Making pouches for orphaned joeys

When young wombats, wallabies, kangaroos, bandicoots, gliders or possums come into care they need to be kept warm and quiet. WIRES carers are always in need of suitable pouches. The pouches are used for many different animals, some for two or three young ringtails at once, others for brushtail joeys which are larger and even for very young bandicoots. This means various size pouches are useful. Many people who would like to help our wildlife but are unable to commit to animal rescue or care, can help by making pouches and/or linings.

Pouches - Larger sizes needed

Material: 8 ply pure wool (we are unable to use pouches made from synthetic materials as the joeys cannot breathe in closed synthetic pouches)

Knitting: Pouches should be knitted in plain (garter) stitch both sides

Needles: Size 8 needles (old UK sizing) or new UK size 4mm metric needle size

Dimensions:

Pouches for small marsupials

Small - 18cm wide x 20cm long when finished (after sewing together), approximately 30 stitches

Large - 24cm wide x 30cm long when finished (after sewing together), approximately 45-50 stitches

Pouches for larger kangaroo and wallaby joeys

X-Large - 40cm wide x 60cm long when finished (after sewing together) 

XX-Large - 50cm wide x 70cm long when finished (after sewing together) 

Closed on the two longer sides and one end, and left open at the top.

Pouch Lining

Material: Pure cotton or flannelette, washable material only

Dimensions:

Liners for small marsupials

Small - 18cm wide x 20cm long when finished (after sewing together)

Large - 24cm wide x 30cm long when finished (after sewing together)

Liners for larger kangaroo and wallaby joeys

X-Large - 40cm wide x 60cm long when finished (after sewing together)

XX-Large - 50cm wide x 70cm long when finished (after sewing together) 

Closed on the two longer sides and one end, and left open at the top.

The lining should not be attached to the pouch as it will need to be changed regularly. We generally require more linings than pouches to allow washing and regular changes.. Liners are changed after each feed so that each joey in care uses up to 6 liners every 24 hours.

Other Sized Pouches

Other sized pouches are also needed. There is no one perfect size, it depends on the stage of development of the joey. The dimensions provide a guide only, we happily accept all sizes although it is best not to make any smaller than our listed small pouch dimensions.

There is also a need for crocheted nests for orphaned chicks and ducklings. Follow this link for the instructions for making nests 

Completed pouches are always gratefully received at our Head Office and distributed to branches

Please include your email address when you send pouches or liners to us so that we can thank you and emails about our work with wildlife and when we have other knitting/sewing projects that you may be able to help with.

WIRES

PO Box 7276

WARRINGAH MALL NSW 2100

To access 24/7 rescue advice and assistance for sick, injured and orphaned native animals call 1300 094 737, or fill in the online rescue form.