Baby Raccoon Care: A Guide To Feeding Orphaned Raccoons

Sep 4, 2025 by Luna Greco 56 views

Hey guys! Finding a baby raccoon can be both adorable and a little daunting, especially when they need your help to survive. If you've stumbled upon an orphaned baby raccoon, your first instinct is probably to feed it, which is fantastic! But, it's super important to know how to feed a baby raccoon properly to ensure their health and well-being. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about feeding baby raccoons, from understanding their dietary needs to setting up a raccoon feeding schedule and choosing the right raccoon formula. We'll also cover essential aspects of baby raccoon care and what to do if you find an orphaned raccoon. So, let's dive in and learn how to give these little masked bandits the best start in life!

Understanding Baby Raccoon Dietary Needs

Before you even think about picking up a bottle, it's crucial to understand what do baby raccoons eat. Just like human babies, raccoons have specific nutritional requirements that change as they grow. Newborn raccoons, up to about four weeks old, rely entirely on their mother’s milk for sustenance. This milk is packed with essential antibodies and nutrients that help them develop and thrive. Trying to feed them solid food at this stage is a big no-no, as their digestive systems simply aren't ready for it.

The Importance of Proper Nutrition:

Proper nutrition is paramount for the healthy development of baby raccoons. A balanced diet ensures strong bone growth, a robust immune system, and healthy organ function. Deficiencies in essential nutrients can lead to serious health problems, including metabolic bone disease, which can cause painful deformities and even death. So, you see, feeding baby raccoons isn't just about filling their tummies; it's about providing them with the building blocks for a healthy life.

Key Nutritional Stages:

Newborns (0-4 weeks): These little guys are entirely dependent on milk. Their eyes are usually closed for the first few weeks, and they need frequent feedings around the clock. The right raccoon formula is crucial during this stage.
Young Infants (4-8 weeks): As their eyes open and they become more active, their nutritional needs increase. They still rely primarily on formula but may start showing interest in soft, easily digestible foods.
Older Infants (8-12 weeks): At this stage, baby raccoons start to wean off formula and transition to more solid foods. Their diet should include a variety of foods, mimicking what they would eat in the wild, such as fruits, vegetables, and protein sources.

Why Cow's Milk is a No-Go:

I want to stress this: Never, ever feed a baby raccoon cow's milk. Cow's milk simply doesn't have the right balance of nutrients for raccoons and can cause severe digestive upset and malnutrition. It lacks the high fat and protein content that raccoon babies need to grow strong. Think of it like giving a newborn human baby water instead of formula – it just won't cut it. Always opt for a specially formulated raccoon milk replacer to ensure they get the nutrition they need.

Choosing the Right Raccoon Formula

Okay, so now you know that proper nutrition is the name of the game, and cow's milk is off the table. The next step is to choose the right raccoon formula. Luckily, there are several excellent options available, but it's important to pick one that closely mimics the composition of raccoon milk. These formulas are typically available at wildlife rehabilitation centers, veterinary clinics, and online retailers specializing in animal care products.

Recommended Formulas:

Esbilac Puppy Milk Replacer: This is a widely used and trusted formula for a variety of orphaned mammals, including raccoons. It's readily available and provides a good balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
Fox Valley Animal Nutrition Milk Matrix 33/40: This formula is specifically designed for raccoons and offers an even closer match to their natural milk composition. It's a bit more specialized and may be a bit harder to find, but it's an excellent choice if you can get your hands on it.
Zoologic Milk Matrix 30/55: Another great option, this formula is often recommended by wildlife rehabilitators due to its high fat content, which is crucial for raccoon development.

Preparing the Formula:

Always follow the instructions on the formula packaging carefully. Each formula has slightly different mixing instructions, and it's vital to get the concentration right. Too much or too little powder can lead to digestive problems or nutritional deficiencies. Typically, you'll need to mix the powder with warm, purified water. Use a clean bottle and nipple specifically designed for small animals. Human baby bottles can work in a pinch, but specialized nipples for wildlife often have a better flow rate for raccoons.

Hygiene is Key:

Just like with human babies, hygiene is paramount when preparing and feeding baby raccoons. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling the formula or the baby. Sterilize bottles and nipples between feedings to prevent bacterial infections. This is especially important for young raccoons, whose immune systems are still developing.

Warming the Formula:

Never feed a baby raccoon cold formula. It can cause digestive upset and make them uncomfortable. The formula should be warmed to body temperature, which is around 100-105°F (38-40°C). You can warm the bottle by placing it in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Always test the temperature of the formula on your wrist before feeding to ensure it's not too hot. It should feel lukewarm, not scalding.

