Koala Feeding Guide
Overview
Koala joeys have a highly specialised nutritional timeline, transitioning from early-stage milk to the introduction of pap and finally to eucalyptus leaves. Their milk is rich in oligosaccharides to support gut flora development and is tailored to the energy needs of each lactation stage. Biolac formulas are developed to reflect this natural milk profile, supporting healthy growth and rehabilitation from pinkie to weaning.
Feeding Guide by Weight and Stage
|
Weight Range |
Developmental Stage |
Biolac Formula |
Concentration |
Feeds/day |
Volume/Feed |
|
< 200g |
Critical care / pinkie |
Starter 100 Plus |
16g per 100ml |
6–8 |
0.5–2 ml |
|
200–400g |
Early lactation |
Starter 100 |
16g per 100ml |
5–6 |
2–6 ml |
|
400–800g |
Mid lactation |
Transition 150 |
18g per 100ml |
4–5 |
6–15 ml |
|
800g–1.5kg |
Late lactation (pre-pap) |
Weaning 200 |
24g per 100ml |
3–4 |
15–25 ml |
Feeding Instructions - Reconstitute formula with pre-boiled, cooled water. - Feed at 35–36°C using sterilised syringes, teats, or feeding tubes if needed. - Always warm joey before feeding. Do not feed if cold or dehydrated. - Stimulate toileting gently with a soft tissue post-feed. - Monitor weight daily; healthy gain is 2–5% of body weight per day.
Transition Milestones - Around 200–250 days post-partum: joeys begin receiving “pap” from the mother—essential for gut microflora development. - In care: offer caecal pap from healthy adult koalas or use probiotic supplementation under vet guidance. - Solid eucalyptus leaves can be introduced from ~1.5–2kg body weight.
Formula Selection Guidance
· Starter 100 Plus: High-energy formula with added galacto-oligosaccharides. Suitable for critical care and very young joeys with immature digestive systems.
· Starter 100: Maintains energy content suitable for joeys in early to mid-lactation when GOS is no longer required.
· Transition 150: Higher energy formulation for strengthening joeys in mid-development stages.
· Weaning 200: Used only in late lactation or as a supplementary feed alongside eucalyptus browse.
Formula Energy Values - Starter 100 Plus / Starter 100: 390 kJ/100ml
- Transition 150: 521 kJ/100ml
- Weaning 200: 645 kJ/100ml
Common Feeding Concerns - Diarrhoea: May indicate intolerance, infection, or incorrect formula mixing. Temporarily dilute formula or revert to previous stage. - Constipation: Increase hydration; offer Lectade or similar oral electrolyte solution under guidance. - Milk in nostrils: Indicates poor feeding technique or aspiration risk. Pause oral feeds and consult a vet.
Health & Development Signs - Clear eyes, active suckling, clean cloaca. - Weight gain trending upward; firm, formed stools (in late-stage joeys). - Developing interest in solid food and pap signals appropriate maturity.
Weaning Process - Weaning typically begins around 2kg body weight (~7–8 months) when joeys begin actively chewing browse. - Gradually reduce milk volume while increasing access to eucalyptus leaves. - Provide fresh leaves daily (multiple species, especially Eucalyptus, Corymbia, and Angophora).
Discontinue Milk Feeding - When joey consistently consumes leaves and no longer seeks milk feeds. - Monitor weight and stools to confirm stability post-weaning.
