When Can Baby Racoons Eat Solid Food?
Baby raccoons, also known as kits, typically open their eyes at about 30 days old and start to eat solid foods shortly thereafter. Though the exact time can vary, generally kits eat solid food starting from 6-7 weeks old.
Weaning
Raccoons generally wean shortly after they begin to eat solid food. Many mothers may encourage the process by withholding milk or providing smaller amounts over a period of time. This can be especially helpful if the mother is raising multiple kits since she may lack sufficient milk to feed them all.
Solid Foods
Once kits are ready to eat solid food, they can begin to eat what their mothers eats. This types of food they eat can include:
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- Fruits – blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, apples, etc.
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- Vegetables – lettuce, tomatoes, bell peppers, etc.
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- Insects – crickets, mealworms, flies, etc.
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- Berries – blackberries, elderberries, etc.
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- Fish – trout, catfish, salmon, etc.
Kits can also be fed a commercial raccoon diet consisting of proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
In short, most kits will eat solid food from around 6-7 weeks of age. Their diet typically consists of the same types of food that their mother eats, though commercial raccoon food can also be fed.
Remember that raccoons are wild animals and should never be kept as pets. If there are wild raccoons residing in your area, discourage them from living near your property by removing any potential food sources.