making pouches 
 for 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.

Pouch Sizes

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 kangaroos 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