Badger Facts - Breeding |
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BreedingOne of the most interesting things about badgers is 'delayed implantation'. This trait, unique to members of the Mustelidae family (badgers, weasels, etc) allows the female to become fertilized but 'choose' to actually begin development of the baby badger at a later date, when the weather changes and food is more readily available. This gives her cubs the greatest chance of survival. Raising YoungThe cubs stay underground in the badger set are fed by their mother. Their eyes open after 5 weeks, and after this they will emerge from the set - but not go far at all. Within 5 months of being born badgers will be familiar with their immediate environment and will have learnt the most important areas and landmarks. After three months the mother will begin to regurgitate worms and other insects to move the cubs onto solid food. The mother will try to move the cubs onto solids as soon as possible, as giving milk on her own fat reserves. They will start to find their own insects in their fourth and fifth months. |
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