Wombaroo Koala Milk Replacer – Early Lactation

Wombaroo Koala Milk Replacer – Early Lactation Formula for Young Joeys (Under 160 Days)

Wombaroo Koala Milk Replacer Early Lactation is a specialised milk substitute designed for koala joeys less than 160 days old. At this early stage, joeys are either furless or just beginning to develop fine fur, with eyes closed or only just starting to open. These young, pouch-bound “pinkies” or “velvets” are completely dependent on milk and require highly specific nutritional care.

Key Benefits:

• Tailored for Early Lactation: Accurately replicates the composition of early-stage koala milk.

• Moderate Energy Formula: Balanced carbohydrate and fat content supports steady development.

• Rich in Essential Amino Acids: High in cysteine and methionine to promote hair growth as fur begins forming.

Ingredients:

Whole milk solids (low lactose), whey protein, casein, glucose, vegetable oils, omega-3 & 6 fatty acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C, D3, E, K, biotin, choline, inositol, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, iodine, selenium.

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Protein: 22%

• Fat: 35%

• Ash: 4%

• Moisture: 3%

• Metabolisable Energy (ME): 23 MJ/kg

Available Sizes: 180g & 900g

When to Use:

Use Koala Milk Replacer Early Lactation for immature, furless or lightly furred pouch-bound joeys under 160 days old. These animals are extremely vulnerable and should only be cared for by experienced wildlife rehabilitators with appropriate resources.

For enhanced immunity, Impact Colostrum Supplement can be used in conjunction with milk feeds.

Directions for Preparation:

To make 100mL of milk:
Mix 22g of powder (3 scoops) with 85mL of pre-boiled warm water.

To make 800mL of milk:
Mix 180g of powder with 700mL of warm water.

• Mix half the water with the powder to form a paste.

• Add the remaining water and stir thoroughly.

• Avoid using water that is too hot or too cold to prevent curdling or incomplete mixing.

• Use an electric whisk for larger batches.

• Prepared milk can be refrigerated for 24 hours or frozen in small portions (e.g. ice cube trays) for up to 2 weeks.

• Discard unused thawed milk and sterilise all feeding utensils after use.

Feeding Guide:

• Warm milk to approximately 30°C before feeding.

• Use a bottle with an LD teat or a syringe for very small joeys.

• Feeding frequency:

  • 6–8 times daily for furless joeys

  • 4 times daily once fur is present

• During hot weather or if dehydration is evident, offer small drinks of clean water between milk feeds.

• Seek advice from a veterinarian or experienced koala carer for individual feeding and husbandry support.

Growth Monitoring:

Koala growth rates vary significantly between northern and southern populations. Use the Wombaroo Koala Growth Chart to assess typical development based on region and species type.
Weigh joeys regularly to ensure appropriate weight gain and to determine accurate milk volumes. Overfeeding can cause diarrhoea—always follow recommended volumes.

Transitioning to Late Lactation Formula:

Transition to Wombaroo Koala Milk Replacer Late Lactation at 160 days of age, when:

• Eyes are fully open

• Upper incisors begin to erupt

• Fine fur covers the head

• Head length is ~54–58mm

• Body weight is 225–350g (varies by sex and region)

Transition period: Over 15–20 days, gradually replace Early Lactation formula with Late Lactation formula.

From around 180–210 days, joeys should also begin receiving ‘pap’ (pre-digested leaf material) from an adult koala to prepare for a diet of eucalyptus leaves.