Caring for a Newborn Kangaroo

Kangaroos are the largest animals in the group of animals called marsupials. They are popular for their powerful hind legs that allow them to hop in speeds of 35 mph and as high as 25 feet in one leap. Whether you’re working in an animal facility or caring for a newborn kangaroo that you adopted, it would help to know the basic techniques in caring for one. They’re just like human babies that require and deserve ample love, care and attention. Here are some of the things that you need to do. 

  

First, make sure that the baby kangaroo is heated adequately. As you know, the pouch of the mother kangaroo is a very warm place that is suitable for a newborn kangaroo. Place the baby kangaroo in a room heated to 86 and 90 degrees F. This is the right temperature for its sleeping environment. You can use a heater or electric blanket for this purpose. It’s crucial though that you test the instrument first so as not to expose the newborn kangaroo to hazardous heating elements. Scalding can potentially kill the baby kangaroo. 

Next, store it inside a suitable pouch. If the mother is not present, this can be in the form of a container or bag. An electric blanket can be placed underneath. Pad the sleeping area with soft items like sheets and sweaters. They may not be able to replicate exactly the warmth and touch of a mother kangaroo’s pouch but at least, they’ll be a cozy and comfortable sleeping area for the baby marsupial. Just see to it that the items you put around it are not scented. You don’t want these things to cause allergies. It would also be a smart move to hang the bag or container above the floor. This is to help re-create the motion experienced as the mother moves while its baby stays inside the pouch. 

Now for the diet, be sure to feed with milk. What type of milk you’re going to feed the newborn kangaroo depends on its age. The wonderful thing about this day and age is that you can find and order online suitable milk replacements. Some milk replacements even come with soft mouthpiece or teat that can be used to feed the baby animal.  Take note that there are four milk grades for kangaroos. Be sure to get the suitable one for the age of the baby kangaroo you’re taking care of.

Before you feed the baby kangaroo with milk, see to it that you warm it first. Then check the temperature by dabbing a little on the inside of your wrist. Don’t feed the baby kangaroo with anything that feels too warm on your skin. Let the baby kangaroo stay inside its pouch while feeding to reduce stress. If it struggles and is difficult to feed, hold it gently but firmly into your body. Cup your hand under its chin and cover its eyes. This would calm down the baby kangaroo and make it easier for you to feed it. If there’s no milk replacer available, temporary substitute can be full cream evaporated milk or powdered milk at half strength. 

Caring for a baby kangaroo is not that easy. But with dedication, patience and knowledge, it will be thankful that you stood in for its mother the best way you possibly could.