Exotic pets are fashionable and fun. They want to brag in front of friends, post photos on Instagram and surprise passers-by while walking on the street. Everything is wonderful when it comes to a harmless chinchilla or even an insanely active ferret. But to keep a raccoon at home? Are you serious?
MINUSES OF LIVING WITH A RACCOON
We made a list of the main drawbacks of this wild but charming animal, and it turned out to be impressive. Even if we don't take into account the complexity of the purchase and the cost of the puppy, there are still a few things that cannot be crossed out.
A raccoon bites and scratches
If you have children under 7 years of age or are just thinking about buying a baby, forget about buying a wild animal. Even after many years in the family, it will not become safe. By the way, raccoon bites are very painful.
A raccoon doesn't get along well with other animals
Well, dogs or cats are still a possibility of living together (but not friendships), especially if you keep them in different rooms. But birds, fish, and rodents are destined to become food for new pets.
A raccoon is a night animal
Which means, no matter how well they feed him, he'll be looking for food at night. Or chew on furniture. Or yell about how sad, hungry, and lonely he is.
A raccoon marks the territory
It is impossible to get off with a diaper or a tray, as well as to learn to walk in one designated corner. He also chews on everything that comes in handy - furniture, wires, equipment and guests.
And that's not all
Which of your acquaintances will agree to stay with the raccoon when you go on vacation? And if you take it with you, how to take it and how to draw up documents? Where can I find a specialized veterinarian?
THE BENEFITS OF LIVING WITH A RACCOON
It's not that sad! This animal is probably full of advantages, judging by the fact that the number of families who bought a raccoon puppy in the family has increased several times in recent years, especially abroad.
We have identified such advantages:
A raccoon looks very nice.
It's fun to watch.
Most likely, none of your acquaintances contain raccoons. That means it's an original idea.
By the way, they live at home for about 12-16 years, which is not enough.
And yet, if buying a raccoon - your old dream and no arguments "against" for a long time, it is worth thinking! After all, it is up to you to decide.
KEEPING A RACCOON AT HOME
Home improvement
It's an active and playful creature that needs a lot of space. Don't believe it if you hear that raccoons live in cages - that's not true. A cage is needed, but only for transportation. For the rest of the time, you will have to allocate a separate room or a spacious enclosure.
If the first option suits you, prepare the room carefully. Get rid of anything that the animal can destroy, chew or eat. Believe me, he'll do it as soon as he can. Not out of harm's way, but out of character.
Put in bowls for water and food, equip a soft bed for sleep and be sure to take care of toys. Rings, hammocks, pipes - everything will work. When buying toys, pay attention to the size, too small balls may accidentally swallow.
Temperature and humidity matter. If it is a street aviary, remember that when the air temperature drops to zero, the raccoon will have to be transferred to the house. It shouldn't be too hot in summer and the animal shouldn't be kept in direct sunlight!
Than to feed a raccoon
In the wild, the animal feeds on meat - small rodents that can be caught, lizards, frogs, birds, and fish. He enjoys eating vegetables, fruits, cereals and if he finds one, honey.
At home, the diet is about the same:
Meat without fat, chicken, turkey. It is possible to give raw, but only if you are sure of its quality, the purchased can contain worms.
Fish, except red.
Vegetables, fruits, and berries.
Tvorog and fermented milk products.
Oatmeal and buckwheat porridge.
Like all pets, raccoons cannot be fed with food from the table, spicy, fried, salty food, bread, and buns. And please don't give me too many cookies!
WHERE TO BUY A RACCOON
What do people who decide to buy a pet do? In most cases, they look on the Internet! Be careful, some breeders do not sell relatively gentle pets, but adults who have been taken out of their natural habitat by poachers.
It's a good idea to find out where the raccoon owners are and where they're selling them, or maybe pick up the puppy that was born.
Once you've chosen a salesperson, be sure to ask about your pet's parents, look at the photos, and find out about your pet's medical history. Don't trust the courier, pick up the raccoon yourself and be sure to talk to your puppy before you buy it - he should be playful and frightening.https://petsfusion.com/news/236/mozhno-li-derzhat-enota-doma/