Joeys usually stay in their mother’s pouch for about 6 to 9 months, though the exact time depends on the species. Some kangaroos leave earlier and keep coming back to nurse, while others may stay connected to the pouch for closer to a year.

Quick Scoop

  • Common range: about 6–9 months in the pouch.
  • Some species: may leave around 8–11 months.
  • After leaving: many still nurse from the mother for several more months.

A simple way to think about it: the pouch is like a protected “starter home,” and the joey gradually spends more time outside as it gets stronger.

Species Differences

Different kangaroo species do this a bit differently. Red kangaroos often begin leaving the pouch earlier, while eastern grey kangaroos can stay pouch- dependent longer.

TL;DR

Joeys generally stay in the pouch for around 6–9 months , but depending on the species, it can be closer to 11 months or about a year.