Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was wondering if anyone has bred opossums for feeders and if they are harmful to snakes. I do know that the ones here in TN get significantly larger than any rabbit I’ve seen so it makes logical sense to me to bred them for feeders if it is safe and legal

For the most part, a rodent is a rodent. As long as your snake is being cared for properly, it can ingest just about any living or former living animal.

I would be reluctant to feed one of those live as I am not aware of that particular animals capability to do damage to the snake.

Mike.

Opossums are not rodents and are not related to rodents

and actually neither are rabbits lol.
oppossums= marsupials
rabbits= lagamorphs(sp?)
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I think it's "logomorph". But, yeah. Perhaps his statement would have been better with "A mammal's a mammal"...Though ome people don't classify marsupials as mammals for one reason or another, which is silly as they have mammary glands- the only defining characteristic of a mammal.

I'd imagine that the problem with breeding opossums would be legal and practical more than any safety issues. I'm not sure about the laws in TN, but here in WV you can get into deep doodoo for capturing and keeping native wildlife.

Also, how do you plan on capturing them and mating them? I suppose a live cage trap would work, but the bait you would use may just as likely get you a raccoon or a skunk. And as for breeding the only opossums I've ever seen up close have been dead and I;ve usually been focusing on their impressive teeth, so I don't have any idea how to sex them.

I would look up your state's Department of Natural Resources and look into the laws concerning native wildlife first. The rest might just fall into place afterwards.

I don't know about you, but all the opossums i've seen that were not roadkill weren't that friendly. They can have a very nasty disposition, and can do alot of damage. If you decide to go that route be careful.