleach cannot completely remove the smell from the bedding.

I do volunteer at an Opie focused rehab, but I am way out of my league with Texas operations. Every state is different, with some completely banning rehabilitation centers outside of state control(if they have any).

I know it's not rehab, but genuinely, if you want to do something with animals, check out any shelters around you. They do a lot of work just keeping those babies fed and warm, some might be looking for an extra hand, even if it's just helping walk and clean cages. That's honestly a lot of what we do. Clean cages, make meals, help babies go to the bathroom.