Shade - Keeping the wombat cool is very important. The effects of heat stress will
very quickly kill a wombat if its requirements are not adequately met. Wombats do
not sweat, “common wombats can show signs of overheating when temperatures exceed
24 degrees Celsius”. It would almost be impossible to plant a new enclosure adequetly.
It would also be difficult to stop wombats digging up seedlings. Creating the enclosure
around an established shade tree could be an option, you may need to protect existing
plants with enclosure furnishings. However the established area may cause issues
with the mesh or concrete underlay. So consider positioning an enclosure with plantings
around the outside of the enclosures perimeter either in an established area or with
your own landscaped planting design. As with any good enclosure design, considerations
need to be given to the animals natural behaviour. Allowing natural activities to
occur. Sprinkler system - It is suggested to install sprinkler systems for hotter
weather.
Shelter - Nest boxes should be provided for the animals to sleep in, they also to
allow some ease when handling animals. Size 1m x 1m x 1m, with a hinged lid. Entry
opening should be 30cm high. Dry bedding - Shelter areas and dry clean bedding should
be available at all times, ensure that the enclosure is large enough and the sprinkler
system designed does not affect the shelter and bedding area.
Furnishings - Mock rock, concrete pipe and hollow trees all make good additions to
a wombat enclosure. Furnishings need to be secure to prevent movement when wombats
dig. Digging is required for wombats to wear down their claws if they cannot dig
their claws will grow excessively. Wombats also enjoy a dust bath, sandy loam and
leaf litter make an excellent substrate. Hygiene/ Cleaning - Enclosures should be
checked daily. Remove uneaten food and faeces. Water should be available at all
times.
Handling - Smaller animals can be picked up under the arm pits and can be carried
like this. Larger animals can be difficult to handle and highly aggressive. This
is one of the reasons for the use of hinged lid on the nest box. I would suggest
further research in handling these animals before even thinking of acquiring this
species.
Record keeping - Behavioural information on each individual is always helpful with
the species especially when try to find a compatible pair.
Feeding requirements (diet taken from Australian Mammals Biology and Captive Management)
Daily per animal; Ad lib meadow hay, oaten hay, fresh grass, 500g carrots. 1 eucalypts
or wattle branch, lucerne and maize can be given on alternate days. Alternative diet;
Per animal 400g pellets, 50 g maize, 50g crushed oats, 50g wheat.
Diet in common wombats has been linked to their successful breeding in captivity.
A basic diet for the majority of the year of hay, grass and pellets. Fresh green
grass should be increased to every day for several months prior to the breeding season.
This should be continued to the end of the season and may assist in reproduction.
Wombats can become obese on high protein and energy diets. Think low energy, low
protein.
This information a basic outline of wombat husbandry the main objective being to
highlight the specialised needs of this species and the commitment you would need
to have to adequately house and cater for a challenging animal like the wombat.
There are not many wombats held by private wildlife license holders. The wombat
is a specialised species. Husbandry does differ between the wombat species mainly
due to behavioural differences. The species that can be kept on our wildlife schedules
is the Common Wombat Vombatus ursinus. Wombats live 12 –15 years in captivity ages
up to 25 years have been recorded.
Housing - The enclosure, only a basic design is required due to wombats being so
destructive. The position of the enclosure is important - shade in the heat and
sun to bask when it is cold. The main substrate should be of soil. 1-1.5 meters
under this soil should be a mesh underlay or concrete base. This will prevent animals
escaping when they inevitability dig. DSE’s Code of Practice recommends a minimum
floor area of 50sq metres. Max number of animals 1. Wall height 1.2m. Increased
floor area for each additional animal 25sq metres. Stephen Jackson Australian Mammals
Biology and Captive Management suggests “45 metres sq up to 400 metres square”. Common
wombats are usually held as a pair. Common wombats prefer to be solitary in permanent
confinement. Enclosures could be fully open (remember shade) or semi covered. Walls
at 1.2meters high and continuing below the substrate until they reach the mesh or
concrete base. Walls should be smooth or a strong mesh construction. Animals can
chew and dig at fencing which could cause damage to the animals teeth, gums and feet.
If using concrete under the substrate or you have a clay base soil you will need
to consider drainage to prevent flooding. Indoor enclosures could also be an option
allowing better temperature control and the opportunity for reverse light display.
