Page Heading

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the right Biolac formula for my marsupial?

Selecting the appropriate Biolac milk formula depends on the marsupial species and its developmental stage. Biolac offers specialized formulas to meet diverse needs:

Biolac Starter 100 Plus: Ideal for furless/pinkie stage macropods (kangaroos, wallabies), neonatal possums, and wombats in recovery.

Biolac Starter 100: Suitable for stabilized joeys, including furless to velveted macropods, possums throughout their milk-dependent period, early-stage koalas, and wombats (300g to 1.8kg).

Biolac Transition 150 or Transition 150 Plus: Designed for mid-stage development in macropods, wombats (1.8–4kg), and koalas with digestive sensitivity.

Biolac Weaning 200: Used for late-stage, pre-weaning macropods, wombats (>4kg), and koalas.

To choose the correct formula, refer to the detailed feeding tables on biolac.com.au, which provide weight- and species-specific guidance. For personalized recommendations, complete our feeding questionnaire to receive tailored advice.

Always consult a wildlife care professional or veterinarian to ensure the formula matches your marsupial's needs.

How much should I feed my marsupial?

The amount of Biolac milk formula to feed depends on the species, developmental stage, and formula used. Generally, feed 10-15% of body weight daily, divided into multiple feeds:

Starter 100 or Starter 100 Plus: 13% of body weight per day, divided into 6 feeds (macropods, wombats, koalas, possums)

Transition 150 or Transition 150 Plus: 12% of body weight per day, divided into 5 feeds (macropods, wombats, koalas)

Weaning 200: 10% of body weight per day, divided into 4 feeds (macropods, wombats, koalas)

 

 

How to calculate feeding volumes:

  1. Weigh your marsupial in grams
  2. Multiply the weight by the feeding rate (e.g., 12% = 0.12)
  3. Divide the total volume by the number of daily feeds

Example: A 400g joey on Starter 100 Plus needs 400g × 0.13 = 52ml daily, or ~8.7ml per feed over 6 feeds.

For precise, species-specific feeding tables, visit our feeding guides page or consult a wildlife expert for specific advice.

How should I introduce Biolac milk formula to a new joey?

Introducing Biolac milk formula to a new joey requires careful steps to ensure safety and proper nutrition:

Step 1: Warm the Joey

Ensure the joey is warm, as a cold animal cannot digest milk. Use a warm water bottle or heat pad wrapped in a towel to gradually warm the joey to 25-30°C.

Step 2: Rehydrate if Necessary

If the joey shows signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, lethargy), administer oral rehydration fluids like glucose or Lectade before feeding milk.

Step 3: Select the Formula

  • For most new joeys: Start with Biolac Starter 100 Plus (designed for furless/pinkie stage marsupials)
  • For possums: Use Biolac Starter 100 or Starter 100 Plus

Step 4: Prepare the Formula

  • For Starter 100 or Starter 100 Plus: Mix at 16g per 100ml warm water

Follow package instructions, warm to 36°C and avoid microwaving.

Step 5: Feed Carefully

Use a small syringe or feeding bottle with a suitable teat (e.g., Biolac T4 teat). Start with small volumes (2-5ml per feed) and feed slowly to prevent aspiration.

Step 6: Monitor Health

Watch for signs of digestive issues or poor tolerance. Adjust feeding volumes gradually based on the joey's response.

Always consult a wildlife care professional or veterinarian for tailored guidance, especially for compromised joeys.

How do I transition between different Biolac formulas?

Transitioning between Biolac formulas should be done gradually over 5 days to support the marsupial's digestive health. Follow these specific transition protocols:

Starter 100 Plus to Starter 100 (Starter to Standard)

  • Day 1: 12g Starter 100 Plus + 4g Starter 100 per 100ml water
  • Day 2: 8g Starter 100 Plus + 8g Starter 100 100ml water
  • Day 3: 4g Starter 100 Plus + 12g Starter 100 per 100ml water
  • Day 4: 0g Starter 100 Plus + 16g Starter 100 per 100ml water
  • Day 5: Maintain 16g Starter 100 per 100ml water

Starter 100 to Transition 150 (Mid-Stage Development)

  • Day 1: 13.5g Starter 100 + 4.5g Transition 150 per 100ml water
  • Day 2: 9g Starter 100 + 9g Transition 150 per 100ml water
  • Day 3: 4.5g Starter 100 + 13.5g Transition 150 per 100ml water
  • Day 4: 0g Starter 100 + 18g Transition150 per 100ml water
  • Day 5: Maintain 18g Transition 150 per 100ml water

Transition 150 to Weaning 200 (Late-Stage Development)

  • Day 1: 13.5g Transition 150 + 4.5g Weaning 200 per 100ml water
  • Day 2: 9g Transition 150 + 9g Weaning 200 per 100ml water
  • Day 3: 4.5g Transition 150 + 13.5g Weaning 200 per 100ml water
  • Day 4: 0g Transition 150 + 18g Weaning 200 per 100ml water
  • Day 5: Maintain 18g Weaning 200 per 100ml water

Important: If diarrhea, constipation, or bloating occurs, pause progression and extend the current step until resolved. Some animals may require several weeks to adjust.

