Touching base re. 17 day old kits-- questions

[TF3]

I have 10 kittens getting cuter every day!
They are Flemish x and mama is doing great with this, her first litter.

-- should I still be watching for full tummies? Having 10 kits, there were some one on one feedings through the first two weeks when someone missed a feeding (rarely the same kit). Do I need to keep up that vigilance at this age? Or only if visually lagging or repeatedly less full?

-- it is still just above freezing at night here, and when one kit fell out of the nest at 14 days I had to warm it. I know I should be letting them explore outside the nest by now, but should I make sure they are in securely for the cold nights? Right now I have an extra high side-- mama gets in but kits can't get out.

I'll add some pays and pellets at more accessible heights for them.

What else needs doing in the next little while?

Thanks!
Lori

 

[Susie570]

They are old enough to be nibbling hay and pellets. If they can't reach what momma is eating, you should put a little in the nest box for them.

I would continue to keep an eye on them and make sure they have protection from the cold. It doesn't take much to kill a kit.

 

[akane]

In freezing temps I'd probably encourage them to stay in the box a little longer. The does we would breed over winter outside would bury the entire nestbox in straw so the kits didn't appear until closer to 4 weeks instead of the usual wandering by 2 weeks. Make sure they have access to some solid food to start eating. You might want to set something a little shorter outside the front of the box so they can climb in on their own and watch them for a day. If it works they should put themselves in the box at night. If not you may have to confine them during colder temps for a few more days to week.

 

[TF3]

Thanks!
Today I gave the rest of the hutch a really good clean, and while doing so, a couple of the kits scaled the nestbox opening and hopped out, so it was time!
I released them all and their poor mother looked horrified :lol:
And I think every mom knows how she feels... like when they first start walking, or climb out of the crib...
They already figured out the water bottle and were sampling the feed.
And trying to sample mama, who would have nothing to do with them in her space.
They seem quick to return to the nest, so I'm not too worried, and we are above freezing tonight.

 

[Susie570]

Thanks!
Today I gave the rest of the hutch a really good clean, and while doing so, a couple of the kits scaled the nestbox opening and hopped out, so it was time!
I released them all and their poor mother looked horrified :lol:
And I think every mom knows how she feels... like when they first start walking, or climb out of the crib...
They already figured out the water bottle and were sampling the feed.
And trying to sample mama, who would have nothing to do with them in her space.
They seem quick to return to the nest, so I'm not too worried, and we are above freezing tonight.

Congrats! Be sure to give momma something to hide on so the kits can't drive her nuts.