short tailed opossum suitable ?

[Pickled Peter]

I'm a student and i'm thinking about getting an STO. At the moment I am looking for a pet mammal that can be kept inconspicuously in my student halls in a 10 gallon tank or similar sized cage. I already have a milk snake there however iv been thinking that I would also like a small intelligent exotic mammal pet that doesn't smell which I can bond with. After hours of research the only possibility that I have managed to cum up with so far is an STO.

Do you think an STO would be suitable for me?

If anyone has any alternative suggestions of animals that they think would be suitable and meet this criteria please mention them.

 

[Scorpendra]

i had a STO a few years ago, and i must say they are great pets to have. the only downside i can think of is that they only live for 4 years, so you'd have to buy yours from a reputable breeder when they're still young.

also, they also look a little more like virginia possums when dead. sprawled on their side with the bared teeth and all that. but nothing looks pretty when it dies.

 

[whitewolf]

I had them as a kid. I remember they had a bad smell to them. Musky and mine was mean. Maybe if you kept the cage really clean. Mine were in a tall metal wire cage.

 

[Pickled Peter]

I googled the actual lifespan of the STO and it appears you may be right the average lifespan is only 4 years. Previous research stated lifespans such as 7- 10 years. This is one factor that may effect my decision on whether to get one.

I realize that most animals have some odor and I have researched a lot about the smell of these animals as it is an important factor in my decision. I am relatively sure that it is not to bad if the tank is cleaned at least once a week I just don't want an animal that's going to make my room smell bad.

Any more information STO is welcome and if any1 can think of an alternative pet that they think would be better for me that meets my criteria then please mention as I have still not yet fully decided on whether the STO is the right pet for me.

 

[Scorpendra]

they run on their wheels a lot, so you need to buy a silent one. i loved my STO, but the squeaking when i tried to sleep was maddening.

 

[ArachnidSentinl]

...I am looking for a pet mammal that can be kept inconspicuously in my student halls...

As an RA in a student residence hall, I'll tell you right now that you shouldn't get a mammal; they're super easy to smell/hear. Last year these idiots across from me tried keeping a Guinea Pig. I caught them.

Of course, no one knows their RA has one tarantula, 2 scorpions, and 6 millipedes in his room You may want to stick to inverts in the dorms.

 

[eelnoob]

Was looking to get one a year or so back but never went through with it.


Even though I have never kept one, IMO a 10g is too small considering they would need the space to climb and explore.

 

[ragnew]

I love my STO, but I agree, if you can manage to snag a 20 Gallon tank then gor for it. But I'd have to say a 10 Gallon is a bit too small.