As a wildlife rehabilitator, I earlier this summer took in a trio of opossum joeys whose mother was hit and killed by a car. These babies were found still alive in their mothers pouch. They weighed 2.5 ounces when they arrived to me.
Opossums need a very strict diet when raised in captivity. They are at risk while in captivity of developing Metabolic Bone Disease. This is a prevalent problem by rehabilitators attempting to hand raise orphaned opossums, and is one of the most difficult disorders to recognize in it's early stages. It occurs when the opossums body fails to assimilate the proper balance of calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus. The baby joey's here are still in the stage of just lapping specially ordered baby opossum formula.
These babies ate together, slept together and played together. They are curious critters and loved exploring 
their large enclosure. Enrichment items of pinecones, assorted tree branches, stones and other natural items that they were soon to encounter in the wild were offered and rotated frequently to keep them curious and learning.
Despite strict attention to the precise ratio of foods and nutrients, one opossum did start showing signs of Metabolic Bone Disease, which affects their ability to walk and climb, and can become painful. With swift action taken to relieve his discomfort with pain medication, isolating him and modifying his diet, and having specially formulated medicine ordered and shipped overnight I began the long process of halting the progression of this disease. After consulting with Dr. Johnson, we decided to add to this baby's treatment plan the use of the therapeutic laser. This cold laser therapy has shown remarkable healing results in many of the cats and dogs in our practice. Laser therapy was begun on my little baby, and within a short time we were seeing remarkable results. Shallow water physical therapy swims were also used as a means to exercise his muscles and strengthen his bones. 
Before long, this baby was returning to good health. I was able to discontinue the pain medication and reunite him with his sisters. How wonderful to see him happily climbing and exploring once again with his sisters!
Two and a half months later, all 3 strong and healthy opossums, now weighing 2 pounds each, were able to be released to their natural and intended environment. They were released in an area with many, many acres of traffic free woodlands with minimal potential human interference.
I am happy to be able to share my story with you, and will continue to post similar stories as I rehabilitate and release the wonderful orphaned babies brought to me. If you should encounter baby wildlife, please do
not offer it food or water. The wrong food can cause serious digestive problems and a hungry baby is more apt to cry for it's mother and she will be able to find it more easily. Please call the organization which I am associated with for immediate advice:
Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge (757) 430-2886