Young raccoons are born with their eyes closed and rely entirely on their mother for survival. Consistent and appropriate nutrition is crucial for their growth during these early weeks. Understanding their unique dietary needs and feeding patterns is essential for their care, ensuring proper development as they transition from dependency to independence.
Feeding Frequency by Age
The feeding frequency for baby raccoons changes with age, adapting to their rapid growth and developing digestive systems. Newborn raccoons, up to two weeks old, are completely dependent on milk and require very frequent feedings. They need to be fed every two to three hours, including overnight, due to their small stomach capacity and high metabolic rate.
From two to four weeks of age, feeding intervals extend slightly but remain frequent. Raccoons in this age group may be fed every three to four hours during the day, with one or two feedings overnight. Their bodies continue to demand regular nourishment to fuel growth and the opening of their eyes, which typically occurs around three weeks. Activity levels also increase.
Between four and eight weeks old, baby raccoons show more independence, and their feeding schedule adjusts further. They can typically go four to six hours between feedings during the day and may not require overnight feedings. This is because their digestive systems mature, allowing them to consume larger quantities per feeding. At this stage, they explore their surroundings more actively, and their high growth rate still requires consistent caloric intake.
Once they reach eight weeks of age and beyond, their feeding frequency continues to decrease as they approach weaning. Young raccoons at this stage can manage longer intervals between meals, typically every six to eight hours. This reduced frequency aligns with their increasing ability to digest more substantial meals and their natural progression towards self-sufficiency.
Dietary Needs and Development
A baby raccoon’s diet changes significantly as it grows, transitioning from an exclusive milk diet to varied solid foods. Very young raccoons, from birth until about four to five weeks of age, rely solely on a specialized milk replacer. This replacer is formulated to meet their specific nutritional requirements, mimicking the high fat and protein content of a mother raccoon’s milk. It is different from cow’s milk or other animal milks.
As they approach four to five weeks old, and especially from six to eight weeks, a gradual introduction of soft solid foods begins. This transition might involve small amounts of pureed fruits, vegetables, or soft, high-quality kibble softened with milk replacer or water. This gradual process helps their digestive systems adapt to new textures and nutrients. The consistency of these initial solid foods is important to prevent choking and ensure proper digestion.
By eight to twelve weeks, young raccoons increasingly consume solid foods and reduce their milk intake. Their diet naturally broadens to include items they would forage for in the wild. This includes insects, small amphibians, berries, nuts, and various plant materials. This diverse diet provides the necessary vitamins, minerals, and energy for their continued growth and the development of foraging skills.
As they near independence, typically around four to five months of age, their diet closely resembles that of adult raccoons. They actively seek a wide range of natural foods, demonstrating their developing foraging abilities. This includes seasonal fruits, acorns, crayfish, and even small rodents or bird eggs. Their digestive system is fully mature, allowing them to process the varied components of a wild raccoon’s diet.
What to Do If You Find a Baby Raccoon
Encountering a baby raccoon requires observation from a distance. A mother raccoon often leaves her young temporarily while foraging and will return to retrieve them. Giving the mother space and time, sometimes for several hours or even overnight, increases the chance of a natural reunion. Direct intervention should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Attempting to feed or care for a baby raccoon yourself is generally not advisable due to the specialized knowledge and resources required. Raccoons carry various diseases, some transmissible to humans, and improper feeding can lead to severe health issues for the young animal. Wildlife regulations vary by location, and it may be illegal to possess wild animals without proper licensing.
If a baby raccoon appears injured, orphaned, or abandoned after prolonged observation, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, animal control, or your local humane society. These professionals have the expertise and permits to provide appropriate care. They offer the specialized diet, medical attention, and eventual rehabilitation required for the raccoon to be successfully released back into the wild.
Wildlife rehabilitators are trained to assess the raccoon’s condition, provide species-specific nutrition, and ensure the animal develops natural behaviors needed for survival. Their involvement helps ensure the well-being of the animal and minimizes potential risks to both humans and wildlife populations. They are equipped to handle the complexities of raising wild animals for release.