Planning the future habitat

[Thumper33]

I've read a bunch, but I've got a few questions.

I'm trying to plan Pinky's forseen future with me and get a cage figured out and all. First question that comes to mind is that if I'm supposed to start release at 12-15 weeks, this will be November which means it'll be a harsh intro to the wild in the cold. Do I want to overwinter or will she be fine?

2nd question somewhat depends on whether I'm overwintering (or maybe not). I'm starting to look at a home (cage) for her that's better than the plastic bin she's in now. Anyone have advice on whether I should just go to a henry's exotic pet cage or what to do from here?

Thanks!

[Carlala]

i would wait until warmer weather for a release so spring would probably be best =)

also a soft release is the way to go.

also for a cage i would use wood and hardware cloth and build it or chicken wire =)

or perhaps modify a ferret cage =)

[Thumper33]

I'm all about building a cage. :)

Is there a such thing as too big of a cage?

I ask because I'm an engineer and a project kinda guy, and I have a bunch of extra room inside my basement to build a nice big cage. Then she could have a ton of room to run around and all, and then I can move the cage outside in the spring for a soft release. I could honestly build a cage that's 10 x 10 feet if I wanted. How cool would that be :D...

What is hardware cloth? I'll have to google that.

[Carlala]

for babies in the beginning yes u can make a cage to big if you want them to be friendly but when they are older nope i have my first 2 squirrels in a cage at the sanctuary that size so i can walk right in with them =)

[Carlala]

hardware cloth is like chicken wire =)