Ever spotted a tiny opossum and wondered what people call its baby? You’re definitely not alone.
Baby opossums go by the name joeys—just like kangaroo and koala babies. It’s kind of neat, right? These little joeys come into the world super tiny, about the size of a honeybee, and then hang out in their mom’s pouch to grow.
Knowing what a baby opossum is called is just the beginning. There’s a whole lot more to these little guys—the way they grow, survive, and move from the pouch to the outside world is pretty wild.
If you’re curious about these unique animals, you might find some surprising facts that could change how you see opossums.
Finding out that baby opossums are called joeys gives you a little window into the world of marsupials. If you want to know how joeys grow up and what makes opossums so interesting, stick around.
There’s plenty about these animals that’s just plain fascinating. For more info, you can check out this link about baby opossums called joeys.
What Are Baby Opossums Called?
When you hear what people call a baby opossum, it might sound familiar. The name hints at how these little creatures live and grow.
Opossums and possums aren’t the same, though their babies share the same term.
Meaning Behind the Term ‘Joey’
People call a baby opossum a joey. That’s the word for any baby marsupial—animals that carry their young in a pouch.
Just like kangaroos and wallabies, opossum joeys start life incredibly tiny, about the size of a bee. Right after birth, the joey crawls into its mother’s pouch for safety and warmth.
You can picture a joey as a newborn that needs its mom for weeks. They stay in the pouch for about 70 days before they start venturing out, but they still rely on their mother.
The term “joey” reminds you that these babies belong to a special group of animals—marsupials.
Common Usage: Opossum vs. Possum
The word “joey” works whether you say opossum or possum. Babies from both groups get the same name because they’re all marsupials.
In North America, folks usually say “opossum.” In Australia and New Zealand, people use “possum.” Either way, their young are called joeys.
Even if the animals look different, their babies share this special name.
Differences Between Possums and Opossums
Maybe you’re wondering how possums and opossums differ if their babies are both joeys. The main thing is where they live and what species they are.
- Opossums live mostly in North America. They have a hairless tail and a pointy face.
- Possums are mostly found in Australia. They have fluffy tails and rounder faces.
Both carry their babies in pouches, but they look and act a bit differently. Learning these details helps you see why “joey” fits both, even though the animals aren’t the same.
If you want more details, here’s a detailed explanation about baby opossums called joeys.
Early Life and Development of Baby Opossums
Baby opossums—joeys—start life incredibly small and fragile. Let’s look at how they survive birth, grow in their mom’s pouch, and eventually strike out on their own.
Birth and Survival Chances
When baby opossums are born, they look a lot like tiny embryos. They’re about as big as a bee or a dime and barely weigh anything.
They arrive after only about 12 to 13 days of pregnancy, which is pretty quick. Right after birth, the joeys have to climb from the birth canal up their mom’s fur to her pouch.
That journey is tough, but they use a swimming-like motion to get there. Once inside, they latch tightly onto one of the mother’s teats, which is their lifeline.
Usually, more babies are born than there are teats—sometimes up to 20 babies, but only about 13 teats. If a joey can’t find a teat, it sadly won’t make it.
Raising and Weaning Stages
Once the babies settle in the pouch, they rely totally on their mom. The teat swells in the baby’s mouth, holding it in place for about two months and providing all the nourishment it needs.
The joeys stay in the pouch for about 2 to 2.5 months. Around 55 to 70 days old, they start to open their eyes.
As they grow and get too big for the pouch, they move to their mother’s back. You’ll see them hanging on while she teaches them how to find food and stay safe.
The babies get weaned at around three months, which means they start eating solid food. By the time they’re 4 or 5 months old, they’re ready to head out on their own.
Life in the Mother’s Pouch
The pouch plays a huge role in a joey’s early life. It keeps the little ones warm and safe as they grow.
Some opossums don’t even have a full pouch—just some folds of skin. Those babies have to cling tightly to the teats outside, which sounds pretty tough, honestly.
Inside the pouch, the young start off as tiny, pink embryos. Over time, they become little joeys with fur.
The mother does her part too. She’ll lick a path through her fur so the babies can find the pouch right after birth.
Once in the pouch, the joeys latch onto a teat. That gives them both food and something to hang onto until they’re ready to face the world.
If you’re curious, you can check out more about baby opossums and their early days at the Opossum Society of the United States.
