Opossums are common North American marsupials often seen in backyards and rural areas. Their presence frequently leads to questions about their eating habits, particularly concerning eggs. Understanding their dietary tendencies is useful for those who might encounter them near domestic animals or wild bird nests.
Do Opossums Eat Eggs?
Opossums are opportunistic omnivores, and they readily consume eggs if found. Eggs provide an easily accessible and rich source of protein and other nutrients for these animals. This includes eggs from both wild birds and domestic poultry, making them a potential concern for chicken keepers.
If an opossum discovers a nest or a coop with eggs, it will typically take advantage of the readily available meal. Eggs offer a concentrated package of energy and building blocks, beneficial for an animal with a varied diet.
A Diverse Diet
Beyond eggs, opossums maintain a highly diverse diet, reflecting their role as adaptable scavengers. They consume a wide range of both plant and animal matter, including insects like ticks, small rodents, frogs, and birds.
Their diet also includes fruits, vegetables, and grains. Additionally, opossums consume carrion, or dead animals, which helps clean ecosystems. This adaptability contributes to their widespread presence and survival.
Protecting Your Poultry and Nests
Protecting poultry and nests from opossums involves securing potential food sources and entry points. Fortifying chicken coops is a preventative measure, as opossums can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Inspect the coop for gaps or weak spots in walls, floors, and roofs, repairing them with sturdy materials like hardware cloth with a 1/4-inch or smaller mesh.
Ensure all coop doors and gates fit snugly and are equipped with predator-proof latches that opossums cannot manipulate. Burying hardware cloth 6 to 12 inches deep around the perimeter of the coop can deter digging predators. Removing attractants such as spilled feed, pet food, and fallen fruit from the yard also discourages opossums from visiting your property.
Identifying Opossum Activity
Recognizing signs of opossum activity can help confirm their presence around your property. Opossum tracks are distinctive, featuring five toes on their front feet and five on their hind feet. The hind foot often leaves a print resembling a small human hand, due to an opposable, thumb-like inner toe that is widely splayed from the others.
Their droppings are typically cylindrical, dark brown to black, and can vary in length from 1 to 3 inches and about 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter. These droppings may have tapered ends and sometimes contain undigested food particles. Opossums are primarily nocturnal, so their activity is most often observed at night, though they are generally shy and non-aggressive.