Muskrat kits are born hairless and blind. Known to be most valuable for their fur or pelts, muskrats are one of the most trapped animals in history. Muskrats play important roles in certain ecological systems, as their eating and denning habits create the ideal flat nesting areas for certain birds.

The young at birth are blind, hairless, and almost completely helpless, but develop rapidly. They are covered with thin fur at the end of the first week, their eyes open at the end of the second week, and they normally begin leaving the lodge on short trips at about two to three weeks of age.

Jan 9, 2025 · Muskrats’ large hind feet, fringed with stiff bristles and partially webbed, are used as oars when swimming, with the tail serving as a rudder. They can stay submerged for up to 20 minutes and swim as fast as 5 km (3.1 miles) per hour. The animal is named for the musky odour of a yellowish substance produced by its perineal glands.

When muskrat young (kits) are born, they are blind, hairless and a few inches long.

Female muskrats are prolific child bearers and have one to three litters of five or six "kits" every year. They nest in chambers inside their lodges and have a gestation period of about a month. Kits are born blind but are quick learners; they can swim at about 21 days after birth.

The gestation time is about 30 days, and newborns are born blind and hairless (Bluett 1984). The young weigh about 21 grams and grow rapidly on the nourishment from their mother for 2-3 weeks. The male muskrat contributes very little to the young.

Although newborn muskrats are blind, helpless, and lack fur, they grow up very quickly. By one week old, their skin exhibits thin fur. By 2 weeks old, the young open their eyes.

Nov 25, 2022 · The young muskrats are born blind and hairless, but they grow quickly and are weaned after 6-8 weeks. Muskrats reach sexual maturity at around 1 year of age. They typically live for 2-3 years in the wild but can live up to 10 years in captivity.

Newborn muskrats weigh about 22 g (0.8 oz), are pink, blind, nearly hairless, and have small round tails. They grow rapidly, their eyes opening at 14-16 days, and are weaned at 21-28 days.

Apr 23, 2004 · The gestation time is about 30 days, and newborns are born blind and hairless (Bluett 1984). The young weigh about 21 grams and grow rapidly on the nourishment from their mother for 2-3 weeks. The male muskrat contributes very little to the young.