Before feeding, make sure to follow our Mixing Instructions for Milk Replacer Formula.
Exotic Nutrition offers Marsupial Milk Replacer (for sugar gliders and opossums) or ZooPro Milk Replacer 32/40 (for other mammals). These powdered milk replacement formulas are a complete food source for orphaned or rejected baby animals. They are easily digestible, highly palatable, and made in the USA.
Feeding Instructions for Milk Replacer Formula
It is crucial to let the baby eat at its own pace, especially if it is not willingly suckling from the syringe. Rapidly squirting the liquid can lead to aspiration, which can cause the liquid to enter the lungs and potentially suffocate the baby.
After feeding, it is important to stimulate the baby to allow it to defecate and urinate. You can use a moist cotton ball to gently stimulate the genital area until the baby stops eliminating waste.
Keep the baby animal warm in a Calming Glove or fleece bonding pouch next to your body. Alternatively, you can place a Pet Warming Pad in a glass aquarium or plastic storage container, away from the baby. Cover the heating pad with a soft towel and monitor the temperature, ensuring it remains stable at around 100°F near the baby.
Sugar Glider Joeys
- Day 1: Mix 30% Marsupial Milk Replacer with 70% Unflavored Pedialyte.
- Day 2: Mix 60% Marsupial Milk Replacer with 40% Unflavored Pedialyte.
- Day 3: Mix 75% Marsupial Milk Replacer with 25% Unflavored Pedialyte.
- Day 4: Use 100% Marsupial Milk Replacer.
The amount to feed depends on the joey's OOP (Out of Pouch) age:
- 1 week OOP (10–20g): 0.5 ml every 2 hours
- 2 weeks OOP (14–24g): 0.5 ml every 2 hours
- 3 weeks OOP (15–25g): 1 ml every 4 hours
- 4 weeks OOP (21–32g): 1 ml every 4 hours
- 5 weeks OOP (28–39g): 2 ml every 4 hours
- 6 weeks OOP (33–44g): 2 ml every 4 hours
- 7 weeks OOP (38–49g): 3 ml every 4 hours
- 8 weeks OOP (43–59g): 3 ml every 4 hours
- After 8 weeks: Offer 4 ml every 4 hours until the glider begins eating solid foods and reaches adulthood (approximately 85–139g).
Baby Squirrels
| Age | Weight of Baby | Schedule | Amount per Feeding | Night Feeding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–1 Week | 10–20 grams | Every 2–3 hours | 0.5 cc | Feed once per night |
| 1–2 Weeks | 20–40 grams | Every 2–3 hours | 0.75–1 cc | Feed once per night |
| 2–3 Weeks | 40–60 grams | Every 3 hours | 2–3 cc | Before bed |
| 3–4 Weeks | 60–80 grams | Every 3–4 hours | 3–4 cc | Before bed |
| 4–5 Weeks | 80–120 grams | Every 4 hours | 4–6 cc | Before bed |
| 5–8 Weeks | 120–240 grams | Every 4–6 hours | 8–12 cc | Before bed |
| 8–10 Weeks | 240–400 grams | 1–2 times per day | 12–20 cc | Solid foods at night |
| 10–12 Weeks | 400–600 grams | 1 time per day | Wean with solid foods at night |
If you are unsure about your baby squirrel's age, you can use the following formula to determine how much ZooPro Milk Replacer 32/40 to offer: Offer up to 5% of the squirrel's body weight per feeding. For example, if your squirrel weighs 100 grams, offer 5 ml of milk replacer per feeding. If your squirrel weighs 50 grams, offer 2.5 ml per feeding.
Baby Rabbits
The following amounts should be divided into two feedings per day:
- Newborn to 1 week: 4–5 cc of formula
- 1–2 weeks: 10–15 cc of formula
- 2–3 weeks: 15–30 cc of formula
- 3–6 weeks (until weaned): 30 cc of formula
Until their eyes open (around 10 days), after each feeding, it is important to stimulate the baby rabbit to defecate and urinate. Gently stroke the genital area with a soft cloth or moist cotton ball to replicate the behavior of the mother rabbit, who would lick her young to stimulate them to eliminate waste. The stool may be soft and vary in shades of green and yellow.
Baby Opossums
| Weight of Baby | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 30 g | 1.5 ml | Every 2–3 hours |
| 35 g | 1.75 ml | Every 2–3 hours |
| 40 g | 2 ml | Every 4 hours |
| 45 g | 2.25 ml | Every 4 hours |
Baby Skunks
Mix 1 part powder with 2 parts hot water (approximately 115–120°F).
Feed 1 to 1.5 tablespoons (15–22 ml) per ounce of body weight daily, divided into 4 to 6 feedings.
Baby Raccoons
Mix 1 part powder with 2 parts hot water (approximately 115–120°F).
Feed 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) per 4 ounces of body weight daily, divided into 4 to 6 feedings.
Important Feeding Reminder
It is crucial to let the baby eat at its own pace, especially if it is not willingly suckling from the syringe. Rapidly squirting the liquid can lead to aspiration, which can cause the liquid to enter the lungs and potentially suffocate the baby.
After feeding, it is important to stimulate the baby to allow it to defecate and urinate. You can use a moist cotton ball to gently stimulate the genital area until the baby stops eliminating waste.
Storage Instructions
It is recommended to prepare fresh milk replacer for each feeding whenever possible. Prepared milk replacer can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Store the unmixed powder in a cool, dark place until the best-by date.
Mixing milk replacers for exotic animals requires careful attention to detail and adherence to recommended instructions. By following the appropriate mixing ratio and feeding guidelines, you can help provide proper nutrition for newborn animals. Always prioritize the safety and comfort of the animal during the feeding process.
It is important to note that these guidelines are provided as general information. Always consult with a veterinarian or experienced professional for specific advice and guidance tailored to the needs of the individual animal.
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Notice: Exotic Nutrition cannot provide specific care guidelines on an individual basis. Please consult a veterinarian or experienced breeder.
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