When to trap feral mom and her two kittens? (Estimated age 4-5 weeks)

Question -- When should I trap them? I don't want to trap them too early because their mother's milk is good for them. However, I don't want to trap them too late because it would be harder to socialize them. 

Background  -- About 5 days ago, two feral kittens emerged from under our deck in the backyard. Their mom is a cat who has been hanging around our yard for a while now. She's always very cautious and skittish, and we had no idea she was pregnant. They all come out once in the morning (6:30 - 7:30 am), once around noon, and maybe one last time in the early afternoon.

The kittens are probably in the process of getting weaned, but I still see them nursing from their mom. They're fat and happy, and their eyes and noses are clear. The mom isn't very big in size, but she looks healthy. The kittens play-fight with each other and can climb trees very well. The mom always runs away to watch from a safe distance the second she hears commotion. She just leaves the kittens where they are. 

I've decided to trap them for sure. I want to do TNR for the mom, and trap and adopt the kitties out. I put some canned food out for them this morning, and they all came to eat. So at least the little ones are old enough to eat wet food. 

So what do you guys think? Are they old enough to be separated from their mom? 

Oh beautiful kittens!  I would trap them as soon as possible - only because, like you said, waiting any longer will mean a harder socialization process.  Trapping and fixing mom should be the priority, too.  Set the trap out now and feed inside it without having it spring for a few days.  Tie the trap open and get mom used to eating inside it.

Is mom really feral?  If not, maybe you can keep them together in a separate room until the kittens are a little older?  If mom is too feral, trapping them now will help you socialize them for possible adoption.

Thank you so much for helping them!

Oh my.... beautiful. Good luck in your endeavours!

Ondine said:

 
Is mom really feral? 

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Yeah, I think she's very feral. She always runs away without hesitation the second we open the door to go outside. Her kittens already learned to hide themselves when we get close, so I think you're right, it's time to trap them!

By the way, do you think they're short hair or medium hair? 

Kittens that young are usually fluffy, so I'd say they will probably be short hair.  If she's already teaching them to run at the sight of a human, trap them now.  If you have a large dog crate, you can use that to start the socialization process.  Confined, they will feel a little more secure and will be easier to work with as you help them understand you aren't a big, bad monster!

Good luck!  Hope you get them and momma quickly.

After feeding them this morning, I didn't see them all day! I saw the mom around noon, but not the kittens. They didn't come out this afternoon either. That's really weird because they usually come out to play multiple times a day. Do you think they ate too much canned food this morning and got sick (because they've never had it before)? I'm a little worried now. 

its quite poosible mom moved the nest.  You are her main food source, so she returns to you...

Good luck!

StefanZ said:

 
its quite poosible mom moved the nest.  You are her main food source, so she returns to you...

Good luck!

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Mm, I hope she hasn't moved them because I'm still trying to trap them. But I'm definitely NOT her main food source because I only fed her once. I'll see if they're outside in the morning. Thanks