106 FUR FACTS 



When the fur coat of the opossum is fully developed it consists 

 of a fine close wooly underfur of whitish color, from which protrudes 

 a less dense series of long and rather coarse hairs. This latter guard 

 fur or hair is usually a few shades darker than the underfur and is 

 sometimes black-tipped. In some sections the tips show a brownish 

 or reddish cast. The color of the opossum fur does not enter into 

 its value like the mink or the marten and other furs, for the reason 

 that most opossum are dyed, and the value of the pelt depends 

 entirely on the quality and depth of the under fur. All of this 

 under-fur is shed during the Summer months, and for this reason 

 opossum skins that are taken in the off season have little or no value 

 for furriers* purposes. 



In recent years the finer qualities of opossum have been used 

 very largely in their natural color for trimming, and it is found to 

 be a servicable and dependable fur, and as stated before is one of 

 the staple articles of the fur trade. 



Raising Opossum 



On account of the large number of opossum found throughout 

 the central and southern states, very little attention has been given 

 to raising them for their food and fur, but it has been done with 

 considerable success. However, it should be undertaken only by 

 those who are familiar with the habits of the animal, and a location 

 should be selected that is quite natural and in a locality where the 

 wild opossum are plentiful. The ideal place should have running 

 water and plenty of trees. On account of the opossum being such 

 a splendid climber it is necessary to build a strong fence of galvanized 

 wire fencing, with the top constructed in such a way that the opossum 

 can not climb out. This is done by having a protruding edge built 

 of smooth boards or galvanized iron sheeting, preferably the latter, 

 at the top of the fence, so that the opossum can not get any hold on 

 the smooth surface with his sharp claws. The opossum will eat 

 almost any kind of fruit or vegetables, or fish and frogs, and will 

 also eat nearly any kind of meat. In captivity he is fed with scraps 

 from the table, melons, and fruit, and will eat bread and milk. A 

 good supply of fresh running water is very necessary. They should 

 not be overfed, and their condition should be as nearly like that of 

 the wild opossum as possible. Most authorities recommend that 

 the males be kept separate, although the females may be allowed 

 to run together. However, it is quite essential that the females be 

 kept separate while with young and placed in a small enclosure by 



