the time has come, need advice please!

[Darwin's Momma]

As nicer weather approaches I am starting to think about what would be best for Darwin. I would love to hold on to him forever, but I want to offer him the happiest life possible. I wish I could do a soft release process in my yard, and if at the end he chooses to stay with me I would let him. My neighborhood is just too dangerous for him and I would worry about him out there day and night. I live on the corner of two semi busy roads and my neighbors let their dogs roam free.

A little about him- he is a (approx.) 6 month old male gray squirrel. I found him all alone one night and did not find any brothers or sisters, so he has been raised alone. He is healthy as far as I can see. He eats plenty of blocks everyday and an assortment of the veggies listed in the nutrition forum. He only gets 1 or 2 nuts a night and a little bit of fruit.

My family has wanted me to look into bringing him to a wildlife sanctuary. I have a lot of mixed feelings about that. I live in New York and highly doubt it is a legal state. I'm nervous about calling anywhere and saying the wrong thing and have him taken away. I was told by a few people on here that maybe I could bring him to a rehabber who would release him with other squirrels. The only problem I see with that is as he started getting older I have been the only one able to interact with him. he is very gentle with me and has never intentionally hurt me. Though we all know how those nails feel!

I love Darwin so much, and I want to really look into all my options before I decide on anything. You can call me over protective, but he is such a sweet soul and deserves the best life there is. I would appreciate any ideas and/or advice you guys have for me. Thanks!

[shellyb1018]

Hi!
I also have a 6 month old girlie. Skeeter has been going through a change in the past week and half, still healthy as a horse, but, is becoming "calmer" I dont think she would be able to survive outside either. I think to myself that is a sign that she wants to stay in. :dono My neighborhood is not the place for a squirrel that has never been outside. I dont know, I am keeping an eye on her and letting her show me the way.
I have seen people on here be able to put their squirrels with other squirrels to get them used to other squirrels for release. I am sure someone can give you advice on the best thing to do. Good luck :)
Let us know what you decide.

[Nancy in New York]

Where are you in New York? Please don't take him anywhere yet, I know you won't. The fact that he only likes you is good, if he goes to a rehabber, you really don't want him bonding with her/him. I too have a loner in the process of being released....for over a year now...:shakehead
Let me first find out where you are in New York, and I will see what options we have for you if you are thinking of release. Oh, NY it's illegal to have a squirrel without being licensed or subpermitted, and even then, you can't keep them....well there are special circumstances....but I won't go into that now.:)

[Jackie in Tampa]

Yay, Nancy to the rescue!
You're in great hands with Nancy...

Would love to see pics of Darwin!

[SammysMom]

Was just reading and getting ready to PM you Nancy! You are way ahead of me as usual! It doesn't get better than Nancy in NY helping you!
Just ask Fluffer...:jump :jump :jump

[Nancy in New York]

Was just reading and getting ready to PM you Nancy! You are way ahead of me as usual! It doesn't get better than Nancy in NY helping you!
Just ask Fluffer...:jump :jump :jump

It was Sweet Simon's Mommy that alerted me to this thread....Of all my squirrels you have to mention Fluffer...:rotfl :rotfl Looks like I am the right one to give advice about doing a slow release....got a couple of years....:rotfl

[Darwin's Momma]

Darwin and I are on Long Island. Did somebody ask for pictures??:D

[Nancy in New York]

Darwin is adorable....oh he looks so content....:) :thumbsup
I will have to refresh myself with what members we have in Long Island. Perhaps IR can help me with that as she is in City Island. I'm glad that you aren't thinking of releasing at your place, too many factors that go against a successful release. And at this point, you aren't even sure if you are going to. We will help you through this, you still have time to get things straight in your own head as well....:grouphug

[Darwin's Momma]

Thank you very much! He can be such a sweetheart, I call him my little heart thief. I just want to do right by him, even if that means I have to put my emotions aside. I just wish he could talk and tell me what he wants!

