Orphan raccoon, anyone else raise one with chickens?

[raingarden]

Off topic a bit, but can I just ask about your pet skunks? I've toyed (literally, I'm almost certain it would never actually happen, let alone if it's even legal here) with having a pet skunk and I've just gotta know some more information from someone who has actually had one

Skunks are nocturnal. They will sleep all day and pace back and forth all night. They do not litter train. They show absolutely no affection and bite like a squirrel Even with the scent glands removed they stink. That skunk may have been the worst pet we ever had..... although it was the racoon that skinned and ate the calico kitten.

 

[Gizabelle]

..... although it was the racoon that skinned and ate the calico kitten.

**Results may vary**

This was taken 5 years ago and these two still snuggle. They have been together since he was a tiny kitten.
Can horrible things happen? Of course... but that doesn't mean that it is a foregone conclusion in every case.

On the whole though, yes... raccoons should not be kept as pets. Can there be situations in which it is necessary and through education and accommodation it leads to a fulfilled life for all involved? Also Yes. BUT you have to know what you're doing, be willing to learn everything you can get your hands on, make sacrifices and concessions, and commit to the animal. Truly NOT for everyone.

While I have no personal experience with skunks, I have known several people who have kept them and had far more positive experiences than the one you have related. I met a few myself and they were incredibly gentle (and litter trained)

My main takeaway from captive wildlife situations that work vs do not work: cages. You are never guaranteed a good experience with captive wildlife, but if you put them in a cage, you can go ahead an expect a bad one. A wild animal kept in a small cage will be miserable, aggressive and dangerous. And IMO, that is completely understandable.. they are highly intelligent, social creatures and ignoring their basic need for space and mental stimulation amounts to cruelty. If you can find a way to share your own space with them and make them a part of your family and life, you've got a much better shot at a good outcome.

But again... just don't get one.

 

[MarysAviaryHeartAndZoo]

Just FYI, this thread is over a year old. If you realized that and just wanted to comment, feel free to ignore me!

Lol! I see that. Might as well keep it going for continued knowledge on the subject. I bet a researcher could write books with all the info found in these forums

 

[centrarchid]

**Results may vary**

View attachment 3324319

This was taken 5 years ago and these two still snuggle. They have been together since he was a tiny kitten.
Can horrible things happen? Of course... but that doesn't mean that it is a foregone conclusion in every case.

On the whole though, yes... raccoons should not be kept as pets. Can there be situations in which it is necessary and through education and accommodation it leads to a fulfilled life for all involved? Also Yes. BUT you have to know what you're doing, be willing to learn everything you can get your hands on, make sacrifices and concessions, and commit to the animal. Truly NOT for everyone.

While I have no personal experience with skunks, I have known several people who have kept them and had far more positive experiences than the one you have related. I met a few myself and they were incredibly gentle (and litter trained)

My main takeaway from captive wildlife situations that work vs do not work: cages. You are never guaranteed a good experience with captive wildlife, but if you put them in a cage, you can go ahead an expect a bad one. A wild animal kept in a small cage will be miserable, aggressive and dangerous. And IMO, that is completely understandable.. they are highly intelligent, social creatures and ignoring their basic need for space and mental stimulation amounts to cruelty. If you can find a way to share your own space with them and make them a part of your family and life, you've got a much better shot at a good outcome.

But again... just don't get one.

I kept raccoons several times as a kid. Husbandry evolved from total confinement to no confinement. Latter end of spectrum worked best for me. They do not have some of the inhibitions for expressing negative emotions towards people that domesticated pets have and mine never lost interest in going after chickens even when well fed.

 

[MarysAviaryHeartAndZoo]

I kept raccoons several times as a kid. Husbandry evolved from total confinement to no confinement. Latter end of spectrum worked best for me. They do not have some of the inhibitions for expressing negative emotions towards people that domesticated pets have and mine never lost interest in going after chickens even when well fed.

Oh goodness. Animals are hardwired to be the way they are, with consideration to evolution. There’s a reason why some aren’t domesticated and shouldn’t be. Your example is a great one! No matter how much you nurture and baby them, they will always be raccoons.

 

[centrarchid]

Oh goodness. Animals are hardwired to be the way they are, with consideration to evolution. There’s a reason why some aren’t domesticated and shouldn’t be. Your example is a great one! No matter how much you nurture and baby them, they will always be raccoons.

I'm confident with enough time I could selectively breed for domestication with reduced aggression and predatory motivations. Wolves to dogs and now red fox to water ever the Russian guy developed.

 

[Gizabelle]

I kept raccoons several times as a kid. Husbandry evolved from total confinement to no confinement. Latter end of spectrum worked best for me. They do not have some of the inhibitions for expressing negative emotions towards people that domesticated pets have and mine never lost interest in going after chickens even when well fed.

I should have added that mine is indoor only (with run of most of the house). In my state the animal must be contained to be kept legally, so interaction with my chickens has never occurred. I can see how it would be a major problem if you're in an ideal situation to let them come and go as they please.. you can provide all the food and human interaction you want, but you can't expect that to nullify instinct.

My issue is the folks that think they can keep them in a parrot cage and only let them out once a day for a few minutes... recipe for disaster (and down right cruel)

 

[centrarchid]

I should have added that mine is indoor only (with run of most of the house). In my state the animal must be contained to be kept legally, so interaction with my chickens has never occurred. I can see how it would be a major problem if you're in an ideal situation to let them come and go as they please.. you can provide all the food and human interaction you want, but you can't expect that to nullify instinct.

My issue is the folks that think they can keep them in a parrot cage and only let them out once a day for a few minutes... recipe for disaster (and down right cruel)

Mine quickly graduated to eating natural foods and by first fall of life were able to be independent. They were also larger than typical for their age because nutrition was not limiting and they were treated for parasites like you would do a dog. The going after chickens was not instinct as far as I could tell, rather they just liked to explore and gain new experiences all the time.