Damon Mcknight
Possums are one of the quintessential Australian animals, and they are protected by law in most states. They are mostly herbivores, and their diet consists of leaves, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Possums are also known to eat small lizards, birds, eggs, and insects. In urban areas, they may eat leftover meat from discarded bones or raid bins for food. Possums have a low metabolic rate and can easily become overweight. They need fresh water daily and should not be fed dairy products, junk food, or raw meat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet | Mostly herbivorous, eating eucalyptus leaves, green plum, acacia, red bush apple, flowers, fruits, vegetables, bird eggs, small lizards, insects, bread, and meat |
| Drinking Habits | Need fresh water daily; water containers should be heavy and wide-based so they can't be tipped over |
| Eating Habits | Tend to eat food whole |
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What You'll Learn
Australian possums are mostly herbivores
In addition to their plant-based diet, possums occasionally consume meat and small invertebrates, such as insects, small lizards, and bird eggs, to obtain protein. This is especially true for the brushtail possum species. However, meat only forms a small part of their diet, and they primarily seek out plant-based sources of nutrition.
The diet of possums can vary depending on their habitat. Those living in urban settings may have a different diet from those in wild locations like forests and grasslands. Urban possums may raid bins or eat leftover food from picnics or barbecues, including bread and meat scraps. They may also be attracted to unhealthy foods such as sweets, cake, and takeaway food, which can have serious negative impacts on their health.
To promote natural foraging behaviour, it is recommended to spread food out in enclosures or yards with possums rather than offering it in a centralised location. Possums also need access to fresh water daily, and their water containers should be heavy and wide-based so they cannot tip them over.
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They eat eucalyptus leaves
Australian possums are mostly herbivores, and their diet is largely plant-based. They are particularly fond of eucalyptus leaves, which are the favourite food of Ringtail Possums. If there is no eucalyptus around, they will eat the leaves of other plants, such as green plum, acacia, and red bush apple.
Like their close relatives, the gliders, possums live in trees and occasionally come down to the ground to forage for food. They are nocturnal, so they are most active at night, especially during the first half. They rest during the day, often in nests called dreys, which are made out of sticks, bark, and grass. They also sleep in tree hollows, which are highly sought-after, as it takes over a hundred years for these hollows to develop.
Possums have a low metabolic rate, so their calorie needs are easily met with simple plants. However, they can easily become overweight, and their diet should be mostly made up of native plants. While they can eat small amounts of fruit and vegetables, these should be considered more of a treat than a main course.
In urban settings, possums may have a different diet, as they adapt to living alongside humans. They may raid bins or eat leftover food from picnics or BBQs, including meat and bread. However, their diet in these settings can also include eucalyptus leaves, as they are often found in forests and grasslands.
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They also eat flowers, fruits and vegetables
Australian possums are mostly herbivores, and their diet consists of a variety of plant-based foods. They are particularly fond of flowers, fruits, and vegetables, which provide a good source of energy and essential nutrients.
Flowers are a favourite treat for possums, especially roses, gardenias, fuchsias, and passionfruit blossoms. They also enjoy feasting on eucalyptus flowers, as they are a good source of nectar and pollen. In addition to flowers, possums also eat the leaves and bark of eucalyptus trees, which are a staple in their diet.
Fruits are another important part of the possum's diet. They are attracted to sweet and ripe fruits, such as apples and passionfruit. Possums in urban areas are known to raid bins and picnic tables in search of discarded fruits and leftover sweets. While fruits provide a quick energy boost, they can also lead to weight gain if consumed in excess. Therefore, fruits should be given as an occasional treat rather than a main course.
Vegetables are also consumed by possums, although in smaller quantities. They can be offered a variety of veggies, such as green leaves and herbs. However, it is important to ensure that any vegetables fed to possums are safe and non-toxic to their health.
