How to Care for a Baby Kangaroo

Baby kangaroos are called joeys and require a pouch for about the first eight to 12 months of life. During this time they need a lot of care and attention to ensure that they are fed properly and kept warm as they are not able to regulate body heat when very young. It is important to really think out how much time and energy will be needed to support a joey before taking one into your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Clean material
  • Marsupial milk
  • Kangaroo food
  • Heating blanket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Build a pouch for the joey to spend most of it's time in. Use soft material such as a blankets and sheets. Make the pouch just large enough that the joey can fit in it but not move around too much. Place the fake pouch in a larger material bag and suspend it so it does not rest on the floor. Lower the suspended bag as the joey grows so when it is big enough, it can leave the pouch on its own.

    • 2

      Provide warmth for the joey by placing a small heating blanket between the pouch and the sack that it is hung in. The joey needs warmth provided at a constant temperature of 86 to 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit until it is furry enough and large enough to leave the pouch.

    • 3

      Feed the baby joey while in the pouch with a bottle that has a soft nipple so as not to damage the mouth. Use a warmed marsupial replacement milk until the joey is big enough to start leaving the pouch. Introduce kangaroo pellets, fresh grass with roots, apples and carrots and oats into the diet at that time.

    • 4

      Remove the joey from the pouch and gently give a strong rub to the genital area until the kangaroo urinates and defecates. Stimulation is required shortly after feeding until the joey is large enough to leave the pouch without help. Continue rubbing until the joey is finished. Failure to do so can result in disease for the joey.

    • 5

      Take a baby kangaroo to the veterinarian if prolonged diarrhea, fevers, dehydration or other signs of illness appear.