Understanding the difference between juvenile and mature possums

Understanding the difference between juvenile and mature possums

To avoid confusion when distinguishing between juvenile and mature possums, the key detail for juvenile possums is their weight, which is less than 800gm, which indicates the back rider/adult threshold.

The gestation period for a joey is 17 to 19 days. It crawls into the mother’s pouch, where it stays for five months before becoming a “back rider”. (A juvenile possum, often referred to as a backrider is any possum under 800gm.)

The joey is weaned at about 6 - 8 months, though some will stay with the mother until it is one year old. https://www.predatorfreedunedin.org/resources/possum-facts