Kangaroos & Wallabies

If a young joey has just come into care, begin with Biolac Starter 100 Plus. This formula contains added galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) to support gut health and is designed for critical care and stabilisation. Keep the joey on Starter 100 Plus until it is feeding well, faecal output is consistent for its age, and it has stabilised in your care.

Older animals that are stable enough may go straight onto the appropriate formula for their stage of development.

Once stable, transition to Biolac Starter 100 for ongoing early-stage feeding. There is no need for a formal transition between Starter 100 Plus and Starter 100, as both are mixed at the same rate and have the same nutritional profile.

1. Weigh the required amount of powder using accurate scales (a kitchen scale reading to 0.1g is ideal for small joeys).

2. Place the powder into a clean container and add a small amount of pre-boiled warm water (not boiling). Mix into a smooth paste first to prevent lumps.

3. Add the remaining water and stir or shake well until fully dissolved.

4. Warm the prepared formula gently in a warm water bath to approximately body temperature (around 32–35°C) before feeding.

5. Test the temperature on the inside of your wrist. It should feel warm, not hot.

Always use pre-boiled water that has been allowed to cool. Boiling water can damage nutrients in the formula. Do not microwave prepared formula — always warm in a water bath. Shake or stir prepared formula well before each feed.

Refrigerate any unused formula and use within 24 hours. Discard after this time. Once opened, reseal the powder tightly and store in a cool, dry place. Use within 3 months.

Do not add extra water to dilute the formula unless directed by a veterinarian. Do not supplement Biolac with additional vitamins or minerals — over-supplementation (particularly vitamins A and D) can cause toxicity.

Always feed in a calm, quiet environment. Stress can cause myopathy in macropod joeys, which can be fatal. Use an appropriately sized teat for your joey's size and species.

Hold the joey in a natural upright or slightly forward-leaning position, never on its back. Allow the joey to feed at its own pace — do not force milk into the mouth.

After feeding, gently stimulate the joey to toilet by wiping the cloacal area with a warm, damp cloth (for younger joeys). Monitor faecal consistency at every feed. Healthy faeces should be soft and formed (like thick custard) in younger joeys, progressing to firmer pellets.

Weigh your joey regularly and adjust feed volumes accordingly.

When your joey is ready for the next formula, transition gradually over 5 days. This allows the digestive system to adjust to the change in nutrient composition.

Starter 100 → Transition 150 (per 100ml prepared formula):

Day 1: 13.5g Starter 100 + 4.5g Transition 150

Day 2: 9g Starter 100 + 9g Transition 150

Day 3: 4.5g Starter 100 + 13.5g Transition 150

Day 4: 18g Transition 150 only

Day 5: Maintain 18g Transition 150 per 100ml

Transition 150 → Weaning 200: Follow the same 5-day schedule, replacing Transition 150 with Weaning 200 in the same proportions.

If diarrhoea, constipation, or bloating occurs, pause and hold at the current step. Some joeys may need several days or weeks at a particular stage before progressing. Never rush a transition.

Weigh your joey in grams and multiply by the feeding rate for the current formula:

Starter 100 / Starter 100 Plus: multiply by 0.13 (13%)

Transition 150: multiply by 0.12 (12%)

Weaning 200: multiply by 0.10 (10%)

Divide the total daily volume by the number of feeds per day.

Example: A 1.5kg joey on Starter 100 = 1500 × 0.13 = 195ml per day ÷ 6 feeds = 32.5ml per feed.

Example: A 3kg joey on Transition 150 = 3000 × 0.12 = 360ml per day ÷ 5 feeds = 72ml per feed.

Example: A 5kg joey on Weaning 200 = 5000 × 0.10 = 500ml per day ÷ 4 feeds = 125ml per feed.

As your joey grows and begins eating increasing amounts of grass, hay, and forage, milk feeds can be gradually reduced. During the Weaning 200 stage, the joey should have constant access to fresh grass, native browse where available, and clean drinking water.

Reduce the number of daily feeds as solid food intake increases — from 4 feeds down to 3, then 2, then 1 per day. Many carers find the final bottle of the day is the last to be dropped. Once the joey is eating well on its own and maintaining healthy weight gain, milk can be discontinued.