Before you get your baby

Getting a new baby raccoon can be quite the intimidating process. We hope that the information and supplies list provided will get you off to a good start.

Supplies Needed:

• Milk Replacer, Fox Valley Day One 40/25 - This product is available on Amazon sometimes. However, if you order directly from Fox Valley it will be cheaper and more readily available. They usually ship next business day and it'll arrive in a couple days. PLEASE order well in advance. We recommend you purchase at least the 3.5 lbs size.

• Baby bottle with medium flow nipple - The slow flow (0+) will clog way too easily, and the fast flow is typically too fast for younger babies and will lead to aspiration. As the baby grows and is drinking a lot more, you may consider switching to fast flow. We typically use medium flow until weaning.

• Fleece blankets - You will want a lot. Fleece is recommended as it will not fray and will reduce the risk of your baby getting wrapped up in threads. If holes develop, stop using that blanket or cut that section off. You don't want your baby getting its head or leg stuck.

• Puppy pads - You can use this under the fleece blankets or on one side of the enclosure while small. They will typically sleep in the blankets and move over and potty on the pads. This will help keep things clean and tidy.

• Cat nail clippers - Baby nails grow fast and are very sharp. You will want to keep them clipped weekly on average if you want to avoid your hands and arms being shredded during bottle feedings. You will just take the sharp tip off. Be careful not to cut too short and get the nail quick which will be painful to the baby and will make it bleed. If you do accidentally cut too short, take note of the error, put pressure on the nail with some paper towel and it will stop soon enough. Then just cut off less on the other other nails. Amazon has and option to order but you can also find these at Dollar Tree as well.

• Baby nest/enclosure - What is appropriate will greatly depend on the age of your baby when you get it. Younger babies are significantly less mobile and don't require much space but will still be able to climb out of an open space. Older babies will need more space but floor space is more important than climbing space and additional levels. As your baby gets older, is mobile, climbing, etc, then you can move into an adult enclosure. You will want to ensure your baby cannot escape, get stuck in any part of the enclosure, and it should be easy to clean. If you are unsure what to use, or if what you plan to use will be ok, just ask.

• Kitchen Scale - We recommend you have one of these so that you can accurately keep track of your baby’s weight. This is important for tracking growth and for medication dosing. Any option you find should work just fine, you don’t have to use the linked option.

• Thermometer - You will need a way to measure the temperature of the baby’s bottle. A human or meat thermometer will work for this.

• Medications - Your baby will need a variety of meds now and as it gets older. Here is what we recommend and when to use each. If you need help with medication dosing, just ask vs just guessing or hoping you figured it out right if you’re unsure.

  • Dewormer - Safe-Guard, Fenbendazole - This will be given at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks old. Dosing regimen will be 0.2 mL per pound which is the same as 0.01 mL per ounce. Use a 1 mL oral syringe for this. You can probably get one at your local pharmacy counter just by asking. NOTE: Does not protect against fleas, ticks, or tapeworms

  • Dewormer/Flea/Heart Worm Prevention - Assurity Plus (generic Advantage Multi) - You will want to order the small dog size. This is a once monthly medication and should be started at 9-10 weeks old. As your raccoon grows into an adult, get the correct dog weight version of the med. NOTE: Does not protect against ticks or tapeworms.

• Vaccinations - Raccoons do not have species specific vaccinations that are available to purchase. They are able to contract viruses from both dogs and cats so they need to be vaccinated for both. Here is the regimen that we recommend with links to order them if you choose to administer these yourself. If you are uncomfortable giving your the vaccinations, please let your vet know that the raccoon will need covered, at minimum, for feline distemper, canine distemper, and parvovirus.

  • Focus Cat Vax 3 - You will need to order 3 doses.

  • Canine Spectra 5 - You will need to order 3 doses.

  • The above 2 vaccinations should be given at the same time, in opposite sides of the body (each shoulder area, or neck and thigh) at age 10 weeks, 13 weeks, and 16 weeks.

  • Rabies - Most vets will recommend you rabies vaccinate. If you and your vet decide to vaccinate for rabies, this will be one that your vet will provide.