Note for Possums: Starter 100 is designed to be used throughout the entire milk-dependent period without transitioning to other formulas. Only use Starter 100 Plus initially if additional digestive support is needed during critical care.

Detailed transition guidelines are available on biolac.com.au. Consult a wildlife expert for specific advice.

How should I store Biolac milk formula?

To ensure Biolac milk formula remains safe and effective:

Unopened Products: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

After Opening: Reseal the container tightly and use within 6 months.

Prepared Formula: Refrigerate and use within 24 hours to maintain quality.

Always follow the storage instructions on the packaging and check biolac.com.au for additional care tips to keep the formula nutritious for your marsupials.

Do I need to supplement water for my marsupial?

Biolac milk formulas are formulated to provide sufficient hydration for marsupial joeys due to their high water content. However, supplemental water may be necessary in specific cases:

Dehydration: If a joey shows signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, lethargy, dry mouth), offer oral rehydration solutions like glucose or Lectade before feeding milk.

Weaning Joeys: As joeys transition to solid foods (eucalyptus leaves for koalas, grass for macropods), provide fresh water in a sturdy container to support their changing diet.

Adult Marsupials: Captive adult marsupials should always have access to fresh water, even though they primarily get hydration from food.

For joeys solely on Biolac, additional water is typically not needed unless dehydration is evident. Consult a veterinarian if you're unsure about your marsupial's hydration needs.

Who should I contact if I find a marsupial that needs rescue?

If you find a marsupial requiring assistance, contact your local wildlife rescue organization immediately:

WIRES (NSW, South-East Queensland, Tasmania)

  • Phone: 1300 094 737 (24/7 hotline)
  • Website: wires.org.au

Other States:

  • Victoria: Wildlife Victoria (03) 8400 7300
  • South Australia: Fauna Rescue SA (08) 8289 0896
  • Western Australia: Contact your local wildlife rescue group
  • Northern Territory: Contact your local wildlife rescue group
  • Australian Capital Territory: Contact your local wildlife rescue group

Always seek professional help from a wildlife rescue organization for proper care and rehabilitation advice.

What should I do if I find an orphaned joey or injured marsupial?

Immediate Actions:

  • Keep the joey warm in soft wrapping that mimics a pouch
  • Immediately contact a wildlife organization like WIRES or your local vet
  • Do NOT attempt to feed the joey - different species need different formulas
  • Keep handling to a minimum as stress can kill wildlife

Important Facts:

  • Kangaroos are especially susceptible to capture myopathy (stress-related condition)
  • A joey can survive 6-48 hours in its mother's pouch after she has died
  • Always check pouches of deceased female marsupials

Time is critical - contact wildlife rescue services immediately.

Can I use regular cow's milk or other substitutes for feeding Australian marsupials?

Never use cow's milk for marsupials. They cannot digest lactose sufficiently when given large amounts, leading to gut problems and potentially death.

Why cow's milk is dangerous:

  • Lactose is poorly digested in marsupials
  • Can cause severe diarrhea and complications
  • Can be fatal to joeys

Only use specialized marsupial milk replacers like Biolac that are:

  • Complete food sources designed for orphaned native animals
  • Carefully balanced for unique nutritional needs of developing marsupials
  • Species-specific formulations for different marsupial types

Using incorrect milk products is one of the leading causes of death in hand-reared joeys.

What are the signs that a possum or other marsupial needs rescue and rehabilitation?

Immediate Rescue Indicators:

  • Possums or gliders found on the ground during the day (they are nocturnal)
  • Obviously injured, bleeding, or cold animals
  • Showing abnormal behaviour like lack of fear of humans
  • Signs of rat bait poisoning

Common Rescue Situations:

  • Cat or dog attacks (most common for possums)
  • Orphaned joeys
  • Animals stuck in fencing or structures

Critical Note: Any marsupial that has had contact with cats must receive antibiotic treatment as one untreated cat bite will likely kill the animal.

If in doubt, always call a wildlife rescue organization for advice rather than leaving an animal that may need help.

Important Disclaimer

All information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary care or guidance from licensed wildlife rehabilitation specialists. Caring for native Australian wildlife requires proper permits, training, and facilities.

Always contact qualified wildlife rescue organizations and veterinarians for advice on wildlife emergencies and care.

Biolac supports Australian wildlife rescue efforts by providing specialized nutrition for orphaned marsupials under the guidance of trained carers.