Possum Feeding Guide

This care guide provides a broad, weight-based approach to feeding orphaned Australian possums and gliders using Biolac milk formulas. It includes species-agnostic instructions unless specific considerations are necessary and is informed by best-practice techniques widely adopted by wildlife rehabilitation organisations across Australia.

Feeding Guide by Weight
Use body weight to determine the correct Biolac formula, feed volume, and frequency. Age ranges are approximate and provided for context only.

Weight	Developmental Stage	Formula	Feeds/Day	Feed Volume
<50 g	Pinkie – furless, eyes closed	Starter 100 Plus or Starter 100	8–10 (2–3 hrly incl. overnight)	0.5–1 ml per feed
50–100 g	Fine fur, eyes beginning to open	Starter 100	6–8 (approx. every 3–4 hrs)	1–5 ml per feed
100–200 g	Fully furred, semi-pouch life	Starter 100	5–6 (approx. every 4 hrs)	5–10 ml per feed
200–300 g	Furred juvenile, active	Starter 100	4–5 (every 5–6 hrs)	10–15 ml per feed
300–500 g	Large juvenile, pre-weaning	Starter 100	2–3 (every 8–12 hrs)	15–25 ml per feed

Feeding Instructions - Mix Biolac Starter 100 at 16g per 100ml of pre-boiled, cooled water. Feed at approximately 35–36°C. - Very small orphans may require more frequent, smaller feeds due to higher metabolic needs. - Always use sterilised feeding equipment. - Joey should be warm before feeding; do not feed chilled animals. - Stimulate toileting after each feed using a soft tissue or cotton pad.

Formula Notes - Starter 100 Plus is suitable for very young or compromised joeys. Once stable, gradually transition to Starter 100 over several days. - Possums and gliders do not require Transition 150 or Weaning 200 formulas. Continue with Starter 100 until solid foods are established.

Digestive Health & Adjustments - Total daily intake should be approx. 13% of body weight. For example, a 100g joey might receive 10–15ml per 24 hours. - If digestive upset occurs (e.g. diarrhoea), reduce formula concentration to 75% and offer smaller, more frequent feeds. - In severe cases, offer oral electrolyte solution (e.g. Lectade) for 12–24 hours before reintroducing diluted formula.

Weaning Process & Diet Transition

Timing by Weight - Begin offering native solids between 150–200g (or earlier if the joey shows interest). - Weaning typically completes by ~350–500g, depending on species.

Solid Food Introduction - Folivores (e.g. ringtails, greater gliders): Introduce fresh native browse (eucalyptus, acacia) early. Avoid fruit during early weaning. - Omnivores (e.g. brushtails): Offer flowers, young leaves, and small portions of native fruits like lilly pilly or figs. - Nectarivores (e.g. sugar gliders, feathertail gliders): Provide diluted honey or nectar mix, pollen-bearing flowers, and small insects.

Best Practice Tips - Provide a variety of native foods for natural foraging practice. - Monitor droppings during transition – formed, dark pellets indicate successful digestion of solids. - Reduce milk volume gradually over 1–2 weeks as solid food intake increases.

Signs of Healthy Development - Steady weight gain (monitor daily). - Alert and responsive during feeds. - Yellow, soft stools during milk stage; firmer, darker droppings with solid food intake. - Clean, healthy coat lying flat.

Signs of Stress or Illness - Diarrhoea, constipation, or bloating. - Regurgitation or nasal milk discharge during feeds. - Cold to touch, sunken eyes, or weak sucking reflex. - No weight gain over multiple days.

If these signs are observed, pause milk feeds, provide hydration, and consult a wildlife veterinarian.