Can't get my baby coonie to take the bottle

[Ellie May]

I got a rescue coon that looks to be about 10 weeks old and was eating fine from the bottle before I got him but he won't eat for me since yesterday afternoon ... he longs to be loved on ... follows me around ... plays and gets into everything but won't take a bottle for me ! I tried warming it up then I tried room temperature and still he only bites the Nipple a few times and then he's done ... I'm using the same bottle that she was using only difference is I'm using a goats milk powder and she was using fox valley milk so I'm not sure if that's why ? I have a coonie named RJ I got him at 6 weeks old and I never had bottle issues ... I really wanted to bottle feed Issac because they say that's how you get your greatest bonding time but he really only stays with me and follows me around just won't take a bottle ... I really need help or suggestions on this for he is the sweetest thing ! Also is it a possibility for him to bond to me without bottle feeding ?

[Ellie May]

Even though I hadn't bottle fed him he acts just as bonded to me as my RJ whom I bottle fed I just didn't know if that would change as Issac gets older. Issac is also way more loving Far as he will let me hold him long periods of time & love and scratch on him ... so I'm hoping if he won't take the bottle that he will stay that way! I've tried some foods today but he is pretty picky about that too lol

[Ana]

You can absolutely bond without bottle feeding, provided he is treated as a beloved member of the family, not caged or isolated. Trust and friendship build over time, even if he can't get the bottle down. One thing I've noticed is coons refusing latex nipples, and preferring silicone. Perhaps try some different nipples and see if you get lucky. *hugs*

[Trefoil]

Its likely the change in formula. As long as he is continuing to gain weight and you keep cuddling and carrying him around it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

[DeweysMom]

I agree with Trefoil - most likely it's the formula. Try picking up the smallest size of KMR at the grocery, see if he'll eat that. Closer to Fox Valley than goat's milk, I'd imagine.

And yes, bonding doesn't just happen to bottle-feds. Time well-spent with your coonies of ANY age will help them bond with you, too.

[Ellie May]

Thank y'all soo much for the information! This message board has been amazing for me & my coonies!

[DeweysMom]

Did you have any success with Isaac taking the bottle yet? Or have you just started him on regular foods?

[Ellie May]

Sorry for late response I had suffered some health issues and haven't been in the online much but I'm doing better now!! Yes he weaned himself and didn't eat the first day but I got him to try cheerios strawberry flavored and issacs been eating ever since. Thank you so much for your help and for this webpage and message board it means so much to have other cookie lovers to talk to !