Wombats

If a young wombat joey has just come into care, begin with Biolac Starter 100 Plus. This formula contains added galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) to support gut health during the critical first days. Keep the joey on Starter 100 Plus until it is feeding well and faecal consistency is normal for its age.

Older animals that are stable may go straight onto the appropriate formula for their stage of development. Once stabilised, continue on Biolac Starter 100 through the early growth period. There is no need for a formal transition between Starter 100 Plus and Starter 100.

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 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 well before each feed.

Refrigerate any unused formula and use within 24 hours. Once opened, reseal tightly and store in a cool, dry place. Use within 3 months. Do not dilute or supplement with additional vitamins or minerals.

Wombat joeys must be fed at even intervals, including during the night. Consistent timing is important for gut health and growth. Use an appropriately sized teat for your joey's size. Feed in a calm, quiet environment and minimise handling and stress.

After feeding, gently stimulate the joey to toilet by wiping the cloacal area with a warm, damp cloth (for younger joeys not yet self-toileting). Monitor faecal consistency at every feed — healthy wombat joey faeces progress from soft and paste-like in small joeys to increasingly firm as they grow. Once on Weaning 200, faeces should be solid and cube-shaped, similar to adult wombat droppings.

Weigh your joey regularly and adjust feed volumes as it grows. From the Transition 150 stage onwards, ensure the joey has access to fresh grass, clean dirt, and fresh water. Wombats naturally ingest soil and this supports healthy gut flora development.

Wombat feeding intervals are based on the joey's weight:

Up to 250g: Every 2–4 hours (6–8 feeds per day)

250g–800g: Every 4 hours (6 feeds per day)

800g–1.8kg: Every 5 hours (5 feeds per day)

1.8kg–4kg: Every 6 hours (4 feeds per day)

4kg–7kg: Every 8 hours (3 feeds per day)

7kg until weaning: Every 12 hours (2 feeds per day)

Young wombats must be fed at even intervals including during the night.

When your joey is ready for the next formula, transition gradually over 5 days:

Day 1: 13.5g current formula + 4.5g new formula per 100ml

Day 2: 9g current + 9g new per 100ml

Day 3: 4.5g current + 13.5g new per 100ml

Day 4: 18g new formula only

Day 5: Maintain 18g new formula per 100ml

If diarrhoea, constipation, or bloating occurs, pause and hold at the current step. Never rush a transition.

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

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 by the number of feeds per day.

Example: An 800g joey on Starter 100 = 800 × 0.13 = 104ml/day ÷ 6 feeds = 17.3ml per feed.

Example: A 2.5kg joey on Transition 150 = 2500 × 0.12 = 300ml/day ÷ 5 feeds = 60ml per feed.

Example: A 5kg joey on Weaning 200 = 5000 × 0.10 = 500ml/day. In practice, cap at approximately 300ml/day as grazing increases = 75ml per feed.

As your wombat joey grows and begins eating increasing amounts of grass, soil, and forage, milk feeds can be gradually reduced. During the Weaning 200 stage, the joey should have constant access to a variety of fresh grasses, clean dirt, and fresh water.

Reduce the number of feeds as solid food intake increases — from 4 feeds down to 3, then 2, then 1 per day. Once the joey is eating well on its own, maintaining weight, and producing normal adult-type droppings, milk can be discontinued.

As your wombat eats increasing amounts of grass and forage, total daily milk volume should be progressively reduced well below the calculated figures. Many joeys will begin to self-wean from around 4–5kg. Always be guided by your joey's condition, weight gain, and forage intake.