Help with releasing

[mag's mom]

My baby Cash is 12 weeks old now and is sooo much fun, I just love him to pieces. He is currently residing on my screened porch day and night but I want him to be able to release him. I have been reading other posts but I am curious to know a little more about the process. He quit eating his formula about 3 days ago and now eats acorns and a few veggies, of course he loves grapes. I am currently working on building his nest box but then what? :dono

[island rehabber]

Since Cash is already acclimated to the outdoors, on your porch, the next thing to do is to put his cage outside with the door open and let him come and go for awhile. HOWEVER: he must be protected from nighttime predators, so the cage he sleeps in must be strong and either you should lock him at night or the opening should be so small that no larger predator can get in. :nono He will most likely explore the immediate area during the day and then return to the cage at night for a few days. Eventually he'll stay out all the time and will build himself a nest. If he has a nest box, you could put it high up on a nearby tree for him to use.
There are a few things to ask yourself before you decide Cash is ready for release:

Is he healthy and strong, with a full coat?
Is he coordinated and fast, able to escape predators and aggressive squirrels?
Is he wary of both people and domestic animals (dogs & cats)?
Can he crack hard shell nuts on his own, especially walnuts?

You are lucky, being in the south, that you have a few more weeks of warm weather than we do up here. It's not a problem waiting another 3-4 weeks before really letting him be out on his own.

[bobosoltan]

From what i've heard on here, use the cage to get him used to the weather for a bit. Feed him "wild foods" and keep climbing branches in his cage to get him used to tree climbing. After about a week or 2? leave the cage door open for him and keep it stocked with food and water. If he goes into his nestbox for the night shut him in to protect him just at night. If all goes well he will build him a nest or occupy a nestbox and not return to the cage. If he has no fear of people someone here said to hold him till he gets fustrated eveytime he comes to you, but not to worry if your the only one he will approach. Correct me if i'm wrong anyone..

[bobosoltan]

lol sorry, you beat me :)