Should I release him?

[dirtylucy]

So I found a baby squirrel back in the middle of March. He had that bone issues because of lack of calcium, but i've corrected the diet and he's all better now. He's grown to a good size, and even though he has a pretty huge cage, he's getting restless-plus sometimes he can open it himself. I let him run around in trees for a few hours, and then go get him- but as much as I want to keep him, I feel like I should let him go free. Will he be able to feed himself? or just be hawk bait? How do I know when to let him go? Or if he'll even survive? I'm a college student, and I don't wanna just dump him- but I don't know if I can keep him anymore.

HELP?

[Jackie in Tampa]

:Welcome hi Lucy...
most sqs need to be wilded up in a large outdoor cage, safe from weather and preditors.
The purpose is too educate your sq to the night sounds, temperatures, weather, native flora {added every couple days}, preditors, other sqs...etc.
A nest box should be inside the cage and the cage should have a roof and be under a tree. The bar spacing should be so that a raccoon cannot get his hands through or get into cage.
After a few weeks you will open a very small door high on the cage so your sq can come and go. I normally hang a second nestbox in the tree the cage is under...this gives him baby steps and time to acclimate and make smart decisions.
Keeping fresh water and food is advised for as long as he returns/hangs around.
If your sq has been raised around domestic pets, you shoulld think about letting a rehabber wild him for you. It takes longer and absolutely no contact with any pets. Less human contact is also recommended.

Welcome to TSB...
The board has many members in Texas...all over!:thumbsup
:poke We love pics...
How old is Lucy?

[dirtylucy]

i'm lucy, my squirrel is secret. do you know anyone who would wild him for me?http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/1504/017zok.jpg http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/703/004frs.jpg/

[muffinsquirrel]

Hi Lucy, and welcome. Where in Texas are you? I am in southeast TX, about 25 miles above Beaumont. I'll be glad to take him and release him for you, if you can get him here - I have a lot of experience with releasing. I do a very slow release, and we feed the wild squirrels all year long. We have 25 acres of mostly woods, so there is plenty of room for everyone.

muffinsquirrel

[spykitten01]

A soft release is DEFINITELY what is best for your little guy (he looks great, btw! good job!) You're going through the same dilemma everyone who has raised a sq has gone through, but the fact that you're putting his wants and needs above yours shows you've really got what it takes when it comes to caring for wildlife. It's hard - but its SO rewarding to know theyre out there successfully living their little squirrely lives and having little ones of their own. These guys belong in the trees. I'm sure you shouldnt have any trouble finding someone here who will be perfect to release Secret. THANK YOU for being a truly amazing squammy to your little guy!!! :thankyou

[gs1]

muffinsquirrel ... perfect location to release... even her wilds come back to get a free lunch .... plus dessert

if you can drive over ... or you could drive part way and maybe some other members can do a squirrel train for you that would be the perfect release site....

:thumbsup

[Rescue04]

I have 30 acres in LA, I can't wait to retire up there one day and all around us is about 150 acres of dense woods - all my families land.......one day when I win the lottery! Good luck with his release.......he looks really good!

[rusty5954]

I've had my squirrel for 2 yr. now..the last few months he's started this clicking of his teeth and seems like he's getting ready to attack me,as he did already once. But he is doing this more and more frequently now sometimes a couple times a day. When I put him in his cage he attacks the bars if i go near it. We always had a very good relationship. He was always very affectionate to me. He used to love to cuddle with me. And follow me everywhere. what am i doing wrong? Maybe it's the time of year..I know that they breed again around july. Antone have this problem? Thanks