(I) Breeding Season
Raccoons are seasonal breeders, meaning that all reproductive processes such as estrus, mating, ejaculation, ovulation, and fertilization occur only during the breeding season. During non-breeding periods, the testes and ovaries remain inactive. The estrus season for quails typically runs from late January to early April, with the peak occurring between late February and early March. During this time, males remain sexually active, while females have a single estrus cycle lasting approximately 10 to 12 days, with estrus itself lasting only 2 to 4 days. As a result, female raccoons experience estrus only once a year.
(B) Sexual Maturity and Estrus
Quails raised in captivity usually reach sexual maturity between 8 to 10 months of age, with males maturing slightly earlier than females. Factors such as genetics, nutrition, ambient temperature, and individual variation can influence the timing of sexual maturity. In the wild, raccoons typically mature between 9 to 10 months. After reaching sexual maturity, the female's reproductive organs undergo a series of synchronized changes. By late September each year, the ovary enters a non-reproductive phase, and follicular development begins. These follicles and eggs continue to develop through the following year, reaching maturity by February when estrus occurs. The entire estrus period lasts from February to early April, with the peak around late February to early March. If mating takes place, the female will enter gestation and lactation; otherwise, she returns to a resting state.
During the breeding season, the external signs of estrus in females can be divided into four stages: pre-estrus, estrus, late estrus, and post-estrus.
In the early stage of estrus, the female’s genitalia begin to change, signaling her readiness to mate. This stage is the shortest, lasting about 4 to 12 days, with some cases extending up to 25 days. In the first 2 to 5 days, the pubic hair separates, the vulva becomes visibly swollen, and the clitoris appears round. By the second to third day, the vulva swells and becomes more elastic, turning pink with reduced wrinkles and increased secretions. At this point, the female is more docile and may emit clear calls, indicating her high sexual desire. This period typically lasts 6 to 9 days, during which the female is restless, walks constantly, has a reduced appetite, and urinates frequently to attract males. She may also make repeated "squeak" or "hum" sounds. Her vulva is swollen, the labia are prominent, and there may be slight wrinkling on either side. The mucous membrane is often dark red or light gray, with some showing edematous discoloration. The clitoris is swollen and may exude thick, yellowish or milky secretions for 2 to 4 days. Most females become very excited, actively approaching males, tilting their tails to allow the male to mount. Some may even sniff the male to show affection. This is the ideal time for mating.
As estrus progresses, the external genitalia gradually return to normal. The labia folds, sexual interest declines, and the female may show aggression toward males. This stage usually lasts 2 to 3 days, though it can extend up to 10 days. The reproductive tract retracts, and the area returns to its pre-estrus condition.
During the off-season, the female's reproductive activity ceases. Her genitalia shrink back to their normal size, and she no longer shows interest in mating.
(III) Breeding Practices
The signs of estrus in females can vary based on feeding, management, environmental conditions, and individual differences. It is crucial to accurately identify estrus, perform timely breeding, and increase fertility and farrowing rates. Estrus identification primarily involves examining the external genitalia, observing sexual behaviors, and conducting trial mating. When estrus begins, the vulva starts to swell and become more prominent, especially during the peak of estrus, when it appears highly swollen and takes on a "10" or "Y" shape. The clitoris is exposed, and secretions are thick. As estrus ends, the vulva contracts, swelling decreases, and secretions reduce, leaving the mucous membranes dry.
In terms of behavior, when a female enters estrus, she may appear restless, move awkwardly, lose her appetite, and frequently urinate. Cage nets are often used to observe her genitalia. During the peak of estrus, she is extremely agitated, has a poor appetite, and continuously emits loud cries. In the late estrus phase, her behavior gradually returns to normal, with improved mood and appetite. When trial mating is introduced, a female in early estrus may play with the male but refuse to mount. However, if the male climbs, she may clamp his tail and attempt to pull him away. Females in full estrus display strong sexual drive, standing on their hind legs and tilting their tails to await mating. If the male is not interested, they may even climb onto him to stimulate him.
Once estrus is confirmed, the best time for mating is when the female does not bite the male, tilts her tail, and waits quietly for him to mount. At this point, immediate mating should be performed to ensure successful reproduction. After mating, mixing the females within 12 to 24 hours can improve fertility. If estrus is nearing its end, two matings per day may be conducted. To enhance breeding success, a method called double or multiple mating can be used, where one female mates with two or more males until she refuses further mating, thereby increasing reproductive efficiency.
(D) Pregnancy
After mating, sperm and egg combine, leading to fertilization. The average gestation period for female raccoons is 54 to 65 days, with an average of 60 to 62 days. Around 10 to 12 days into pregnancy, embryonic development accelerates. At this stage, the mother's appetite increases, and she becomes calmer. From day 25 to 30, the fetus grows to the size of a pigeon egg. By day 40, the female's sacral region begins to swell and sag, and the dorsal ridge becomes sunken. The fur on her ankles stands up, forming a longitudinal crack, and her movements slow down. By day 50 to 55, she starts preparing a nest, often staying in small areas, urinating frequently, and refusing food. During this time, she may emit calls and show signs of discomfort.
(V) Littering
Pups are born in early March, with most births concentrated between mid-April and mid-May, and some extending to mid-June. Most litters occur at night or early in the morning. Before giving birth, the mother may eat 1 to 2 meals less, and the delivery process usually lasts 1 to 2 hours. The average litter size ranges from 6 to 8, with a maximum of 19. Pups are born every 10 to 15 minutes. During labor, the mother drinks frequently, and blood may be visible on the vulva. After birth, she quickly bites the umbilical cord, eats the placenta, and licks the pups clean. She then nurses them, and the young emit soft "sweeping" sounds. Newborns weigh between 100 to 150 grams. Within 1 to 2 hours, they start to grow fur and begin searching for nipples, suckling milk approximately every 6 to 8 hours. After giving birth, the mother remains in the nest for 1 to 3 days, eating and resting. By day 9 to 12, the pups open their eyes; by day 16, their incisors and molars emerge. By day 16 to 20, their bellies turn brown, and by day 25, they start eating solid food. They are weaned at 50 to 60 days and become independent. Some diseases may occur, and preventive measures for canine distemper, rabies, and other illnesses are similar to those used for dogs.
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