The joey will begin to come out of the nest without riding on its parents. You may see the joey will visit the food stations and taste the food available to the parents. Even though the joey is starting to eat on its own, the joey is not ready to be separated from its parents. The joey is still nursing off of its mother regularly to help balance its diet. It may also start to use the wheel on its own and become interested in forging activities.
Joeys can be held from about twenty to sixty minutes at a time and out of view of the parents. If you notice the joey rooting for food, crying, or it becomes cranky, put the joey back with its parents.
Gray joey about 5.5 weeks out of pouch. Notice the tail is filling out and starting to poof at the base.
Gray joey about 6 weeks out of pouch.