Establishing a Raccoon Feeding Schedule

Now that you've got the right formula and know how to prepare it, let's talk about raccoon feeding schedule. Newborn raccoons need frequent feedings, just like human babies. The frequency and amount of each feeding will depend on the raccoon's age and weight. It's essential to establish a consistent feeding schedule to ensure they get enough nutrition and to help them develop healthy digestion patterns.

Feeding Frequency by Age:

0-2 weeks: Every 2-3 hours around the clock, including nighttime feedings.
2-4 weeks: Every 4 hours during the day and once or twice at night.
4-6 weeks: Every 5-6 hours during the day, with no nighttime feedings unless the raccoon seems hungry.
6-8 weeks: 4-5 feedings per day.
8+ weeks: 3-4 feedings per day, gradually reducing the amount of formula as you introduce solid foods.

How Much to Feed:

As a general guideline, baby raccoons should consume about 5% of their body weight in formula per feeding. However, it's crucial to monitor their behavior and adjust the amount accordingly. If they seem hungry after finishing the bottle, you can offer a little more. If they are turning their heads away or refusing the nipple, they've likely had enough.

Recognizing Signs of Hunger:

Baby raccoons are pretty vocal when they're hungry. They'll often cry, whine, or try to suckle on anything they can find. It's best to feed them before they get too distressed. Regular feeding schedule will help you anticipate their needs and prevent them from becoming overly hungry.

The Importance of Proper Posture:

Just like with human babies, it's important to hold a baby raccoon in the correct posture during feeding. Never feed a raccoon on its back, as this can cause them to aspirate (inhale formula into their lungs), which can lead to pneumonia. Hold the baby in an upright or slightly angled position, as if they were nursing from their mother. This allows them to swallow comfortably and reduces the risk of aspiration.

The Feeding Process: Step-by-Step

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of how to feed a baby raccoon! Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth and successful feeding session:

Prepare the Formula: Follow the instructions on the formula packaging to mix the powder with warm water. Make sure the formula is at the correct temperature (around 100-105°F or 38-40°C).
Gather Your Supplies: You'll need the prepared formula, a clean bottle and nipple, a soft cloth or towel, and a quiet, comfortable space.
Position the Raccoon: Hold the baby raccoon in an upright or slightly angled position. Support their head and neck with one hand.
Introduce the Nipple: Gently touch the nipple to the raccoon's lips. They should instinctively start to suckle. If they don't, try gently stroking their cheek or tapping the nipple against their mouth.
Pace the Feeding: Allow the raccoon to feed at their own pace. Don't force the nipple into their mouth or squeeze the bottle to rush the feeding. Watch for signs that they're full, such as turning their head away or slowing down their suckling.
Burp the Raccoon: Just like with human babies, raccoons can get gassy after feeding. Gently burp them by holding them upright against your shoulder and patting their back gently.
Clean Up: After feeding, clean the raccoon's face with a damp cloth to remove any spilled formula. Wash and sterilize the bottle and nipple for the next feeding.

Troubleshooting Feeding Challenges:

Sometimes, feeding baby raccoons can present some challenges. Here are a few common issues and how to address them:

Refusal to Feed: If a baby raccoon refuses to eat, it could be due to several reasons, such as illness, discomfort, or a dislike of the formula. Try warming the formula slightly or changing the nipple. If the problem persists, consult a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator.
Gagging or Choking: If a raccoon is gagging or choking, stop feeding immediately and hold them upside down, gently patting their back to help dislodge any formula. Ensure you're holding them in the correct position during feeding to prevent this.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea can be a sign of overfeeding or a reaction to the formula. Reduce the amount of formula per feeding and ensure you're using the correct concentration. If diarrhea continues, seek veterinary advice.

Weaning and Introducing Solid Foods

As baby raccoons grow, they'll gradually wean off formula and start to eat solid foods. This transition typically begins around 8-10 weeks of age. It's important to introduce solid foods gradually to avoid digestive upset and to ensure they're getting a balanced diet.

Signs of Readiness for Solid Foods:

Showing interest in your food
Trying to grab food from your hand
Teeth are starting to come in
Increased activity and appetite

Recommended Solid Foods:

Soft Fruits: Mashed bananas, cooked applesauce, and pureed berries are excellent first foods.
Cooked Vegetables: Steamed sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas are nutritious and easy to digest.
Protein Sources: Cooked and shredded chicken, scrambled eggs, and fish are good sources of protein. You can also offer high-quality kitten food, which is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of growing animals.
Commercial Raccoon Food: Some specialized raccoon food blends are available, which provide a balanced diet.

