Got Raccoons?

[CrealCritter]

I discovered I have a momma and 5 babies living in my chimney clean out, in my basement. I would move them but the babies eyes aren't even open yet. So I just closed and latched the door.

They are so cute and can't get into the basement, so I think I'll just leave them alone. They will leave on their own sooner or later.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Ahhhh - so cute! And really good of you to give them a chance to grow up!

 

[Beekissed]

...and go right out there and eat your chickens.

 

[CrealCritter]

...and go right out there and eat your chickens.

I thought about that also... I'm going to take my chances. My outside hunting dog takes pretty good care of my chickens. Beside I'm thinking hard about raising up one of the male babies as a pet. My wife and daughter are trying their best to talk me into it, they keep say "their so cute".

 

[Britesea]

If you want one as a pet, you need to take it from mama very soon... otherwise it will never get tame.

 

[baymule]

I had a pet raccoon when I was a kid. I finally had to turn him loose, he didn't get mean, just acted like a raccoon.

 

[CrealCritter]

If you want one as a pet, you need to take it from mama very soon... otherwise it will never get tame.

You mean if my wife wants one as a pet

 

[baymule]

My pet raccoon would crawl in the refrigerator when my Momma opened it and start helping himself. Mom would scream for me to come get the coon. He also loaded himself in the dishwasher, and the pantry. He made a mess in the garage, dumping out my Dad's myriad of jars and cans holding screws and nails. He just got too wild, acting like a raccoon acts.

 

[Beekissed]

Yep...unless you are in it for the long haul, best not to tame one down and then have to get rid of it. Then it's familiar with humans, will approach one and they will think it's rabied and kill it.

Best leave the wildlife as wild life.

 

[Lazy Gardener]

Wait till the stink of them invades your living space. As Bee says, those babies will grow up to be predators. If I were you, I'd live trap the Mama, and then take her and babies to a game preserve. Beware, coons can carry some nasty disease.