Help! I really need some advice!

[maggiedog]

My baby is between 10-12 weeks I believe. She isn't weaned, but eats 20/30,
squirrel blocks, and healthy fruits and veggies. She isn't very happy in her cage any longer and I think she is ready to go into the wild. The reason I am worried is this: none of the rehabbers in my area can take her, it seems. They are either full or simply ignore my calls. I live in a Cleveland, Ohio suburb. I had hoped to become a rehabber, but I can't right now. I have no tree cage, and no idea how to prepare her for the wild. I certainly don't want to just drop her off in a park and hope for the best. Please, please, please...any suggestions would be appreciated. The older she gets the more wild she seems, so I am not afraid she is attached to humans, but I still need her to be prepared properly. HELP...please:thankyou

[Nancy in New York]

My baby is between 10-12 weeks I believe. She isn't weaned, but eats 20/30,
squirrel blocks, and healthy fruits and veggies. She isn't very happy in her cage any longer and I think she is ready to go into the wild. The reason I am worried is this: none of the rehabbers in my area can take her, it seems. They are either full or simply ignore my calls. I live in a Cleveland, Ohio suburb. I had hoped to become a rehabber, but I can't right now. I have no tree cage, and no idea how to prepare her for the wild. I certainly don't want to just drop her off in a park and hope for the best. Please, please, please...any suggestions would be appreciated. The older she gets the more wild she seems, so I am not afraid she is attached to humans, but I still need her to be prepared properly. HELP...please:thankyou

Are you talking about a grey squirrel? I think that she is a bit young right now... she is only 2 1/2 to 3 months old...and if a rehabber took her they may have to overwinter her depending on the leaves that are still on the trees, early snow, etc. Would it be at all possible for you to overwinter her and then come spring find a release site for her? I fear that so many rehabbers are filled up now so even taking on one more, and especially for the winter might be near impossible...:dono

[island rehabber]

She should be at least 14-16 wks old before release. If your area will have no leaves on the trees by that time, you will have to overwinter her, I'm afraid.

[PDXErik]

My baby is between 10-12 weeks I believe. She isn't weaned, but eats 20/30,
squirrel blocks, and healthy fruits and veggies. She isn't very happy in her cage any longer and I think she is ready to go into the wild. The reason I am worried is this: none of the rehabbers in my area can take her, it seems. They are either full or simply ignore my calls. I live in a Cleveland, Ohio suburb. I had hoped to become a rehabber, but I can't right now. I have no tree cage, and no idea how to prepare her for the wild. I certainly don't want to just drop her off in a park and hope for the best. Please, please, please...any suggestions would be appreciated. The older she gets the more wild she seems, so I am not afraid she is attached to humans, but I still need her to be prepared properly. HELP...please:thankyou

She gets horribly bored of her cage, wouldn't you? When mine was that age, she was out whenever I was here and I'd do my best to play the YOU NOW CHASE ME game, but I'm a 39 yo dude, so, that game gets old real fast.

Have her out a LOT. I had mine out nearly constantly and we tried the "Have the living room while I'm at work" thing (don't do it).

Keep with her for as long as you can. When it gets unbearable for her and you, start taking her out to the back yard. Show her that dandelions are edible, pine cones (green is good), nuts, helicopter seeds, etc.

That's the way we started. My girl's nest box is still inside and she spends the days outside and sleeps indoors.

Alternative is to build a VERY large cage and if you want to be a rehabber, you'll need one, anyway.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24868

[PDXErik]

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24868

BTW, the entire time she's out, I'm worried. That's just the way it is.

[PDXErik]

Bump for better advice than mine!

[mugzeezma]

She should be at least 14-16 wks old before release. If your area will have no leaves on the trees by that time, you will have to overwinter her, I'm afraid.
YOu have the same weather i do only a day later...my cousins live there so i've spent lots of time there. I'm overwintering my same age animals. I have a release cage and plan on building a larger indoor down in the basement

[pappy1264]

What do you have in her cage? They need toys to help keep the boredom at bay (change them out frequently to keep it new and exciting). I am in the same boat (with four) who are only about 8-9 weeks old right now, and I am in MA, so the weather turns pretty quickly around here. I am lucky to have a huge screen porch, which is where they huge cage will be (at least they will be used to the weather, albeit protected from much of it and will be warm and fed. Come Spring, out they go! lol) The bigger the cage, the better, obviously. Building one isn't too hard (there are many ideas on here). Good luck!

[Wonkawillie]

Oh boy, too young for release and I think it will be far past the time she can manage to make a nest or pack food for winter.
I keep my babies out for a long time when they get older. They MUST play to develope great bones and for mental health. I play with mine til they are ready for a snack and a long nap. It is a lot of work rehabbing. Play time is fun but I go into work late because it takes so much time. If I were closer, I would gladly finish this rehab and either overwinter or release here in the woods.
Can you find a rehabber near you. Can anyone else suggest a rehabber for this person? Oh, and I agree with you, to just release in the park would not be good. Although you think this squirrel is wilding up, if it gets extra hungry, it will go right to someone in the park and possibly, get itself injured by an unsuspecting human who freaks when the squirrel climbs on them.
All parts of rehabbing. Thinking ahead for the best interest of the squirrel.
I know you are doing a good job, as you came here for help before doing anything. Good for you. Hopefully someone near you can help you out.