Most
breeders recommend between 8-12 weeks out of pouch. The variance is usually a result of how a
breeder determines when a joey is out of pouch. Some
breeders also believe that joeys closer to the 10-12 week mark are better prepared emotionally.
8 weeks: The
breeder counts the OOP date when the joey is both detached and no longer fits its entire body inside.
10-12 weeks: The
breeder sees the body OOP for the first time but the whole body still fits inside the pouch.
Signs of a fully weaned joey (must never be younger than 8 weeks out of pouch):
• Is no longer suckling on the mother
• Eats all types of food available (fruit and vegetable, protein, staple, vitamin source)
• Drinks water from either a bowl or water bottle
• Eliminates waste without stimulation
• Tail is completely fluffed out
• Moves around the cage and uses
toys, forging items, and wheel without assistance