How do muskrats raise their young?

Muskrats raise their young in a nest called a lodge, which is typically built in marshy areas and made from vegetation, mud, and reeds. After a gestation period of about 30 days, the female gives birth to a litter of 4 to 10 kits, which are born blind and helpless. She provides them with milk and keeps them in the lodge until they are weaned, usually around 4 to 5 weeks old. The young muskrats begin to explore their environment and learn to swim shortly thereafter, often staying with their mother for several months.