Coatimundi (coati) A member of the family "Procyonidae" the genus "Nasua" and species "nasua". Coatimundi (Nausua nausua). The Coati is indigenous to Central and South America, the Big Bend areas of Texas, and parts of southern Arizona. In the wild their habitats include, mountain forests, rocky and wooded canyons near water. They are more active during early morning and evening hours, napping frequently in the shade during the heat of the day. The Coati is much more gregarious than the Raccoon and travels in troupes of 5 to 15 mostly females and young. The "silver lipped" Coati is grayish brown with a long faintly banded tail, long pointed snout with white toward the tip and around the eye. The Coati possesses small ears, dark feet and is somewhat more slender built than the Raccoon. The females average between 9 to 14 pounds with the males attaining weights somewhat larger about 12 to 17 pounds.
The following information is based primarily upon our experience of raising a coatimundi. Reared in a stimulating
environment with adequate interaction and attention the coati will thrive and
develop into a most gregarious, intelligent, playful and entertaining creature.
These animals are exceptionally intelligent and as such this should be
considered when you are looking at the coati for pet. A reasonable amount of
time should be allowed for personal interaction & playtime with your coati.
Because of their intelligence they can become bored if not kept adequately
occupied. Although the coati will remain lovable and friendly after
reaching adult age they may have infrequent rebellious outbursts at between age
6 months to 1 year (similar to human teenage years). These should be dealt with
mildly but firmly.
Habitat/Cages
For the adult coati an outside pen is probably the best habitat. A pen constructed similar to a dog kennel with a wire mesh top (mesh no larger than 1.5 in by 1.5in). A wire mesh floor is required to prevent the coati from digging under the kennel. They use their slender nose/snout as much as they use their hands and feet. The pen size should be large as possible with 5 ft by 8ft by 6ft high a minimum size. A house should be provided that is large enough but not too large for adult coatis. We provide a house that is about 2ft wide by 2ft long by 1.5ft high and about 2ft above the ground. The coatis rely on their houses for security. They feel more secure in a relatively small, close house. The thing to remember is they like a roomy enclosure/pen for play and close quarters for sleeping. This house should be heated in cool temperatures (below 40deg F) and winter. We provide a "pig" heat pad below the coati house. Remember do not leave cords where the coati can get at them. The coatis tails are susceptible to frostbite. Other than providing minimal heat the coati pens are a very low maintenance facility. Several climbing branches & large diameter ropes should be provided. Do not use small diameter ropes or wire or string in their habitats, since these may constitute a hanging choking hazard to the coatis. The coatis will give endless hours of entertainment with their acrobatics and antics.
Weaned young coatis should be
fed
a high quality kitten food such as Iams Kitten Food (dry) from 8 weeks to 1 year
of age. One year through adult a high quality cat or dog food such as Iams, or
Kit'n'Kaboodle Cat
Foods or Iams Dog Food should be fed. Small amounts of fruits can be used to
supplement their diets. As a treat they may be given raisins, grapes, and an
occasional oatmeal cookie. Our Coatimundi absolutely loves raw chicken warm
eggs, which we give her once a week.
Breeding
In general the coati should be at
least 24 months old to be bred successfully. Unlike the Raccoon the coati male
does not usually become aggressive during the breeding season. The coatis
usually start breeding around mid-March and give birth around mid-May through
mid-June. The gestation period is 72-78 days. After breeding the coati male and
female should be separated well before the young are born. The pregnant coati
female should be given her own facility with and individual house of minimal
size 2ft by 2ft by 1.5ft high, The house should be dry and warm.
Discipline / Manners
The young coati is very energetic and active. At about 5 to 6 weeks of age individual personalities will become obvious. We like to compare the young coati to a typical two year old child. They are very inquisitive and continually are exploring their boundaries. At about 6 weeks of age it is time for the coati to learn manners. The first thing to teach them is a mild "NO". At this age they are too young to be disciplined very firmly, but the ground work for their understanding their boundaries can be started. By 14 weeks of age they should be comfortable with mild firm discipline to ensure a pleasant respectful coati.
House Training
The coati should never be left unattended while out of their cage in a house or apartment . This is for their safety because they are like a two year old child continuously inquisitive and they may become entangled in a blind or electric cord. Therefore play and be affectionate with your coati but return him to the security and safety of his house. They become very secure in being placed in a roomy cage or pet enclosure either indoors or outside in a kennel type enclosure where they are allowed to come out to play with their family.
