This milk powder comes in 4 strengths
<. > .4 .6 .7 . Depending on joeys weight/age will
depend which milk shall be
given.
Mostly its between .6 and .7 .Both these milks are mixed
at different ratios. All are mixed with tepid boiled water.
Milk must only be stored in refrig. for up to 3 days.
.6 Wombaroo is mixed:
220 grams of milk powder with water to make 1 litre.
.7 Wombaroo is mixed:
250 grams of milk powder with water to make 1 litre.
1 litre of milk is too much milk to mix for one little
Joey so therefore, divide 250 gm by 4 = 63grams and divide
the water by 4 giving 250mls. So the mix you will end up
having is 250mls of .
7 Wombaroo. If Joey is drinking 120mls per day then this
would be the correct amount to mix.
When joey is little and starts on .6 Wombaroo he then
has to be transitioned to .7 at a certain stage. This is
done gradually over a few weeks, making sure there is no
reaction to the heavier strength milk as it is very much
fattier and richer.
Impact Colostrum replacer. This replacer is fantastic
for really stressed joeys and stops them getting thrush and
many other ailments.
Impact replacer......Lectade.......Sorbelene............PH
Test kit......Scales...l)For weighing joey and a
set to weigh milk powder......Syringes.........Plastic
jug with measurements on....Feed bottles.......
Teats......bottle brush.......Vit C
powder......Pouches.....pins.......hot water bottle.
4r>
A .7 Joey can be offered quick cooking oats/Grated
apple/weet bix.
A .6 joey cannot thermoregulate its body temperature.
Strict hygiene is essential when hand raising macropods.
All feeding equipment must be kept very clean .Carers hands
must also be washed. After feeding wipe your joeys mouth
with a damp paper towel. Stale milk breeds germs and can
cause thrush. All bottles must be cleaned with a bottle
brush. Teats can be rubbed with salt to remove grease from
milk residue. Inner pouch liners should be changed often or
more often if soiled .Soaking in Nappy San is great for
removing stains. All outdoor areas where Joey may play / eat
grass must be kept free from pellet droppings.
Joeys milk must be heated to room temperature, if you
test the milk on your wrist you should not be able to
actually feel anything except wet! Not hot. Not cold.
Formulas for joey are to be mixed with Boiled water.
Tepid temperature. If very hot water is used it will destroy
the vitamins in the powder. At feed time stand the measured
amount of milk in its bottle in some hot water. Maybe 30
seconds will heat it to correct temp.. The bottle must then
be shaken to disperse the heat evenly through the milk, then
test on wrist. When beginning the relationship of carer/joey,feeding
time is very important as this is where he will bond to you
and learn to trust you. When a little older it is important
to call joey's name when you have the bottle in your hand.
Shortly thereafter when you call his name ears will prick up
and he'll come running to you. Never be in a hurry at feed
time as sometimes they like to suck teat for a few minutes
when milk has gone, but you will have to slip teat off
bottle so he doesn’t suck air, (Hold firmly between your
thumb and forefinger) To actually feed joey particularly a
very new one, hold pouch close to you and gently place your
left hand over his eyes and with a couple of spare fingers
on the left hand encourage him to open his mouth, sometimes
in the very beginning your have to force the mouth open,
then slip teat in.It can take a week or so for him to get
used to this, depending how stressed he is and what has
happened to him. In Mums pouch he can get on and off teat
whenever! Now as he sucks do not hold the bottle high in the
air ,too much milk can flow into hi s mouth too quickly and
he will gag, milk will come out of his nose, and they can
get the milk into their lungs. Water (warmed) between feeds
is a good idea especially in the summer. Not between every
feed, but mid-afternoon is a good idea. Next stage to this
is that he will lap his own needs from a bowl of water.If
they have been sick or unwell lectade is a good alternative
to water.
NEVER HEAT JOEYS BOTTLE IN MICROWAVE.
This word describes the quivering of macropods. By doing
this joey is telling you he's scared, something around him
is not what he can cope with.
Naturally a love of animals is utmost .You cant be
selfish and not want to get up at 2am .Sometimes lots of
washing, always lots of milk to mix, bottles to measure out.
You must have the time to sit in the sun when they are tiny
and lots of time for cuddles.
When joey is in his mothers pouch she takes care of all
his toilet needs. When the new joey comes to you , it is now
up to you to train him. It can be a very quick process and
will save you lots of washing.
a) Train Joey that every feed time is also toilet time.
b) By stimulating the cloacae it will move in and out,
then you should expect a little wee or faeces..
c) Don’t over stimulate. When he's finished the cloacae
will be still.
d) Observe what he passes as this can be the first sign
that something is wrong eg. Colour, smell consistency,
amount.
e) Sometimes between feeds joey will grind his teeth,
this can mean he needs toilet.
f) Never use tissues to stimulate as they are very harsh
on cloacae. If necessary use cotton wool ball, very soft
toilet paper.
g) If you have a mess all over cloacae, wash joey but
DONT use disinfectants or soap, just water.. Dry with soft
towel.
h) When joey is in and out of pouch you can then train
him to stand on newspaper or on the grass outside.
