ferile mom and 2 babies

Question
I found two kittens last night, 3-5wks old, they are healthy and eating, i caught the mom this am in a haveaheart trap, I have them in my den, i don't want to let the mom out afraid of not getting her back in and I don't know if she has any other babies out there she is very young herself what should i do

Answer
Rachel,

At 3-5 weeks, the kittens can be put on solid food.  The problem, as I see it, is that the queen may have more kittens out there.  They would be subject to the elements, predators, etc. without her protection.  On the other hand, since the kittens you already have can be put on solid food and weaned, they have the advantage of being in your care.

It is possible, she might bring you the kittens.  I expect, you can always re-trap her and have her spayed.

It is a thorny problem, and I am not really sure what the best alternative is in this case, except what I have suggested.

Anyway, I have been mulling this over since I received your question and decided to suggest the above.

If you are unsure about weaning, etc., please send me a follow up.

BTW, you might look for the book: "Kittens for Dummies", by Dusty Rainbolt, Wiley, 2004.  It is chock full of great information for owners with new kittens.

Please let me know how it all goes.

Best regards... Norm.