Determination of the age of the young marsupial should be attempted.    Age influences its digestive ability (the establishment of micro organisms in the stomach coincides with the consumption of roughage), and forms the basis for the design of the diet.

 Age can be determined by measuring the body proportions of the marsupial.

Measurement is made of head length, arm length, leg length, manus length (forefoot), pes length (hind foot), ear length, tail length (all in mm.) and weight (in grams).

 The diagram below gives the points from which measurements should be taken. Attempt to get as many as possible; find the closest figures to yours in the appropriate columns in the Wombaroo handraising booklet then read back to the age column.    Theoretically your figures should be somewhat proportional, or will range between two age periods.    Remember that the figures given are averages so yours may not fit exactly.

Age determination tables are available by clicking on the appropriate link below