Care of the Virginia Opossum

If it is a joey still attached to the mother's teat, it is under 2 months old. They are born pink and slowly develop hair. The amount of fur covering its flesh can help estimate a kit's age inside the two-month window if it is still attached to the teat. Opossums that young can be very difficult to keep alive, but I know a number of rehabbers who have been very successful raising pinkies.

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Check to see if the opossum's eyes have opened. A joey will generally open its eyes when it is 55 to 70 days old. A opossum with open eyes is likely to be at least 70 days old.

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Note if the opossum is still drinking its mother's milk, if you are observing it in the wild. An opossum will generally be weaned at 3 months and leave its mother at 4 1/2 to 5 months of age. An opossum eating solid food with its mother is likely to be 3 to 5 months old, while a opossum on its own is probably older than 5 months.