5 week old nursing....

on himself. he's a foster i got two weeks ago from my shelter. the poor boy was left one on porch all by himself. he's doing well except that he's suddenly trying to nurse off his front legs. i understand that kittens nurse when they want comfort, but its a new thing. i've had him for two weeks and he just started doing it last night. why?

Because it's what's available to him. The instinct is so strong, he needs to have something that feels appropriate. Do you have any soft toys, roll of socks, something that might appeal to him that you could even put a tiny bit of milk on to switch him over from 'himself' to whatever you have? Or can you ask your vet to show you how to use a mini baby bottle and do it yourself? He's so little!