How to Select a Healthy Pet Opossum

Select a Healthy Pet Opossum

• Step 1:
  Pick an animal that appears to be alert, active and curious. While most opossums will tend to act nervous around people initially, you should be able to separate this type of behavior from an animal that appears withdrawn, lethargic or unresponsive.
• Step 2:
  Look at the eyes of the opossum to see if they are clear and sharp. Some opossums can experience eye conditions that can make them appear to be irritated, red (conjunctivitis) or even swollen and bugged out.
• Step 3:
  Check the nose of the opossum to make sure it is not runny or dripping. Avoid an animal which is sneezing frequently.
• Step 4:
  Listen to the sound of the animal breathing to see if you hear any clicking noises that may indicate a respiratory problem. The sound of a healthy pet opossum breathing is usually inaudible.
• Step 5:
  Examine the skin and the body of the opossum to see if there are any lumps or discolorations in the skin. A healthy opossum should have smooth, consistently-colored skin with no irregularities.
• Step 6:
  Notice the conditions of the cage or enclosure where the animal is being kept. Is it clean and relatively free of urine and feces? If there are urine and feces, do they seem to be located in one specific area of the enclosure, preferably opposite of where they sleep and eat? An opossum that is not tidy and sanitary may not be in the best of health.
• Step 7:
  Ask the breeder to recommend a veterinarian in your area who will treat an exotic pet like an opossum. Many vets may refuse to see an exotic pet, so this will save you some time and effort.