4 weeks old

4 weeks old.  Basil, Tarragon and Rosemary

The kittens are 4 weeks old and active.  They run and climb, wrestle with each other and play with their toys.  Getting a picture of all 3 at the same time is a challenge.  Weighing in at about 1 pound they are ready to try a little solid food once a day, to start, but still giving them a bottle for the other feedings.  Once they are chewing on the bottle, more than sucking, that's my clue that they are finished needing it anymore.  Also, if they are chewing on the nipple, soon it will break off and then they can accidentally swallow the nipple.  Then you wait and watch for it to come out the other end, or take them to the vet....not fun.

Starting on solids.

There are many ways to start the kittens on solids, but most agree that it needs to be a mush of food mixed with the milk replacer.  If they don't take to the food right away, I put a little directly in their mouth.  They usually give a funny face and contemplate this new texture.  Either they will want more, and are ready for solids, or they will reject it and I try again the next day.  It took Basil 3 days to decide she liked solid food.  Now she is fully into it, feet and all.