This 4-hour workshop focuses on raising orphaned opossums for release. Topics include feeding techniques, diet, enrichment, housing, and release criteria. Please see our Course Schedule page for scheduled dates and locations.
This class is for wildlife rehabilitators wishing to learn species specific care techniques and principles for working with orphaned, ill, and injured opossums. The course builds on basic wildlife rehabilitation skills, focusing on the following topics:
1.Intake examination
a.Basic physical exam
b.Exo-and endoparasites
c.Hydration
d.Charting
2.Housing, sanitation, and quarantine
3.Feeding and nutrition
a.Infants
b.Toddlers
c.Pre-release
4.Hands-on practice –tube feeding
5.Common problems and solutions
6.Release criteria
The class format is a combination of lecture, discussion, case study, and hands-on lab. The course fee covers classroom instruction, the class manual, and all lab materials and handouts. Payment is due before the start of the class session.
