How to Breed a Pet Opossum

Opossums are gentle and docile animals and are loving pets. They are capable of having four litters of babies every year. An average litter includes anywhere from seven to 16 babies. Breeding your opossum is such a simple task that expanding your opossum family may happen faster than you expect.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nesting boxes

1. Pick the appropriate time to breed the opossums. They breed from January to October every year.

2. Find a mate for your opossum. If you do not already have a male and female, look online at forums dedicated to opossums. Wait until the opossums are 5 months old before breeding them. By that time, they have reached sexual maturity. Female opossums begin to lose fertility at 2 1/2 years old.

3. Prepare the cages for breeding. Push the male's and female's cages up against each other. Remove the end pieces so the opossums are able to go into both cages. If this is not possible, place the male into the female’s cage. Set two nesting boxes in the female’s cage-one for each opossum. The best time to prepare the cages is during the day while the opossums are sleeping.

4. Watch the pair closely during their first meeting. Some males breed as soon as they meet the female. Others take their time. Allow the couple access to each other for 12 days.

5. Separate the opossums directly after you observe them breeding. The female becomes angry toward the male about a week after the breeding occurs.

6. Observe the female for signs of pregnancy. Look for an enlarged abdomen and enlarged nipples. The gestation period for opossums is 2 to 3 weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• A female opossum has 13 nipples. If more than 13 babies are born or one of the mother’s nipples is infected or swollen, the babies may be unable to attach themselves. Hand feed the babies who need extra nourishment.
• Once born, the babies attach themselves to the mother’s nipples. It is also common for them to ride on the mother's back.
• Breeding opossums is often dangerous for the animals. Use caution to prevent their injury or death.