Every now and again I end up with an opossum or armadillo that I need to dispose of. Until recently I have never thought of feeding these to the dogs, but would there be any harm?
I have been searching and read many posts from which I glean I would be best to freeze the animal for maybe as long as 20 days to kill tape worm or any other parasites. Some of the posts mentioned that despite freezing tulmeria may still be a threat. Another post cited CDC http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/trichinosis/2004_Trichinellosis_FS.pdf and quoted "Cook wild game meat thoroughly. Freezing wild game meats, unlike freezing pork
products, even for long periods of time, may not effectively kill all worms."
From what I gather, Carol and Connie would suggest I freeze the meat (20 days?) and then feed the entire animal. Am I correct? What's the pros and cons?
The dogs still love the aligator and the Wal-Mart chicken quarters. I'm thinking this small game of opossum, squirrels, armadillo may offer some variety while further reducing the amount of kibble they eat, but are there likely risks?
Always looking for training avenues close to home. Any suggestions?
I don't know about the particulars, which I would suspect to be geographic in nature (parasites, etc.) but I do know that some companies are using opossum as an alternative protein source. Addiction is one.
Melissa Thom Webboard User Reg: 12-04-2007
Posts: 2781
Loc: Upper Left hand corner, USA
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I would have no qualms about feeding armadillo. Actually I would have zero qualms about eating it myself. It's actually pretty good the few time I've had it.
That said of the more omnivorish possum I would hesitate a little on feeding it raw. I'm told by family members who are in the know it's actually very good cooked correctly. As with many things that freely feed from trash I personally wouldn't eat it anymore, therefore why would my dogs be fed it.
of the more omnivorish possum I would hesitate a little on feeding it raw. As with many things that freely feed from trash I personally wouldn't eat it anymore, therefore why would my dogs be fed it.
Fortunately we live in a rural enough area that the critters opt for their natural diet instead of raiding trash cans. All in all, I have it pretty well that there aren't any stray/loose dogs or feral animals that get into the neighborhood trash cans.
The indigenous vermin do use our propery as a thoroughfare, which drive the dogs nuts, leading me to trap the varmints.
Always looking for training avenues close to home. Any suggestions?
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Opossum, squirrels, armadillo and such
#221014 - 12/20/2008 04:49 PM 
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Re: Opossum, squirrels, armadillo and such
[Re: Eric Eschmann ]
#221021 - 12/20/2008 05:33 PM 
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