🖼️
The project:
I currently have a pair of possum's (Brushtail & Ringtail) nesting in my roof.
While I think they are adorable after many sleepless nights and not to mention the potential damage they are causing I have decided enough is enough.
Before blocking the entry point I decided to build a number of other housing options for them.
- Materials:
Marine Ply
Screws
Hinges
Lacquer
Cable Ties
Hanging Baskets
Optional: Paper Bark, Eucalyptus Leaves & Coconut Fibre
- Tools:
Circular Saw or Jigsaw
Multi Tool or Pliers
Drill & Driver
Scissors
- Step 1:
Nesting boxes are preferred for Brushtail possums
You can create a simple nesting box out of Plywood.
All you need to do is:
- Measure and cut plywood to prefered size (there are many suggestions online, I made mine to fit my trees.) Lid should overhang back and sides by 1-1.5cm and front by 10-12cm to prevent rain entering box. Make sure the roof slopes slightly. Make sure you cut a hole or leave a gap at the front for entry.
- Drill four 5 - 7mm holes through the floor of the box near each corner to allow any water that might get in to drain out.
- Use screws to secure all front, back sides and base together. (I also pre drilled the holes)
- Add hinge the back of roof/lid to allow easy access.
- The exterior of the box can be painted/lacquered to prolong its life and to make it less conspicuous.
- Optional - Add Eucalyptus Leaves and Coconut Fibre inside for bedding.
- Then place in a tree away from predators. I used branches to secure to the tree to avoid damaging the tree.
- Step 2:
After further research I found hanging baskets can be good for Ringtail possums.
You can create a simple home by cable tying two hanging baskets together.
All you need to do is:
- Remove hanging chains from one basket and line up the baskets
- Use your multi tool or pliers to cut some of the basket to create a small hole in top basket on one side.
- Cut a hole in the Natural coconut lining.
- Secure the basket together with cable ties.
- Optional - Cover in Paper Bark and add Eucalyptus Leaves and Coconut Fibre inside for bedding.
- Then place in a tree away from predators. I also used some loose cable ties to secure it in the tree.
- Step 3:
Other Tips to consider
- Install the box at least 2.6 m to 3 m from the ground.
- Choose a mature tree with lots of leafy coverage and sturdy branches.
- Face the entrance hole away from harsh afternoon sun and strong winds.
- If painted/lacquered let sit for 1-2 weeks before adding bedding and placing in tree. And use a colour that blends with the environment.
- Do not place newspapers, towels or other fabrics inside as these can trap urine and water and cause infections.
- To encourage the possum to investigate its new home, put half an apple or banana in or near the possum house.
