Probably no one will be surprised by a cat sitting comfortably on the master's sofa, or a dog running out into the hallway with a joyful barking. But in recent years, more and more exotic exotic animals have appeared in the homes of our compatriots who have arrived to us from around the world. It can be a ferret or Achatina, iguana or tarantula, chinchilla or possum. Today we will tell you about the last representative of exotic animals.
Sugar possum: general information
These charming miniature animals live in the eastern and northern regions of Australia, in Tasmania, on the islands of the Bismarck archipelago, in New Guinea. Most of the time, flying squirrel (the opossum is often called) spends on trees and quite rarely descends to the ground. Most often they are found in eucalyptus forests. It should be noted that sugar possum is a creature that easily adapts to new conditions, and therefore, at present it can be found in any forest in which there is the necessary food supply. That is why these cute animals are not threatened with extinction.
The possum is active at night. It feeds on sweet acacia juice and some types of eucalyptus, fruits and nectar of other trees. Insects, small vertebrates and invertebrates (protein foods) play an important role in the diet of these cute animals.
In case of lack of food (in winter), the possum falls into a state that can be compared with lethargic sleep. They can stay in it up to 23 hours a day.
Flying squirrel is a social animal. They live in families of up to seven males. The whole family, including adults, but not yet abandoned cubs, lives in one nest and shares one territory - about one hundred hundred. The main one in the group is an alpha male.
External signs
The possum, or dwarf flying squirrel, is a very miniature animal. The length of his body is from 7 to 23 cm, weight - from 95 to 160 grams. The muzzle of the animal is elongated and slightly pointed. The tail can be very short (6 cm) or very long (50 cm). At its base there are thickenings that are formed due to fat deposits. As a rule, the tail is very fluffy, the fur on it is slightly lighter than on the body. The small body is covered with thick and short hair. Color - yellowish-brown, gray, black. Especially fluffy fur in the winter.
Limbs and head
Paws are five-fingered, short. The hind limbs are better developed than the forelimbs. The head is small, round, blunt. The eyes are large and convex, black. This is due to nightlife. Ears without brushes, rounded.
Structural features
Perhaps the most characteristic feature of these animals is the membrane, starting from the fifth fingers on the forelegs and ending on the first fingers of the hind limbs. In a jump, sugar possum stretches its legs to the sides, the membrane stretches, and this allows it to soar through the air over very considerable distances (50 meters or more). The direction of flight is regulated by the movements of the tail and paws.
Possum in the house
Exotic pets are very interesting, but they require a lot of attention from the owner.
Opossum is a small but extremely active animal. He needs a lot of space. Sugar possum, the photo of which you see in our article, must have its own home. It can become a fairly spacious cage in which the possum will warm up when it is not allowed to walk around the apartment. For this purpose, an aviary measuring 50 x 50 x 70 cm is suitable. If you get two animals, then, of course, the cage should be larger.
Sounds of possums
We want to warn you right away that these little animals are very talkative creatures. Have you decided to have a possum? Get ready for more than one sleepless night. Do not be surprised if your pet wants to develop his vocal chords when you sleep sweetly. He may plaintively call his brothers or his master to play with him.
If you have two animals, then there will be a great opportunity to watch how they communicate with each other. These animals simply cannot sit and be silent. They make noise when they share food, when they go to bed, jump around the cage.
Companion
Opossum definitely needs a company. If you do not want to get a second animal, then you need to take on the role of friend and companion. Get ready for the fact that you will have to give your pet time for communication and games.
When the possum barks
Indeed, this sound is very reminiscent of a dog barking, but it is more piercing and subtle. It can be heard during the mating season, in addition, the possum “barks” in case of imminent danger or to force the owner to approach him.
Buzz
To reproduce this sound, the possum resorts to scare off enemies. To everyone who has never seen an opossum, but heard this sound, it may seem that this animal is at least twice as large as it actually is.
Conditions of detention
Sugar possum feels great at home, but certain rules must be followed.
Your pet's cage should be cleaned as often as possible. The tray should be washed every day. If filler is used, this can be done once a week. The perch and the cage itself must be washed twice a month. This cleaning scheme will help get rid of bad smell. But do not forget, the more thoroughly you wash the cage, the more actively the animal will label it. For washing, you can not use chemicals, in extreme cases, a baby soap that does not have a smell.
House for sleeping
In the possum cage, a cozy place to sleep must be equipped. If there are two animals, then there should be two minks, as they sometimes quarrel and therefore desire solitude. A wooden birdhouse can become a house, the bottom of which should be covered with soft rags or hay (do not forget to change them regularly). You can sew a soft house made of fabric yourself. But the material must be strong, for example, small velveteen. For lining, it is better to use any cotton fabric. Such a house resembles a pouch - its “neck” of a slug is pulled by a ribbon and with it it is attached to the cage. It must be washed at least once a week.
Feeding
At home, sugar possum should receive a variety of foods. 50% of the diet, ideally, should be insects - larvae of flour flies, crickets. The main course is sprinkled with powdered vitamins and calcium. If you do not, your pet may develop metabolic bone disease. In addition, possum can be fed newborn mice, eggs, canned food for cats - this food is also a source of protein. 40% of the diet should be juices and nectars. Not too often you can treat your pet with honey. Finely chopped fruits and vegetables should be at least 10% of the diet. Before giving your baby fruit, do not forget to spray them with bee pollen. Opossums should have free access to fresh water.
Toys
They must be safe for the animal - in the cage there can be no plastic ladders, open wheels, which are usually used for rodents. Only closed samples can be used, otherwise your pet will pinch your paw or tail. Thick ropes made of natural material, tree branches, previously peeled from sharp knots, are suitable.