Wombaroo Possum Milk Replacer Stage 1

Wombaroo Possum Milk Replacer 1 is a milk substitute for possum and glider joeys with less than 80% of their time in the mother’s pouch completed (babies usually spend a total of about 2 months in the pouch). Joeys at this younger stage have furless pink skin and eventually fine fur, eyes closed or just beginning to open, and ears are drooped or starting to become erect. These joeys are still fully pouch-bound and totally dependent on milk. Feces are yellow and a custard or toothpaste consistency. 

Formulated to match the composition of early to mid-lactation possum milk, the formula balances carbohydrates & protein with a relatively low fat content. This formula features protein high in sulfur-containing amino acids to promote good hair growth.

Newborn possums that did not receive colostrum from their mother may benefit from Impact Colostrum Supplement.

Wombaroo

Henry’s is proud to partner with Wombaroo to provide a variety of high-quality milk replacers made in Australia. Wombaroo’s team of experts have worked since 1984 to develop scientifically-backed premium milk replacers and food for exotic animals. Wombaroo has developed several products specifically for zoos and captive breeding programs to support wildlife conservation projects around the world.

Mixing and Storage Guidelines

To make 100mL of milk: Mix 2 ½ scoops (16g) of powder with 90mL of warm water.

To make 1 liter of milk: Mix 160g of powder with 900mL of warm water.

Add about half of the water to the powder first and mix into a paste. Then make up with remaining water and mix thoroughly. Pre-boil water to ensure that it is sterilized. If the water is too hot, it can cause the milk to curdle; if it is too cold, then it will be difficult to disperse the powder. An electric whisk can be used for mixing larger quantities. 

Milk can be stored in the fridge for a day or can be frozen for up to 2 weeks. It may be useful to store frozen milk in small portions (e.g., ice cube trays), so that the required daily feed volumes can be easily thawed out. Once thawed out, discard any unused milk and wash feeding utensils thoroughly.

Feeding Guide

Warm milk to about 86°F and feed using a bottle and nipple. A syringe or eye dropper may be required for ringtails, pygmy possums, or small gliders. Feed around 6-8 times per day for furless joeys, reducing this to 4 times per day by first pouch emergence. If the joey is showing signs of dehydration (e.g., during hot weather), give extra drinks of water between feeds. Joeys dehydrate rapidly if not maintained under optimum conditions. Consult your veterinarian or experienced carer for further information about caring for and feeding joeys.

See back of the box for dosing instructions.

Growth and Transitioning Formulas

Different species of possums and gliders grow at different rates. Weigh joeys regularly to verify weight gains and determine the volume of milk to feed. Overfeeding milk can cause diarrhea so feed the amount suggested by the dosage instructions on the back of the box.

“Transition” refers to when a joey is changed from one Wombaroo milk stage to the next. It is important to transition joeys at the correct age to ensure they are getting the proper nutrition for their stage of development. Note that the transition is dependent on joey age and not weight, as underweight joeys still need to be transitioned at the correct time. Once possums are fully-furred and beginning to emerge from the pouch, they are ready to transition on to Possum Milk Replacer 2 formula.

Joeys are gradually transitioned over about 8-18 days (depending on species) by mixing decreasing amounts of the formula for younger possums with increasing amounts of the formula for older possums. 

Ingredients

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

Analysis

• Protein 34%
• Fat 15%
• Ash 4%
• Moisture 3%
• Energy (ME) 19 MJ/kg