Be sure that pouches are made from natural fibre,
eg.cotton, wool, hessian.
Macropods are masters at getting threads of things and
if the threads are ingested it can lead to big problems
.Make sure seams are overlocked. Always use baby safety
pins. If using a Hot Water bottle wrap it in a towel or
something so it isn’t too hot against him. Liners inside the
main bag are best made from old T shirts. Sew the neck
across and sew up armholes. There are quite a few ways to
make a joey bag ie. 1. Back pack Canvas 2. Cotton material
Beach bag 3.Hesian potato sack. Folded in half and coat
hanger slipped between folds. Joey will need several pouch
set ups, but if your toileting regime is good you may only
be changing the liner, most times. The sleeves that you cut
off the sloppy joes /Tshirts make good little nappies for
problem times.
NEVER HANG JOEY TOO FAR OFF FLOOR AS A LEG COULD BE
BROKEN WHEN HE"S TRYING TO GET OUT.
a.) The very first thing to do is get the Joey into an
artificial pouch, or wrap it in a blanket or jumper to beep
it warm. Make sure the head is fully covered.
Joey's condition must be assessed as soon as possible.
The most important checks are the life threatening
situations, such as head trauma, broken back, broken bones
and open wounds. Below is a quick reference guide:
i.) Broken back - Unable to stand, no movement in legs
or tail.
ii.) Head trauma - Dilated pupils, disorientated, blood
from nose, mouth, ears.
iii.) Broken bones - Arms, legs, hips. Basic fracture or
compound (bone thru skin).
iv.) Open wounds - Gashes in arms, legs, body. Scratches
anywhere. Tetanus issues.
If i.) above - euthanasia. !f ii.) above, if blood, possible
euthanasia. If iii.) and iv.) above, possibility to
save, depending on severity. Must be assessed by experienced
person.
b.) Euthanasia - the most difficult decision to make.
Quality of life is the assessment. Proper protocol is by a
Vet administering a lethal injection. Shooting is possible,
if neither of these, a sharp, hard blow to the head with
heavy stone of lump of wood Oust above and between the
eyes).
c.) If the injury is not life threatening, seek Vet
advice or help from an experienced carer. Any Joey coming to
care wiil be traumatised or stressed. The first Golden Rule
is: WARM - QUIET - DARK. The next important issue is
hypoglycaemia ( low blood sugar). Death is quick in this
circumstance. Remedy is glucose, or if not, honey or sugar.
Method is put glucose on finger and get it in the mouth.
d.) Rehydration is the next issue. Lectade or similar
should be used, but not for at least 2 hours of settling
down in the warm, quiet and dark environment.
e.) Once stabilised, the Joey should be measured and
weighed. Foot measurement, tail measurement and weight will
determine the age in months. An appropriate feeding regime
can then be introduced.
a.) It is important to identify both the species type
and the sex of any new Joey. Each one will have a very
different personality and reaction to human contact. Below
are the most important features of the local species.
i.) Eastern Grey - Very long gangly legs, grey, brown or
ginger, small nostrils.
ii) Waliaby - Dark brown, short legs, pointed nose,
small eyes, narrow face.
iii) Wallaroo - Short legs, very light grey (males dark)
flat face, large nostrils.
iv.) Red neck - Pointed face, distinct reddish neck
area, stocky, short legs.
b.) Males in all species will have small testes 1-2 cm
above the cloaca (genitals). These are very small and not
properly formed. Females will have a darkish area of fur,
midway between cloaca and chest (pouch). The pouch is a very
small opening, but not easily identified as an opening, more
as a darker area of fur. Please note that transsexuals can
occur! That is both testes and pouches!
a.) Almost all problems in new Joeys will emanate from a
stress condition. The first 4-8 hours of a Joey being in
care, should be WARM - QUITE - DARK. A new Joey should NOT
be fed immediately as the gut cannot absorb food under
stress. First attempt to feed should be warm water or
Lectade for rehydration.
b.) Touch and smell for the Joey is very important. By
gently touching and handling the Joey, it will quickly get
used to the fact that you are not a predator. The next 48
hours is vital for the Joey and it should not be left alone.
Carry it everywhere. If you feel disposed, sleep with it! If
Joey feels a heartbeat (yours) it knows it is safe.
Remember, in the wild Joey feels mothers heartbeat.
c.) During this period, you will teach Joey to feed
(take a bottle), defecate and urinate - all vital to its
well being. Most problems will start by not observing the
basic necessities of a Joey's life. It will take 2-5 days
for Joey to get used to its new routine and life. The time
and effort you put in during these days, will reward you
with a well balanced, healthy and beautiful animal.
d.) It has often been said the Joeys do not mix with
young children, cats and dogs etc. This is not right! With
care, attention and understanding, Joeys will happily live
with others. Here are the rules:
i.) With children - Avoid sudden loud noises or screams.
Avoid rushing up.
ii.) With cats - Avoid cats getting too close quickly or
sitting with Joey.
ii.) With dogs - Avoid barking, getting close, heavy
breathing, running close.