[adoptedmother]

We're getting ready to release Seymore. She's a red squirrel and quite the little pistol. Last week, I swear it was like going through my daughter's teen years again. I was ready to pack her bags. Just like a teen, she's on your shoulder the next time you let her out for play, grooming your hair and giving nuzzles. (Our problem occurs because there's nothing that can hold her. Within a few days she'll find any weakness of design...although--I told her "DAD" about it when about two months ago---that's a whole "nuther story.)

I've read all the information about release cages and we intend to build a big one for her but am not sure where to put it. We have a BIG gray squirrel in the front yard..Honest--he or she is about as big as my head!! Over to one side we spotted owls but haven't been out to see if they're nesting or were just hanging out for a while. Our neighbor noted there were piney's in the back yard--so obviously, that's the place to start. The vet told us to take her out regularly when the weather changes to acclimate her. Well it's spring here but we're not ready yet with the cage to transport her or have even figured out how to get her in it.

Also, do you leave them in the release cage overnight the first night? (after several weeks visiting in the smaller cage.)That would be tooooo scary. I'd have to sleep next to it. Do you have several squirrel nests scattered around. She likes watching Supernatural so I thought of one close to the window...No kidding, She hates Kelly Rippa--I think it's the high pitched voice--and bangs on her cage (4footX8footX2Foot) but calms down to Dean and Sam. (I caught her sitting in her tree actually watching it. I startled her when I said her name.)

I want what's best for our little demon and understand a soft release is a long process but everything I read has to do with those lovable docile grays and nothing on the hyper pinball piney's

[Darwin's Momma]

Hi again guys. Was just wondering if there were any new ideas or updates about what to do with Darwin. I love him so much, and I am so confused! The truth is he is driving me a little crazy though. He's very destructive, which I know is just part of him being a squirrel. Its getting to me a bit though. Everyday before I let him out I go through my room and put away anything I don't want destroyed, but I can't put all my furniture in the closet! I think he's getting restless. In almost every way he is a healthy, smart little boy that I think would do fine in the wild. The only problem I could see is him being so attached to me, as he is a singleton. I'm not going to lie, letting go of him would probably be one of the hardest things for me to do. If I am going to do it though (and my head tells me that that's probably the right thing to do) I want to do it the right way and give him every advantage I can. Please help!

[Orphan Mom]

Gus was a single, and I was very much his mommy, but when he was ready to go, he went. I took him outside with me every day for a while and held him. For a long time he would hide in my hair while I read a book on the deck. After a while I started carrying his cage outside and leaving the door open. He wouldn't venture out except to run up on me, but he got to where he would play further and further from me. Then one day I carried his cage outside and went back in to get his water bowl, and when I came out he was gone. Just like that. I kept his cage on the deck for several months, and I put food out for him in it. Sometimes he would come and eat the food. He would come back to visit, but never get close enough for me to touch him. He came back twice with his girlfriend, and then I never saw him again.

[Darwin's Momma]

Gus was a single, and I was very much his mommy, but when he was ready to go, he went. I took him outside with me every day for a while and held him. For a long time he would hide in my hair while I read a book on the deck. After a while I started carrying his cage outside and leaving the door open. He wouldn't venture out except to run up on me, but he got to where he would play further and further from me. Then one day I carried his cage outside and went back in to get his water bowl, and when I came out he was gone. Just like that. I kept his cage on the deck for several months, and I put food out for him in it. Sometimes he would come and eat the food. He would come back to visit, but never get close enough for me to touch him. He came back twice with his girlfriend, and then I never saw him again.

I would love to do that, but my neighborhood is too dangerous for him. I wouldn't be able to rest knowing he is out there. My neighbors like to let their cats and pitbulls run free. I also live on the corner of two pretty busy roads. He's pretty fast, and has tried to attack my cats when he darted out of my room once so I think he might do alright with the animals out there. Its mostly the cars I would worry about.:dono