The developmental stage at which opossums transition from their mother’s milk to solid sustenance is a critical period in their growth. Typically, this shift begins around 70 to 125 days of age, coinciding with the emergence of their teeth and increased exploration outside the pouch. Observing a young opossum nibbling on berries, insects, or other small food items signals this important milestone.
This dietary transition is essential for the young opossum’s survival and independence. Maternal milk provides initial nourishment and immunity, but solid food introduces the diverse nutrients required for continued development and prepares the young for life outside the maternal pouch. Understanding this process is crucial for wildlife rehabilitators and researchers studying opossum growth and behavior. Historically, observations of this transition in the wild have contributed to our understanding of opossum life cycles and their adaptation to various environments.
