When to start the weaning process? Options

[werdxela]

Most of my orphaned babies have teeth. The practically sprung up overnight. So I was wondering when do I start to introduce food and what is a good first food?

Their mum hunted (tinned food out of the bowl ) for her first litter so I am not sure when she started doing that.

Thanks

[suepmat]

How old are the babies now?
I start mine on cooked white fish with natural yoghurt - it help encourage the gut flora to develop and makes digestion easier.

[mell]

have you had a look at the link i provided for you in your other post? It has heaps of info like that.

But,
usually kittens will start to have a nibble around 4 weeks. This is also the time they explore the potty. Use the recycled newspaper litter. It doesn't matter if they have a taste. The crystals stick to their mouths and the clumping can kill them.

I offered whiskas kitten food warmed up to the same temp as the bottle. You'll have to use your finger to test it. They will walk in it, sniff it up their nostrils, tip it over, then walk little foot prints all over your floor. You can try to put a towel under them, to help lessen the mess. The towel also stops them from slipping over. Their muscles are not properly developed and they have trouble supporting their own weight.

I wouldn't offer food or water til the kittens can hold their heads up and take a few steps.

Just because they have teeth doesn't mean they are ready for food. It just means you will probably need more teats.

The kitten rescue link i provided has a development table. Giving you an idea of what to expect every couple of weeks.

HTH
Mellissa