Should I Overwinter My Babies?

[elle77]

Hi guys, I have 2 squirrels, Sammy & Sophie, who are about 6 weeks old. They have just moved to a larger cage which is set up outside during the day (as long as it's warm enough) since I have dogs and cats inside and the cage is too big to fit in the bathroom, which is the only door I could close off to the animals. They go into their sleeping carrier in the bathroom during the night or if it's a little chilly out. Anyway I'm wondering if they will need to be overwintered. I'm thinking that by the time they're ready for release it will be late fall and getting cold, right? Unfortunately I'm moving across the country in early November, so I don't know what I will do with the babies. I'm very attached to them and I have these visions in my head of them staying near me after being released and coming back to get treats and cuddles...lol. If they do need to be overwintered, do you think it's best for me to take them with me to the Oregon coast (in a car with 5 cats & 2 dogs which would probably be very stressful) or try to get them to another rehabber? At this point I am the only person who handles them and they are super cuddley with me but scared of other people. I just don't know what would be best for them. I had to evacuate with all my animals for the hurricane and Sammy ended up getting diarrhea after just a 2 hour car trip in a car with all the other pets. I think I just answered my own question- but what would you do?

[Adventurista]

I'm not a pro, just a regular person, but if it were me, I would find someone else to release them. A cross-country trip would be enormously stressful for any animal, but I would think more so for the squirrels. There could also be some penalties for transporting them over multiple state lines and releasing them in another part of the country, or if they accidentally got out in a protected wildlife area as you were going through.

Not only that, but I suspect the food sources and flora would be much different in NJ and OR. They may have trouble finding food or may be in competition for food. They could also be exposed to diseases that generations have not built up immunity to. I'm sure an experienced rehabber will have a better answer for you, but knowing what I know about living in the western region, I would suggest finding someone else to help you there.

[SammysMom]

:goodpost Adventurista!

[Adventurista]

:goodpost Adventurista!

Haha! Thanks! I have some experience with animals and wildlife, etc. out here...and suddenly I have lots of experience with teeny-tiny baby fox squirrels, too (which are not considered "wildlife" in my state because they are not native --they're from the Eastern US. They're considered vermin. Boo!)

[SammysMom]

Now that's some "vermin" I would LOVE to have!:jump

[Rhapsody]

I Agree 100% ---- and I have to add of all the babies I have released only a small hand full come back to say :wave123 (and) thats usually only for a NUT!!

[Skul]

By the first part of Nov., they would be 14 weeks.
That's old enough for a release if you aclaimate them.
I'd suggest considering that as the best option.