![]() ![]() One report says the Southern hairy-nosed females reach breeding age at 3 years, and the males at 2-3 years. Those that are born will often not survive the dry season. In seasons of drought, no young will be born. Usually gives birth in the spring from September or October to January. One source states that wombats in general can reach full size and be ready to breed in a little over 2 years under ideal conditions, but in the wild this usually takes 3 years. If the joey dies prematurely, however, the mother may have another baby sooner than this. Most sources agree they can have young only once every two years. Others say they reach breeding age at about 2 years when they weigh 22 kg (48 pounds). Some reports say Bare-nosed wombats don't reach breeding age until they're 3 or even 4 years old. With Northern Hairy-nosed wombats, it appears that the adult females are the ones who leave the area to establish new burrows elsewhere.Īdult Southern hairy-nosed wombat (picture courtesy Wendy Morphett) Females will usually stay with their mothers longer than males. Sometimes the mother will force them out. Some will leave their mother shortly after they're weaned, while others stay until they're full grown. Wombats stay with their mothers about 2 years. The young wombat will grow rapidly during this period and will double its body weight in 3 to 8 months after being weaned. ![]() The mother will rip up tender grass roots and drop them on the ground for her young. It will remain alone in the burrow at night when the mother forages for food. Once out of the pouch, the young wombat will begin to eat solid foods and will be fully weaned anywhere from 11 to 15 months, with 12 months being about average. After one to three months, the wombat will no longer use the pouch but may still hide under or behind its mother for protection. When disturbed or frightened, it will return to the mother's pouch for safety. At first the young wombat will leave the pouch for only short periods. The joey will remain in the pouch nursing and developing for 4 to 10 months, usually averaging about 8 months. Orphaned Southern hairy-nosed wombat joey (picture courtesy Wendy Morphett, used with permission)
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