Release Cage.

[Graybeard]

We had found 4 baby squirrels following hurricane Ike. Sadly 3 passed and we have raised 1 to the point of release. He really wants to explore, when I feed him, I let him out and he is all over the room. It's getting difficult to put him back in the cage.
What sort of cage should I use for the release cage? Should I be concerned with the resident squirrels?

[Abacat]

:wave123 Good to hear from you again. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

The minimum size outdoor release cage for a tree squirrel is 4' X 4' X 8' according to IWRC and NWRA. Bigger is always better. I'm not sure what the weather is like there, probably alot warmer than here ;) but I'd think you could release year round there, check with someone in your neck of the woods first. There's lots of threads here to read about releasing and cages, just search from the bar above. I'd say at least a few weeks in the cage to acclimate to surroundings. Some things to think about... Enough food and year round supply of water for all the squirrels? How long has he been alone? It's alot harder to release single squirrels, especially in established squirrel neighborhoods...you are right to be concerned. Please keep us posted, and let me know if I can help in anyway. Good Luck!

[muffinsquirrel]

Hi. I am in Buna, TX, which is about 25 miles above Beaumont. I have plenty of room, and release cages, and would be glad to take your squirrel. I may have another squirrel coming from Houston - it would be nice if they could be put into a release cage at the same time and become friends and keep each other company. If you are interested PM me and we'll see what we can do.

muffinsquirrel

[Graybeard]

Well, I put him in the release cage and soon afterwards he got out. I found him in my garage a few days later. I set up his release cage in the garage and he visits there. Today he jumped on me, he seems to still trust me although when I try to catch him he takes off.
I'm at a loss as to what to do. He is eating but very scared and runs to the highest corner of the garage. I'm hoping I can catch him sleeping in the cage and close it. I built a house for him and mounted it in a tree but I'm not sure how to make the transition or if I should.

[Abacat]

So how long exactly was he in the cage, before he escaped? A few days, one week...? What's the weather like? Is there food and water for him? I need more details to help you...

How do you feel about him living in your garage? You need to decide if you want him around (knowing he could get into trouble in your garage, attic, etc). If this doesn't bother you and there's no neighborhood cats wandering around, or kids, nosy neighbors who don't like squirrels...I would say take a wait and see approach. If you want him to get on with his wild life, I'd suggest you take Muffinsquirrel up on her generous offer. Let me know if there's anything more I can do. Good Luck, keep us posted.

[Jackie in Tampa]

Please be careful of him exposing himself to trouble stuff in garage...poisons and fertilizers, paint and other toxic garage stuff.
I have a friend whos release has lived and given birth to 4 litters in her garage!:thumbsup