Kit Living Inside, When to Move it in With Mom

[macksmom98]

What age do kits need to be living with mom? I have a lone kit who has been living inside to stay warm and has been doing wonderfully. It's 2 weeks old now and it's eyes are open. It's starting to root around for cecotropes and seems to be looking for things to nibble on. Right now this little guy goes and eats from his mom twice a day, and is not offered water or any other type of food, no hay either. I know by 4 weeks he will be ready for solid food, but not sure what he needs between now and then and I don't want him to loose out on anything.

 

[Preitler]

With 2 weeks normally they start to venture out of their nests, and then they also start to nibble on what the doe is eating. I would offer solid food now.

I would put it out now, with 4 weeks they are already transitioned to solid food, and could be weaned if absolutely necessary.
Make something with the nestbox so it can easily get back in, ramp or something.

If it is cold outside and it's a single kit, that can be a problem though, maybe start with the warmest hours of the day, make a cardboard roof for the nestbox and fill it with insulating stuff, or heat it a little.
Was it in a heated room?

Also, the doe can get used to the kit being around. Surprising her full time with a hyperactive 4 week old without any social skills may be a little much. :bouncy:

 

[macksmom98]

Well I am afraid she's going to get used to living without it. It's not cold here, it's just been doing well and I know it a bit safer in the house. I'll start the transition this week. Thanks!