What is the best way to relocate flying squirrels?

[mrs_goodwrench]

Hello everyone,
I was cleaning out the winter bird roost boxes hanging in my yard and imagine my surprise (and theirs) when I found 3 flying squirrels sitting inside the box. I had no idea we had northern flying squirrels. We have enjoyed feeding and watching the fox and gray squirrels, but have never seen the nocturnal flyers. This answers many questions I have had about what has been making noise in the attic. Eeek! I'm sure they will go back into the box again as it is a nicer spot to sleep than my attic and what I would like to do is close the entrance to the box, take it down (with squirrels inside) and relocate them to a state land area where they won't be in someone's attic. I realize this does present some challenges as they will be in unfamiliar territory, food sources scarce as we have snow now, etc. Is it possible to relocate them but in warmer weather? And should it be done before mating season? I sure don't want them raising another generation in my attic. I have placed live traps up there but now understand I was using the wrong bait. I understand their main diet is fungi and lichens. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
I also realize I need to close off their entrance to the attic (I think they have 2) and take other steps to get them out of there. I have even considered making nest boxes outside to encourage them to live there. Any help/suggestions from you experienced folks would be appreciated. Thank you so much!
mrs_goodwrench

[Mrs. Jack]

Well I am envious of anyone who has wild flyers... So I'd encourage the focus being on getting them out of the attic and rendering it inaccessible to them, and giving them nestboxes, not relocation. I'm not an expert, but there will be lots of suggestions and encouragement coming soon! :D :Welcome

[Gabe]

It sounds as though you've done your homework on this one already. As you can see, removing 3 flyers certainly won't solve your problem. You are absolutely right that more will only move in. As they are obviously not staying in your attic at this time, now would be your chance to plug up those holes. Relocating them now would be starving or freezing them to death. Your heart is certainly in the right place as far as wanting what is best for them. Do you have a rehabber near you that may be willing to help out with the re-release of this group? If not, we may be able to talk you through it. I still don't believe they are your actual problem or they would not be outside in your bird nest box.
I'm sure more advice is to follow. Hang in there, everyone needs to get home from work and turn on their computers.:D

[muffinsquirrel]

Lucky you - having wild flyers around! But they may not be northerns - the southern flyers range that far up, too! Either way, they will willingly eat apples and sweet potatoes and other fresh fruits and veggies, as well as nuts and mushrooms.

I wouldn't relocate them right now.(Of course, I wouldn't relocate them at all!!) Put out some nest boxes, and plenty of cotton balls - make sure they are 100% cotton - and close off the entrance holes to your attic. Keep the live traps set for a while, to make sure there are none left inside. Put them a feeder outside - preferably where a porch light shines on it dimly, so that you can see them come to feed. They are amazing to watch, and will soon get to the point where they won't care if you are sitting out there watching them or not. If you do go with relocating them, get in touch with a rehabber near you - they will know what to do and when to do it. But keep in mind that just because you relocate these doesn't mean that they will all be gone - 9 chances out of 10, there are flyers all over the place there. They are 'colony' animals, so there are usually large groups of them living in a given area. If you go outside at night, and hear birds chirping, it's flyers!

Good luck, and keep us posted. And enjoy your flyers - they are a sight that not too many people are priviledged to see.

muffinsquirrel

[mrs_goodwrench]

Hi Again,
I'm just wondering what size box flyers prefer. It seem I read something about prefering a 2 inch entrance, but other than that what dimensions? I am rather handy and have build homes for my Downy Woodpeckers and Flickers so it would not be a problem to build the Flyers some housing. :o) Thanks to all that have replied!
mrs_goodwrench

[darrakm]

Here is a good plan for nest boxes
http://www.flyingsquirrels.com/pdf/nest_box.pdf
ANd you can get guards to put around the entrance hole that will keep bigger animals from chewing and enlarging the hole.

[myflyer]

You could just send them to me...lol. I have a male flyer we rescued for an elderly friends house. My husband caught him with his bare hands and did not get bitten or anything. I am looking for some friends for him.
I am using a 4" terra cotta flowerpot as his nest box. I got a large sock and covered the outside and left the "end" of the sock over the large opening in the pot so he can get in and out that way, of course he prefers sleeping in a toilet tissue roll.....
Try pecan halves in your live traps (PLEASE dont kill the poor babies!)