How to Feed Newborn Raccoons

Raccoons first start to breed when they are 1 year old. Generally they breed one litter each year. Mother raccoons can have up to eight babies, but average litters are about three to four babies. The eyes of the newborn raccoons stay closed until they are about 20 days old. When they are 10 to 12 weeks old they are weaned from their mother's milk. They stay with their mother until they are 10 months old; however, in some cases, raccoons become orphaned because the mother dies or abandons her litter. In this case it is important to take action to save their lives.

Things You'll Need

  • Human Baby Nipple
  • 10 cc syringe
  • Bottle
  • KMR kitten milk
  • Esbilac puppy milk
  • Washcloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a human baby nipple onto the end of a 10 cc syringe or bottle.

    • 2

      Fill the syringe with either KMR kitten milk or Esbilac puppy milk. Both work well because they are close to the fat-protein ration of the mother raccoon's milk. Buy the powdered KMR or Esbilac as opposed to the liquid. Keep if refrigerated after opening. You can purchase this milk at a vet clinic or pet store.

    • 3

      Hold the raccoon in an upright position (head at the highest point), not it on his back. Allow the baby raccoon to push against the end of the syringe with his forepaws.

    • 4

      Wash the baby raccoon after every feeding. Wash his face, neck and under his chin with a warm washcloth. Formula can dry like glue, turn hard and stick to his fur. This is very uncomfortable for the raccoon and can result in fur loss.

    • 5

      Feed every two hours for the first 2 weeks of life. From birth to 1 week, they will need 4 to 6 cc's and need to be fed one time during the night. After that (1 to 2 weeks old) feed 6 to 8 cc's; again they will need to be fed one time during the night.

    • 6

      Feed every three hours when they are 2 to 3 weeks old. They will need 15 to 50 cc's. When they are 3 to 4 weeks old give them 50-60 cc's every 3 to 4 hours. You will need a bigger bottle for these feedings.

    • 7

      Feed 60 cc's when they are 4 to 8 weeks old.