Here's a breakdown of their development:
* 0-3 weeks: Kits are born blind and deaf, completely reliant on their mother for warmth, nourishment, and protection. They stay in a nest, rarely leaving.
* 3-6 weeks: Kits start to venture out of the nest, learning to forage for food and develop their senses. They still rely on their mother for protection and guidance.
* 6-8 weeks: Kits are fully weaned and capable of surviving on their own. They have developed the necessary skills for foraging, finding shelter, and avoiding predators.
However, it's important to note:
* This is a general guideline, and individual kits may reach independence earlier or later depending on factors like weather conditions, food availability, and the presence of predators.
* If you find a lone kit under 6 weeks old, do not try to care for it yourself. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center or animal control. Attempting to care for a young kit yourself can make it less likely to survive in the wild.