Hey all, I saw Rory's post in the classifieds section. I would like to clarify now that I have no intention of purchasing a racoon as I wouldn't have the first idea of how to look after one

However, I'm a bit o a sponge when it comes to learning about animals and I really enjoy it so off I went to research them. I learnt lots about raccoons in the wild, but found very little on raccoons in captivity.

I read that they're very destructive, they like to run off with anything that looks interesting and that they can get moody and bite people but that's about it

I was just wondering if any of you lovely people knew anything about their care? For example what sort of housing do they need? What do they eat? How is their temprement(sp?) etc..or basically just anything you know Thank you very much

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clicky


Member number 4746!

On - TSKA there is a care guide, not one for keeping them indoors though.

If you do ever wish to own a raccoon i would advise a lot of research beforehand.

On the link above there is a page that says [raccoon attack] i would read that and see what you think.

I have contemplated many times of keeping raccoons as a exotic, but i always decide against the idea. Not that i feel they should not be kept, just the fact of what can go wrong.

John

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hi,

Since moving to the new website, l am still having to get used to the editing tools on/in it.

The site is still awaiting the inclusion of the galleries [many thanks to those who supplied photos of your animals, they will be up soon] and of course there is content work to be done with the care guides.

Racoon Attack needs to be rewritten and have the photos included, and the actual care guide for racoons does need to be re adressed.

I kept racoons for about 4 years, they were hand reared as youngsters and then lived togather in a pair. The attack came through in hindsight, my own negligence - and whilst initially l thought they were responsible, that is an immediate reaction, l was responsible.

My male had become sexually active through age, and l stupidly touched the female, although ironically what triggered him, was me pulling back a twenty pound note he had pulled out of my pocket!

Racoons as a pair as in male and female together, should be kept outside in a suitably sized enclosure, racoons as singles, l believe could be kept as a house exotic, and l know quite a few keepers who have this set up. This is not saying that they can not be kept outside anymore than they can be kept indoors, but it is saying that there should be an alternative style of housing if they are to be classed as a house exotic, for the times that the owner is not present.

I will shortly rewrite the care guide for the keeping of racoons in both indoor as well as outdoor keeping.

R

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That would be very interesting,

Thanks.

John

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Thanks guys Just read the care guide and the raccoon attack on TSKA, wouldn't fancy being mauled by one myself, sounds scary!

One of the things I read on an American website was that the owners had to purchase public liability insurance in case the raccoon bit a visitor, now I know why!

They're very interesting and intelligent animals, but I wouldn't personally trust an animal that could turn so quickly roaming around the house

I look forward to seeing the updates

Very grateful to you

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clicky


Member number 4746!

Thats not a problem mate,

I would love nothing more than to keep raccons, but the thing that always discourages me is the fact they are able to turn so quickly and do a sufficient amount of damage.

John

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Same here, although saying that I plan on getting a DWA and owning a caiman in the very distant future But I suppose at least with a caiman you KNOW it'll be nasty haha. As for raccoons, Id rather get a ferret or (also in the future) a skunk

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clicky


Member number 4746!

I used to keep and work with Raccoons.... i helped to hand-rear a baby... which came to live with me after they came off DWA...

I would just like to say that, IMO they should of never come off the DWA due to them having tremendous jaw pressure and incredible agility...

People seem to be having more interest now they arnt on the DWA, and its quite scary...

PM me if you want more info

Thanks

Dec

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My field is with apex predators, hence your crocodiles, your snakes, your spiders. -Steve Irwin

I would have to agree with you, with regards to them being taken off the DWA. They must have been on it for a reason.

I do not think peolpe should not keep them as they are a wonderfull species.

John

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completely agree with them being taken off the DWA, silly thing to do really :S out of interest does anyone know WHY they were taken off?

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clicky


Member number 4746!