Right or Wrong?

[Rhubarb]

Hey everyone,

I know I've already posted this question in some form already, but I'm really struggling with a decision. And I've recently read this article from the scary squirrel about the proper release of them back to the outdoors. It states that in order to do this, I need to fully break the relationship between myself and them, thus breaking their chance of approaching other people.

I'm still in between keeping them with me and releasing them, and I'm hopeful that they will make the decision for me. They are now going on 12 weeks and are down to 1.5 feedings of formula a day. It's steadily decreasing there to. That and I leave them out all day in a 4 ft. X 5 ft. home with sunshine. I still can't bring myself to leave them out 24/7. Also, they have finally come to both sleep in their nest box.

I realize if I keep them, they will need a significantly bigger home. But they are on the cusp of being able to go outside and I would like them to aclimate to a life outdoors, but still maintain some contact with them unless they choose otherwise. Am I wrong that this is possible? Or should I, like the article states, break it off with them completely?

I am having no luck finding a happy medium. I vacillate back and forth, keep them... let them go... keep them... let them go. I am clueless.

Any thoughts on this?

[pamela lee]

I would never keep a healthy squirrel as a pet but I also do not quit LOVING and playing with my babies once I put them outside to release. I continue the contact with them and even after they are free to come and go they continue to enjoy my company. I know some say that it's the wrong way to release but it works for me and them. I have never seen my released squirrels approach anyone else they only trust and LOVE me. I hope this helps you a little.

[Rhubarb]

Thanks Pamela, it does help, and eases my conscience. I don't want to lose them all together. I have really come to love their goofiness and fun. And oddly enough- they make some of the funniest faces. Can you believe that? I swear- their little faces change when their moods change. Never thought I'd notice that. Anyway, they're my babies.

[island rehabber]

heh heh Rhubarb...you're hooked. :D
I agree with pamela lee. I can't even release my squirrels in my yard because I don't have one, but even some of those I release at a local nature center remember me for long after release day. I don't handle my squirrels much after they reach 9-10 weeks old, but I don't try to terrify them into wildness either. Some will remember you, and some will take off into the trees and never look back. And it's not always the ones you think, either. :)

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

I can relate to your feelings, I felt the same way about my first squirrels.:Love_Icon But, I did release them ..and they never do forget where they come from and who loves them. Keep that food and yummy nuts stocked up and they will stick around. The boys will take off sometimes weeks at a time but they come back...just like teenagers.:D They will do in in their own time and their own way, trust their judgement ...they are very smart.