Possum Particulars

Belonging to the zoological order Marsupialia, three species of brushtail phalangers exist. Most pets are the common brushtail phalanger (Trichosurus vulpecula). When full grown, all three species are around the same size, generally weighing 10 to 12 pounds. Primarily nocturnal, brushtail phalangers are solitary animals and can be extremely territorial.

Although mature at one year old, females often don't reproduce until two. There is normally one baby per birth, with one birth per year. This typically occurs in April or May, after a gestation of 18 days. The joey remains permanently attached to the mother's nipple for about 80 days and leaves the pouch when 4 months old.

In the wild, brushtail phalangers live 10 to 12 years. Captive brushtail phalangers typically live 15 years or more.

Wild Life

The three brushtail species can all be found throughout Australia, as well as Tasmania and many other nearby islands. They're usually found in open forest with large trees that contain hollows for use as sleeping dens. However, brushtail phalangers are highly adaptable to a wide range of environments. Common in urban and suburban areas where appropriate shelter may be scarce, they can often be found in attics, basements and outbuildings.

Despite their ability to adapt to a variety of environments, loss of habitat and competition from introduced species has put brushtail populations at risk throughout Australia.

In the mid-1800's brushtail phalangers were imported to New Zealand for the fur trade. Through escape and intentional release, many brushtail phalangers imported to New Zealand ended up in the wild, where they have reached population densities up to six times that in Australia. Today, these introduced animals are considered a pest.

Brushtail phalangers feed primarily on leaves, flowers and fruits, as well as a wide variety of grasses and other herbaceous plants. Due to this nutrient poor diet, brushtail phalangers have a low metabolic rate and a fairly sedentary lifestyle. In fact, adults spend up to half their waking time inactive.

Due to this highly sedentary life, similar food sources and resemblance, brushtail phalangers were once placed in the same family as koalas. Today, they're classified as one of the twenty-three species of Australian possums.

Possums, Opossums & Gliders

Australian possums were so named because of their similar appearance to the opossums of North and South America. As such, possum is used specifically in reference to animals originating in Australia, Indonesia and other nearby islands.

Both Australian possums and South American opossums are marsupials. However, they aren't closely related. Opossum refers to animals found in North, Central and South America. In most cases - including the Virginia opossum and the short tailed opossum - these animals are members of the family Didelphidae. With most species in this family, the females do not have pouches.

There are 23 known species of Australian possums. They are divided into three major families:

Petauridae This family includes the ringtail possum and most gliders, including sugar gliders.
Phalangeridae This family includes the brushtail possums and cuscus.
Burramyidae This family includes the pygmy possums and feathertail glider.

Possum Pets

Pet brushtail phalangers are generally pulled from the pouch when around four months old. At this age, the joey is fully furred, has gained weight and is starting to peek out of the pouch on his own. However, he'll still require about 8 weeks of bottle feedings - starting with 4 or 5 bottles each day. He'll also require supplemental heat for the next 3 to 4 weeks.

In most cases, the breeder would probably want to keep the newly pulled joey for at least a couple week, to help assure he is eating well, gaining weight and no surprises develop. Also, for most people, providing up to 5 regularly spaced feedings a day would be difficult. So, you'd probably want to wait at least a couple weeks after the joey has been pulled.

That said, we recommend you get a brushtail joey at as young an age as practical, to allow you to complete the final stage of bottle feeding. This will help develop an extremely strong bond with your new possum pal.

When choosing a source for your new pet, be sure to ask the breeder about early socialization practices. Brushtail phalangers are naturally shy animals. Exposure to a variety of environments and people from a young age is essential for a pet. However, with early socialization, a brushtail will become an extremely affectionate companion.

Although primarily nocturnal, a brushtail will happily adapt to his human's schedule, providing there is continuity in the routine.