Leslie Massey
Possums are one of the quintessential Australian animals. They are protected by law in most states, and it is illegal to remove them from your home or yard. Possums are mostly herbivores, with a diet that is largely plant-based. However, they are also known to eat insects, birds' eggs, chicks, and other small vertebrates. In Australia, baby possums, or joeys, should be fed a specialised milk formula according to their growth stage and should never be fed cow's milk as they are lactose intolerant.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet | Plant-based foods such as eucalyptus leaves, green plum, acacia, red bush apple, flowers, fruits, vegetables, buds, ferns, fungi, bark, nectar, pollen, and grass. |
| Animal-based foods such as insects, birds' eggs, chicks, small lizards, and other small vertebrates. | |
| Baby possums (joeys) should be fed specialised milk formula and not cow's milk as they are lactose intolerant. |
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What You'll Learn
Eucalyptus leaves and other plants
Australian baby possums, like their adult counterparts, are largely herbivores, with eucalyptus leaves being a significant part of their diet. However, it is worth noting that eucalyptus is rarely the sole item in their diet. If there is no eucalyptus available, they will settle for other plants, such as green plum, acacia, and red bush apple.
The brushtail possum, a common subspecies, is known to be tolerant of many plant toxins and will eat trees that other animals find poisonous. They have a preference for Eucalyptus leaves, but they also eat flowers, shoots, fruits, and seeds. The brushtail possum's rounded molars are not as well-adapted to cutting eucalyptus leaves as finely as those of more specialised feeders. Instead, their teeth are more suited to crushing their food, making them effective at chewing fruit or herbs.
In addition to eucalyptus, Australian baby possums may also consume other plant species, including ferns, buds, flowers, and fruits. They are known to be attracted to suburban gardens, where they will eat a variety of plants, including roses, camellias, magnolias, mangoes, apples, pears, grapes, melons, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, and shrubs. Possums have a low metabolic rate and can easily become overweight, so their diet should be mostly native plants, with small amounts of fruits and vegetables.
While they primarily consume plants, Australian baby possums may also eat small amounts of animal matter, such as insects, moths, grubs, snails, birds' eggs, and small vertebrates like lizards and baby birds. Possums are opportunistic feeders, so the amount of animal matter in their diet can vary. It is important to note that possums are lactose intolerant, so they should not be fed cow's milk or other dairy products.
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Fruits and vegetables
Australian possums are mostly herbivores, and their diet consists mainly of plant-based foods. Fruits and vegetables form a significant part of their diet. However, it is important to note that fruits should be given as a treat due to their high sugar content, and vegetables should be fed in relatively small quantities.
Baby possums, or possum joeys, should be fed diluted formula or a specialised formula recommended by a veterinarian. Possum joeys should never be fed cow's milk, as they are lactose intolerant.
For adult possums, some suitable fruits include apples, pears, melons, bananas, grapes, berries, and stone fruits like paw paw. It is important to remove seeds from fruits before feeding them to possums, as some seeds can be harmful. Fruits should be chopped into small pieces and hung in trees using wire garlands, mimicking how a possum would find fruit in the wild.
Vegetables that possums can eat include leafy greens such as silverbeet, baby spinach, endive, and cos lettuce, as well as squash, capsicum, eggplant, pumpkin, cucumber, zucchini, green beans, and turnips. Starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes, corn, peas, parsnips, carrots, and beetroots should be avoided or fed in very small amounts, as they may be harmful to possums. Similar to fruits, vegetables should be finely chopped or mashed and spread out in their environment to encourage natural foraging behaviour.
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Insects, moths, and grubs
Australian baby possums, also known as joeys, typically start out drinking milk from their mother. As they grow older, they transition to a diet that includes leaves, flowers, and fruit. During this stage, they may also begin to explore other food sources, such as insects, moths, and grubs. These small creatures provide an excellent source of protein and nutrients for growing possums.
Insects that possums commonly eat include caterpillars, worms, and various types of bugs. They are skilled foragers and will search for food in trees, on the ground, and even in human habitats, such as gardens and homes. Possums are known for their ability to adapt to their environment and will take advantage of easily accessible food sources.
Moths are also a part of the possum's diet, especially in areas where there is a high population of moths. Possums are nocturnal, so they are active at night when moths are typically more abundant. The possums' agility and climbing skills make them well-equipped to catch moths in flight or resting on surfaces.
Grubs, which are the larval stage of various insects, are another important food source for Australian baby possums. Possums will search for grubs in decaying wood, soil, or other habitats where insects lay their eggs. Grubs provide a high-protein meal for possums, contributing to their overall health and development.
While insects, moths, and grubs play a significant role in the diet of Australian baby possums, it is important to remember that their primary source of nutrition comes from plants. Possums are known for their affinity for eucalyptus leaves, which are a staple in their diet. However, they also consume other plant matter, including flowers, fruits, and vegetables, depending on what is available in their environment.
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Bird's eggs and chicks
Australian baby possums, or joeys, should be fed a special milk formula depending on their growth stage. They are lactose intolerant, so cow's milk is not suitable and can cause diarrhoea, slow their growth, and may even cause death.
Once they are old enough to eat solid foods, baby possums will eat a similar diet to adult possums. While they are mostly herbivores, eating leaves, fruits, flowers, fungi, and vegetables, they are known to eat animal matter, too. This includes insects, moths, grubs, snails, and, yes, birds' eggs and chicks.
Brushtail possums, in particular, are known to eat bird eggs and chicks. They are also more likely to enter human habitations, so you may find a brushtail possum in your home or garden. If you do, it is important to remember that it is illegal to do anything about it in most Australian states. If you want to avoid sharing your home with a possum, there are things you can do to scare them away, or you can contact a licensed possum catcher for help.
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Milk formula
Australian baby possums typically drink their mother's milk until they are about 80-90 days old. However, if they are orphaned or abandoned, they can be fed milk formula. It is important to note that possum babies should not be fed cow's milk or goat's milk as it could be harmful to them. Instead, diluted, powdered formula should be used, such as "Esbilac" puppy formula, which can be purchased at a pet store.
When preparing the formula, it is crucial to follow the correct proportions to ensure the safety and health of the baby possum. For very small babies, a ratio of 1 part formula to 10 parts water is recommended. As the baby grows, the ratio can be adjusted to 1 part formula to 5 parts water, and eventually to 1 part formula to 2 parts water. It is also important to ensure that the baby possum is warmed up and hydrated before feeding. This can be achieved by using a heating pad or a microwaved sock filled with rice, and by providing diluted Pedialyte for hydration before introducing formula.
The process of feeding the baby possum is also important. Young babies may need to be fed using a dropper or syringe, while older babies can be encouraged to lap up the formula from a shallow bowl to promote self-feeding. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian or animal rescue organization for specific guidance on preparing and administering formula to baby possums.
Additionally, it is worth noting that once the baby possum's eyes and mouth are open, their formula can be mixed with soft kitten food of high quality, ensuring that it does not contain any fish. As they continue to grow, they can be introduced to other foods such as mashed fruits and vegetables or baby food.
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Frequently asked questions
Baby possums, also known as joeys, should be fed a specialised milk formula depending on their growth stage. Cow's milk should be avoided as possums are lactose intolerant.
In their natural environment, baby possums eat leaves, flowers, fruits, grass, fungi, insects, bird eggs, and baby birds.
Baby possums should not be fed sweets, junk food, raw meat, almonds, cheese, onions, dairy products, or green potatoes.
Baby possums can eat fruits and vegetables in small quantities.