Creating a Balanced Diet:

A balanced diet for a weaning raccoon should consist of a mix of fruits, vegetables, and protein sources. Aim for a diet that's similar to what they would eat in the wild. This might include nuts, berries, insects, and small rodents (though you don't necessarily need to provide the latter in a rehabilitation setting!).

Transitioning Gradually:

Start by offering small amounts of solid food alongside their regular formula feedings. Gradually increase the amount of solid food and decrease the amount of formula as they become more interested in eating solids. You can mash or puree the food initially to make it easier to eat. Make sure they always have access to fresh water.

Monitoring Their Progress:

Keep a close eye on the raccoon's weight and overall health during the weaning process. They should continue to gain weight steadily. If they experience digestive upset or weight loss, adjust their diet accordingly. It's always a good idea to consult with a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian for guidance.

Important Considerations for Orphaned Raccoon Care

Okay, we've covered the ins and outs of feeding baby raccoons, but there are a few other crucial aspects of orphaned raccoon care that you need to keep in mind. Remember, raising a wild animal is a big responsibility, and it's important to provide them with the best possible care to ensure their survival.

Legality and Permits:

Before you take in a baby raccoon, it's essential to check your local laws and regulations. In many areas, it's illegal to keep wildlife without the proper permits. Contact your local wildlife agency or animal control to find out what's required in your area. If you're not able to obtain the necessary permits, the best thing to do is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who can provide the raccoon with the care it needs.

Creating a Suitable Environment:

Baby raccoons need a warm, safe, and comfortable environment to thrive. A large crate or kennel lined with soft bedding is ideal. Provide them with plenty of blankets or towels to burrow in, as well as some toys to play with. Keep the enclosure clean and dry to prevent the spread of disease.

Hygiene and Disease Prevention:

Hygiene is critical when caring for baby raccoons. They can carry diseases that are transmissible to humans, such as rabies and roundworm. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling them or cleaning their enclosure. Wear gloves when handling their feces or urine. Consult with a veterinarian about vaccinations and deworming protocols.

Socialization and Enrichment:

Raccoons are social animals, and baby raccoons need interaction and enrichment to develop properly. If you're caring for multiple raccoons, they'll naturally socialize with each other. If you're caring for a single raccoon, spend time playing with them and providing them with stimulating activities. Offer them toys, such as puzzle feeders or chew toys, to keep them entertained.

Preparing for Release:

The ultimate goal of orphaned raccoon care is to release them back into the wild. This requires careful planning and preparation. As the raccoon grows, gradually introduce them to the outdoors. Provide them with opportunities to explore their natural environment and learn essential survival skills, such as foraging for food and building a den. Work with a wildlife rehabilitator to determine the best time and location for release.

When to Seek Professional Help

While this guide provides a wealth of information on how to feed a baby raccoon, there are situations where you'll need to seek professional help. Wildlife rehabilitation is a specialized field, and licensed rehabilitators have the knowledge and experience to provide the best possible care for orphaned animals.

Signs That a Raccoon Needs Professional Care:

Visible Injuries: If the raccoon has any visible injuries, such as broken bones, open wounds, or head trauma, it needs immediate veterinary care.
Illness: Signs of illness in baby raccoons include lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian right away.
Extreme Weakness or Dehydration: If the raccoon is very weak or dehydrated, it needs immediate medical attention. Dehydration can be life-threatening for young animals.
Inability to Stand or Walk: If the raccoon is unable to stand or walk properly, it may have a neurological problem or an injury that requires professional treatment.
Unresponsiveness: If the raccoon is unresponsive or not reacting to stimuli, it's a sign of a serious medical condition.

Finding a Wildlife Rehabilitator:

If you find a baby raccoon in need of help, the best thing to do is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. These professionals are trained to care for injured and orphaned animals and can provide them with the specialized care they need. You can find a wildlife rehabilitator in your area by contacting your local wildlife agency, animal control, or humane society. Many states also have online directories of licensed rehabilitators.

The Importance of Professional Expertise:

Wildlife rehabilitation is a complex field that requires specialized knowledge and skills. Rehabilitators understand the specific nutritional and medical needs of different species, and they have the resources to provide them with the best possible care. They also play a crucial role in educating the public about wildlife conservation and promoting responsible interactions with animals.

Final Thoughts

Caring for a baby raccoon is a challenging but rewarding experience. By following the guidelines in this article, you can provide these little guys with the nourishment and care they need to thrive. Remember, proper feeding is just one piece of the puzzle. You also need to provide a safe environment, practice good hygiene, and prepare them for a successful return to the wild. And, most importantly, don't hesitate to seek professional help when needed. Together, we can give these orphaned raccoons a second chance at a wild and wonderful life!