While possums primarily feed on plant-based foods, they occasionally eat small amounts of meat. They have been known to hunt for small lizards, insects, and bird eggs to supplement their protein intake. However, meat only forms a minor part of their diet, and they are mainly attracted to it when it is easily accessible, such as leftover bones from BBQ parties or discarded takeaway food.
It is important to note that possums have sensitive digestive systems and can be attracted to unhealthy foods that can cause long-term health issues or even death. These include sweets, chocolate, cake, and junk food. As responsible humans sharing our environment with these creatures, it is essential to ensure that we do not intentionally or unintentionally harm them by providing inappropriate food items.
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They drink water daily
Australian possums are mostly herbivores, with a diet that is largely plant-based. They are known to eat leaves, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and occasionally meat and small invertebrates. In urban settings, their diet may include human food such as bread, leftover meat, and even junk food. However, it is important to note that possums have specific dietary needs and some human foods can be harmful to them.
One of the essential aspects of possum care is providing them with a constant supply of fresh water. Possums need to drink water daily, and it is crucial to ensure that their water containers are heavy and wide-based to prevent them from tipping them over. This daily hydration is vital for their health and well-being, especially considering the potential health risks associated with consuming certain human foods.
In the wild, common brushtail possums are adaptable feeders, consuming a variety of plant matter, including leaves, flowers, fruits, fungi, and bark. They may also occasionally eat small lizards, birds, and eggs. Possums in captivity or urban environments might have access to a wider range of food sources, including human food scraps and leftovers.
While possums are known to consume a variety of plant and animal matter, their water intake is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of their daily routine. Providing adequate water ensures that these nocturnal marsupials stay hydrated, especially in urban environments where they may encounter higher temperatures and reduced access to natural water sources.
Overall, while the dietary habits of Australian possums are diverse and adaptable, it is important to remember that they require a constant supply of fresh water. By meeting their daily water needs, we can support the health and well-being of these unique creatures, whether they reside in our backyards, urban parks, or natural habitats.
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They should not be fed sweets, junk food or raw meat
Australian possums are mostly herbivores, and their diet consists of plant-based foods. They are particularly fond of eucalyptus leaves, but also eat other plants, such as green plum, acacia, and red bush apple. Possums also eat flowers, fruits, and vegetables. In urban areas, they may eat leftover meat from discarded bones at BBQ parties or raid bins for food.
However, it is important to note that possums should not be fed sweets, junk food, or raw meat. Sweets, such as chocolate, cake, and jelly sweets, contain processed ingredients that are hard for possums to digest and can cause serious health issues or even death. Similarly, junk food like pizza or takeout is typically high in sugar and salt, leading to dehydration and long-term health problems. Raw meat should also be avoided as possums are not carnivores and may struggle to metabolise it. Furthermore, raw meat can spread diseases, which is why it is usually cooked.
While it may be tempting to feed possums that come into your yard or home, it is generally not advisable. Possums are foragers, and providing them with food can lead to dependency, making them lazy and unable to care for themselves. If you encounter a possum, it is best to contact a licensed catcher or wildlife rescue service for assistance.
Overall, while Australian possums have a varied diet, it is crucial to avoid offering them sweets, junk food, or raw meat to ensure their health and well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian possums are mostly herbivores, and their diet is largely plant-based. They eat eucalyptus leaves, green plum, acacia, red bush apple, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Possums also occasionally eat meat in the form of small lizards, birds, eggs, and insects. They need fresh water daily.
Eucalyptus leaves are the Ringtail Possum's favourite food. Brushtails also eat eucalyptus leaves, but they are not particular to them.
Sweets, chocolate, cake, takeaway food, and raw meat can be harmful to possums. These foods can cause long-term health issues and even death.
Possums should not be fed almonds, cheese, onions, dairy products, green potatoes, or junk food.
A simple way to test for the presence of a possum or a rat is to leave an apple in an area where you think either of the two might be visiting. If there are bite marks on the apple, it is likely a rat. If the apple has disappeared, it is likely that a possum is in the area.
