What Do Kangaroo Joeys Eat?
When Jaffa was little, her very favourite thing was milk time.
Her milk came warm and creamy in a bottle, specially made just for kangaroo joeys. The teat fitted her mouth perfectly, and she would settle in happily, feeling safe and full.
Jaffa started with a bottle every four hours. As she grew bigger and stronger, the milk changed and so did the timing. Her tummy could hold more, so the time between bottles slowly grew longer.
Joey tummies are very sensitive. That’s why kangaroo joeys are never given cow’s milk — they can’t digest lactose, and it makes them very sick. Joey milk is carefully made just for them, to keep them healthy while they grow.
Discovering Real Roo Food
As Jaffa got bigger, milk was no longer the only thing she wanted to try.
She began exploring food the way kangaroos are meant to — with curiosity and excitement. Native bushes, flowers, grasses, hay… every bite was a new adventure.
It was a taste delight and texture party.
Crunchy.
Soft.
Scratchy.
Flowery.
Jaffa learned which plants felt good to eat and which ones were best left alone. This experimenting is very important, because once joeys are released back into the bush, there are no bottles hiding out there.
Dirt, Termite Mounds… and Healthy Tummies
Here’s something that might sound a little strange.
Jaffa also ate dirt and termite mound.
It might sound terrible to humans, but for kangaroos it’s completely natural and very important. The special soil from termite mounds helps keep a roo’s tummy healthy and working properly.
Think of it as a kind of bush medicine — nature’s way of helping joeys digest their food and stay strong.
Jaffa knew exactly what she needed, and she chose it all by herself.
A Little Something Special
Jaffa does get a small treat of fruit occasionally.
She especially loves pear and watermelon — juicy, sweet, and refreshing on warm days. Fruit is only a sometimes food, but it’s enjoyed slowly and carefully, just like everything else in Jaffa’s life.
These little extras help with hydration and variety, but native plants are always the most important part of a kangaroo’s diet.
Learning for the Bush… and for Home
Trying different tastes and textures helps joeys prepare for life in the wild. It teaches them confidence, choice, and independence.
Maybe that’s exactly why Jaffa knows she’s capable out there.
And maybe… that’s why she doesn’t always leave.
Talk About It Together
Why did Jaffa need special milk instead of cow’s milk?
How do you think Jaffa felt when she tried new plants and flavours?
Why is it important for joeys to learn to find food before they live in the bush?
Try This Together
Taste and Texture Explorer
At snack time, invite your child to explore food like a joey (with safe, familiar foods).
Try something crunchy, something soft, and something juicy.
Talk about how each one feels in the mouth.
Ask: “Which one do you like best? Why?”
You can say:
“Joeys learn with their mouths and noses — just like you!”