Monotremes

Adult monotremes do not have teeth, external ears or whiskers.

Platypuses have no pouch, but echidnas have a fold of skin that swells into a pouch-like structure during breeding.

Echidnas are very specialised animals and can be difficult to keep in captivity. Special permission is needed to look after these animals. For details please contact the QPWS.

When confronted by a human, echidnas will often burrow into the ground or under a plant. If this happens, push the end of a broomstick under their back end and lever it up until you are able to grasp one of the animal's feet. You can usually pull them out this way. Do not try and dig them out with a shovel. If the echidna is not buried, pick it up using heavy gloves. It is a good idea to transport echidnas in a carry box or garbage bin with a secure lid because it will destroy your car seats if it escapes.

Debilitated animals can be kept in a cat carry cage (to avoid injuries only use cages with a full solid plastic bottom with a wire top) or a garbage bin with a secure lid (with holes in top). Keep an eye on the animal, as it is strong and will break out of these cages. The can also be kept in a bathtub on a temporary basis.

Echidnas require a secure, dig-proof enclosure with 1m high solid tin walls (do not use wire as they will climb out) that extend at least 50cm under the ground. An old pool works well. They require a shady area that has hollow logs, groundcover plants to hide under and leaf litter. Do not use concrete flooring, as the echidna will damage its feet trying to dig out.

• 125g mince;
• 1 egg yolk;
• 1 teaspoon of Farex;
• 2 tablespoon of Complan;
• 1 pinch Vitamin E;
• 1 pinch calcium;
• 1/4 cup of grapefruit juice; and
• Enough water to make a sloppy mix