In time and with care, Joey will learn that the above are
not predators and will accept them. By the
way, the same goes for radio, television and loud talking
etc.! Remember, Joey comes form a silent'
world and is taught by mother that sudden movement and loud
sounds are DANGER.
e.) The first signs of problems are Joey not taking any
food, or not urinating or defecating. Further signs are
problems with the urine and the faeces. Invariably, all
three are a factor of stress. Eliminate stress and you solve
the problem. NEVER leave any problem unsolved. Be on the
look out for a problem and react immediately by seeking help
from an experienced carer. This way, your life with Joey
will be a pleasure and not a nightmare!
a.) Wees and poos are the real signs of Joey's health.
The moment there is a problem, you can guarantee it is
reflected in wees or poos. Ves - there are many other signs
(eyes, gums, ears etc.) but wees and poos are number one!
Below is a quick check list.
b.) Here is a quick check list for wees:
i.) Normal wee should be very clear and either
transparent or slightly yellow.
ii.) Normal wee should start with a few drops and
develop into a small stream.
iii.) Trouble to urinate means crystals or kidney
problems.
iv.) Cloudy urine means lack of liquids, kidney problems
or other diseases.
v.) Dark yellow or orange urine means as above, or
dehydration or bigger problems.
vi.) Normal pH is around 6.0 - 6,5. No protein, blood or
glucose should be present.
vii.) Under stress, both protein and glucose may be
passed (usually from an injury).
c.) Here is a quick check list for poos:
i.) Normal poo in a young Joey should be yellow and like
toothpaste in consistency. ii.) Normal poo in an older Joey
should be brown and like a small sausage, iii.) Normal poo
in an emerging Joey should be formed into soft pellets.
iv.) Normal poo in an out of pouch Joey should be proper
hard pellets.
v.) Runny poo with little or no smell, means a problem
with diet.
vi.) Runny yellow poo with a sickly, sweet smell means
Thrush.
vii.) Runny poo (either green or brown) that smells,
means bigger problems.
viii.) Uncontrollable runny poo means, scouring and even
bigger problems.
ix.) Uncontrollable runny green or black poo that really
stinks, means a major problem.
x.) Any abnormal poo requires an immediate reaction.
Never leave it unresolved.
d.) NEVER leave an abnormal wee or poo situation
unresolved. NEVER think that a coloured wee or runny poo
will go away - IT WILL NOT! Do not ever ignore these first
signs that Joey is in trouble. Most Joey deaths, whilst in
care, result from people not reacting immediately to the
first signs of wee and poo problems. The GOLDEN RULE is to
seek help immediately - never be embarrassed!
a.) Below are listed a few of the most common diseases
that occur in Joeys. Most of these will manifest themselves
within the first few weeks of care. Others, are the result
of husbandry regimes that are below standard. Whatever the
reason - do not hesitate - SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY!
b.) The most common problems are hypoglycaemia and
dehydration. The former has been mentioned. The latter can
be dealt with either by sub-cut injections or oral therapy.
If Joey is not hydrated it will become lethargic, comatose
and die - very quickly. The test is the skin pinch. Lift a
section of skin above the neck - if it stays up, there is a
problem.
c.) The next most common problem is Thrush - it is a
fungus that affect both the mouth and the bowel area. It can
result in death. It emanates from either a stress condition
or from lack of cleanliness in milk containers, teats, milk
in fur, poo in pouches and etc. Treatment is difficult and
slow. Use either Nizirol tablets or Nilstat.
d.) Other problems can result from Joey ingesting
threads from pouch liners, fluff, plastic, carpet threads
etc. NEVER leave Joey unattended. Most Joeys will suck on
something, toes, tails and pouches. At best, Joey may pass
it, to survive, it may mean an operation and at worst, it is
a very painful death.
e.) Problems in the gut area are very common. Remember,
Joey digests its food by bacteria and enzyme action. E coli
and other bacteria can easily be overloaded in the gut.
Again, poo gives the clue! Worms and bacterial overload can
all be dealt with if they are captured in time. Various
natural medications and antibiotics can be administered to
correct these diseases
f.) The worst of all problems is poisoning, tetanus and
coccidiosis. Poisoning occurs from eating the wrong plants
or ingesting pesticides. Cortisone is the common treatment.
Tetanus occurs from even the slightest scratch and the
prognosis is death. NEVER leave a scratch unattended. Swab
Hydrogen Peroxide solution on EVERY scratch and vaccinate
every emerging Joey. Coccidiosis results in a quick and
painful death. Every Joey MUST be given a drop of Amprolium
(Coccivet) every day, whilst on a bottle.
The Bottom Line.
NEVER IGNORE EVEN THE SLIGHTEST SIGN OF ILLNESS IN A
JOEY. REACT IMMEDIATELY TO ANV UNUSUAL WEE, POO OR SIGN THAT
JOEV IS UNWELL. SEEK HELP AS THIS WILL ENSURE THAT VOUR JOEV
LIVES AND VOUR LIFE WILL BE RICHER FOR THE EXPERIENCE.
