How Big Are Baby Kangaroos?

Like humans, female kangaroos usually give birth to one joey, or baby kangaroo, at a time. Unlike a human newborn, a newborn kangaroo can weigh as little as 0.03 ounces (0.85 g), or about the size of a lima bean. After birth, a joey uses its well-developed claws and forelimbs to crawl into its mother's pouch where it will feed, grow and continue to develop.

After several weeks, a joey may begin to venture out of its mother's pouch. Although the time a joey spends in its mother's pouch can vary by species, a joey will typically take seven months to a year before it permanently leaves the pouch.

More about kangaroos:

• A kangaroo's diet consists mostly of different types of grass and if necessary, a kangaroo can survive for a long while without water.
• Kangaroos are the only large animals who use hopping, rather than running or walking, as a means of mobility.
• Kangaroos travel and live in groups known as "mobs" that are dominated by the largest male.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is a baby kangaroo when it's born?

A newborn kangaroo, or joey, is astonishingly small at birth, measuring just about 2.5 centimeters long, which is roughly the size of a grape. At this stage, the joey is underdeveloped and hairless, and it makes its way to the mother's pouch to continue growing.

How much does a baby kangaroo weigh at birth?

Baby kangaroos are incredibly lightweight when they are born, tipping the scales at a mere 1 gram. This minuscule weight is part of what makes their early development in the mother's pouch so critical, as they are not yet viable outside of this protective environment.

How long does a baby kangaroo stay in its mother's pouch?

A baby kangaroo typically remains in the safety of its mother's pouch for about six to eight months before it starts to venture out. However, it continues to return to the pouch for feeding and protection until it is around a year old, gradually becoming more independent.

What is the growth rate of a baby kangaroo?

Baby kangaroos experience a rapid growth rate once they are securely nestled in their mother's pouch. They can grow from their initial grape-sized stature to weigh around 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) and measure nearly 90 centimeters (35 inches) in length by the time they leave the pouch.

When do baby kangaroos start to hop?

Baby kangaroos begin to experiment with hopping shortly after they start leaving their mother's pouch, around the 8-month mark. Initially, their hops are clumsy and uncoordinated, but they quickly develop the strength and skill to hop proficiently alongside their mothers.

Are baby kangaroos born with fur?

No, baby kangaroos are not born with fur. They are hairless and their eyes are closed at birth. It's only after they enter the mother's pouch that they continue to develop, eventually growing soft fur. Their eyes will open and they'll become more recognizable as kangaroos several weeks into their pouch life.