How long do Short-tailed Opossums live?
They typically live 2-4 years in captivity, occasionally up to about 5 years.
What do Short-tailed Opossums eat?
They are insectivores: offer a base of high-protein insectivore or carnivore diet, daily live insects (crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches), and small amounts of cooked egg, plain meat, and chopped fruit or veg. Do NOT feed them seed mixes, sugary fruit in excess, or dairy; they need animal protein to stay healthy.
Housing and space
House singly in a secure, escape-proof tank or cage with a deep substrate for digging, hides, and climbing branches, kept warm at about 24-29°C (75-85°F) with a basking spot. A 60 x 40 cm footprint is a reasonable minimum for one animal. They need low humidity and a dry nest area.
Common mistakes with Short-tailed Opossums
Deadly errors are housing two together (severe fighting and injuries), letting the enclosure drop below warm ranges (they chill quickly), feeding plant/seed-based diets without enough insect protein, and insecure lids that allow these agile climbers to escape.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Cohabiting them — solitary and territorial; fights cause serious injury or death.
- Letting them get cold — they are tropical and chill rapidly.
- Plant/seed diets without enough insects — leads to malnutrition.
- Unsecured lids — they are excellent climbers and escape artists.