I'm down to 28 opossums, so it's time for a spotlight and update on the litters and the individuals.
The 4 Rubies
They have been here since May 17! I don’t like keeping them for such an extended period of time, but challenges arose when I started coordinating their release. We are set to release them on the property where one, Broccoli, was found, on September 8. They are all much bigger than normal release weight but are much less likely to be predated upon. I’ve kept their meals varied and their activities stimulating, so they haven’t turned into couch potatoes.
Incubator Friends- Tina
Tina arrived August 6, presenting with spinal trauma from a cat attack. She’s steadily gained weight and mobility. A week ago she started walking unassisted and has been going ever since! She is unlikely to be 100% ready for release due to her nerve damage, so I am looking for placement in an education program. She has started to eat on her own more regularly, as well. I’m so proud of her and grateful to Tugaloo Animal Hospital for connecting us.
Incubator Friends- Richard
Richard arrived a week after Tina and has been following the same progression into health. He started walking unassisted 2 days ago and last night walked 10 feet across the rehab room. He has balance issues and falls over but is undaunted and gets right back up. Both Tina and Richard are friendly, calm opossums and will do well in education placements. I am so proud of both of them and relieved to see their progress.
Incubator Friends- Berry
Berry arrived July 31st at 35 grams and was housed with the Petal Pals as they were an equivalent size. However, the Petal Pals kept growing and now weigh 4 times what Berry does. She’s what rehabilitators refer to as a “failure to thrive” although she is quite spunky and healthy. She simply isn’t growing. I moved her into the incubator when I realized there was an issue. She didn’t necessarily need to be in an incubator environment, but she did need to have access to all the food she wanted without competition. She has started gaining weight at a quicker pace and weighs 162 grams now. The Petal Pals are on track to go into an outdoor enclosure for a hopeful release before the weather turns, but Berry will be here until spring.
Incubator Friends- Pistachio
Pistachio continues to be the most goofily adorable opossum I’ve met. She is a dwarf, with a shortened snout and a gremlin-like face. Big eyes and a big personality to match! She is insistent that she can do everything by herself. She arrived in early August unable to walk, weighing only 28 grams. The finder had been blowing leaves and nearly blew her away! I worked with her to build strength and endurance and she now can run pretty fast. Dwarves have a shortened life span, many not living beyond a few months. Their organ growth often outpaces their skeletal growth. She gets lots of cuddles but is now at the “Aww Mom, don’t kiss me” stage. I celebrate her independence and will support her happiness and success as long as she lives.
The Petal Pals are the well-adjusted group here. They are actually two litters combined into one. When they lose their Mom or experience a trauma when still very small- and all 6 came in weighing about 40 grams- they stay calm and friendly and accepting of changes. They all weigh around a pound now! I hope to beat the fall deadline and release them this year (otherwise they will be here until spring!).
