Baby possums, often called joeys, have distinct dietary needs that change as they mature, whether in the wild or in human care. Understanding these requirements is important for their healthy development and survival. Their diet progresses from milk to a varied omnivorous intake, mirroring the diverse foods their adult counterparts consume.
The Mother’s Role in Early Diet
For the initial weeks, baby possums are entirely dependent on their mother’s milk. Born tiny and furless, they immediately crawl into the pouch, attaching to a nipple. They remain clamped for 50 to 60 days, receiving all necessary nutrients for rapid growth. The mother’s milk is specifically formulated to support their development during this vulnerable period. Around 10 to 11 weeks, as their eyes open and they can chew, they detach from the nipple and move more freely within the pouch.
Gradual Shift to Solid Foods
As joeys grow, they begin a gradual transition from an exclusively milk-based diet to solid foods. Around 2 to 3 months of age, they venture out of the pouch, often clinging to their mother’s back as she forages. This period is crucial for learning what to eat in their natural environment. Wild possums are omnivores, consuming a wide variety of foods including insects, earthworms, snails, grubs, fruits, berries, leaves, and small vertebrates like rodents, birds, and frogs. Joeys still return to nurse while exploring new food sources, becoming fully weaned around 80 to 95 days old and typically independent by 4 to 5 months of age.
Feeding Orphaned Baby Possums
Caring for an orphaned baby possum requires specialized knowledge; contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, as proper care is complex and critical for their survival. If a rehabilitator is not immediately available, specialized marsupial milk replacers, such as Wombaroo or Biolac, are essential, designed to mimic the nutritional composition of a possum’s natural milk at different stages of development. Never offer cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or other common animal formulas, as these can cause severe digestive issues like diarrhea due to lactose intolerance. For very young joeys, especially those with eyes closed, tube feeding is often necessary because they lack a strong suckling reflex and can easily aspirate liquids when bottle-fed. Milk replacer should be warmed to body temperature and fed slowly using a syringe, typically every 2 to 4 hours depending on the joey’s age; after each feeding, gently stimulate the genital area with a warm, damp cloth to encourage urination and defecation, mimicking the mother’s cleaning behavior.
Foods to Avoid for Young Possums
Certain foods are harmful and should never be given to young possums. Human foods high in sugar, fat, or salt, such as processed snacks, candy, or bread, offer no nutritional value and can lead to obesity, dental issues, and nutrient imbalances. Dairy products, other than specific marsupial milk replacers, can cause severe digestive upset due to lactose. Onions, garlic, chives, chocolate, and caffeine are toxic, potentially leading to digestive problems, anemia, tremors, seizures, or even death. Feeding wild insects is not recommended due to potential diseases or pesticides, and raw meat or cooked bones can introduce parasites or cause digestive complications.