Critter is a monster

[Stephsquirrel]

Critter adjusted very well to his outside cage he went outside everyday with us anyways and always stayed in two different trees and we were always there. he always ran to us when he was scared. Well after a week in his outside cage we opened the doorand he timidly can out. He finally left our laps and arms and went up a large tree near his cage and a Black bird knocked him out of the tree and he fell about 20 feet no injuries. He jumped right on my son and stayed very close to us or in his cage. We shut the door to the cage at night because we have some neighbors who feed stray cats. He was now gone crazy in the last 2 weeks. The black birds had a nest and also so bluejays. He got really brave and invaded the birds nest and knocked the eggs out onto the ground and then barked when the birds tried to protect their nest. He also now goes and torments the babies in the other nest and runs circles around the nest. If any of us yells up at him to No as soon as he sees us he runs down and get sweet and cuddly or insane like he hasnt seen us in days and plays squirrel wrestling with feet or arms . So is nest raiding normal. Do I keep him confined until the baby birds are grown? He would rather stalk us around the yard then be a real Squirrel. He was a singleton as is extremly bonded. So do we keep doing the same and see if the wilds up? If he ever was free and saw a person and stalked them and ran up their pants leg for a rub people would kill him I am afraid thinking something is wrong with him. He is full grown with all his male glory but just wants us close?

[Rhapsody]

Your little one needs to spend some alone time outside in his release cage so he can wild up with out you....... this usually take 30 days. You needs to practice the "feed & leave" part of helping your squirrel wild up --this mean for 30 days you no longer spend time with him other than when you are bringing his food out to him and after he has food and water for the day YOU LEAVE!!

Try placing some shelled nuts out side of his cage area to entice the wild squirrels to come around and see him so he can learn from them and get use to them and their sounds / ways.

[farrelli]

Some squirrels don't want to wild up. Most people here say to let the squirrel decide if he wants to go free or be a forever inside squirrel. Would he rather be inside?

[Stephsquirrel]

We would be happy to keep him forever. We made a commitment to him as long as he wants us. We let him come in the house when he wants and let he outside all the time. He just seems to prefer people. If you could see his interactions with my 9 year old son you would think the squirrel was his best friend. He knows what time of day he comes home from school and here he comes looking for his playmate. I just thought we should let him decided.

[Rhapsody]

. I just thought we should let him decided.The best way to do this is to take him through the 30 day release step and IF he does not wild up..... then he is yours.

Release Info:
http://mothernaturesrescue.webs.com/release.htm

[farrelli]

Personally, I hope you keep him. Some if not most squirrel are aching to be free, but some prefer a home life. IMO, life in the wild isn't all it's cracked up to be. I think it's over romanticized. It's filled with a lot of great things, but also a lot of fear, hunger, and pain. And virtually all wild squirrels will have a terrible end due to predation, disease, starvation, or cold. I'm with the crowed that says that if a squirrel is even on the fence about the whole situation, better safe than sorry.

[astra]

i agree - some sqs do not want to be outside.

If he loves ppl and indoors - let him be.

Forcing outside a sq that doesn't want to be outside is just as wrong as keeping inside a wild creature.

Oftentimes, sqs who are forced outside even if they are not interested do not always do well

I'd say - he got to taste the outside, doesn't seem too interested. But he loves ppl and is happy inside - so let him stay.
Just do not expose him to household pets JUST IN CASE he may change his mind.

[Fireweed]

The best way to do this is to take him through the 30 day release step and IF he does not wild up..... then he is yours.

Release Info:
http://mothernaturesrescue.webs.com/release.htm
:goodpost Letting him decide means HELPING him to wild up the right way. IF he doesn't wild up and wants to be indoors THEN he has chosen indoor life.
But if you don't help him to grow into being a wild squirrel you are essentially choosing indoor life for him. That's like a mother only allowing her son out a little bit here and there only under her watchful eye, not teaching him about social interaction or how to get a job or how to save money etc. and always keeping him wrapped up in her arms tightly, locked in the house most of the time, because OMG there are dangers out there! Car accidents! Muggers! Bad Crowds of Older Kids! Sports where he could break a bone! Jobs where he might get hurt! :eek: Mama LOVES you that's why she doesn't let you out on your own! That's why she doesn't let you do what you want! That's why she doesn't teach you how to grow up! :poke
Then her son becomes frightened of his own shadow, frightened of the world around him, and/or totally socially awkward and unable to function in the 'real' world, forever living at home in the basement and never dating and never experiencing much of anything besides TV, mama's home-cooking and getting his laundry done for him. :D

Imo, life indoors is over-romanticized here as much as life outdoors. There are pros and cons to a life indoors and a life outdoors. I, personally, see no problem with either, really. Squirrels die horrible deaths inside and out. And there are dangers inside and out. We shouldn't project our own fear or love of nature or a life indoors onto our squirrels. If you truly want your squirrel to decide what he truly wants you need to give him every opportunity to become a wild squirrel FIRST. People will OFTEN say "He chose life indoors" but they simply haven't given their squirrel the right opportunities and tools to make a choice to be wild. Of course squirrels are going to remain love-bugs if we nurture them to be and keep them from becoming 'grown up' squirrels. Imo, very, very few squirrels would choose life indoors if we all did the slow release process correctly. JMO. :peace

Your squirrel, however, may be too used to people because the slow release process wasn't really done in the first place--it's all kind of muddled in his head--am I a wild squirrel? am I a cuddle-bug? I don't really know! Do I know? :D This may make him an NR. You could give him the "feed and leave" approach and see how that goes--he may decide he doesn't want much to do with you then. He may decide he still wants to cuddle and stay indoors even more by the end of it. :dono Also, I suggest doing as astra says and keep him away from pets if you think he's going to be an indoor squirrel. :thumbsup

Anyway, in the end, every situation, every squirrel is unique. Do what's best for your squirrel. :)

Also, raiding a bird's nest and killing baby birds and eating eggs are all part of a natural, wild squirrel's life. Little predators in their own way--they will also kill mice and baby bunnies too, among other little critters. Good thing we love squirrels here...

[island rehabber]

:goodpost Fireweed.

Nearly all the incidents I know of (including my own first squirrel) where the squirrel got into trouble after release and came limping & bleeding home, were the result of faulty soft-release methods. We don't just open a door and let them go.
And about the baby-bird thing? Yes, that's why they call squirrels omnivorous, not herbivorous.

[farrelli]

The problem I have with allowing the feed and leave approach for squirrels which are showing an inclination toward indoor life is that, in the end, it might leave them unsuited for either - kind of wileded up but not completely. This would make them less happy with an indoor life and less suited to a wild life. You'd probably end up keeping them at that point, but their life indoors wouldn't be as pleasant - for either of you. I would think that if a squirrel has had a shot at outdoor life but still likes to be cuddled and such, and shows no adverse reaction to staying indoors, the choice had been made.

[Fireweed]

The problem I have with allowing the feed and leave approach for squirrels which are showing an inclination toward indoor life is that, in the end, it might leave them unsuited for either - kind of wileded up but not completely. This would make them less happy with an indoor life and less suited to a wild life. You'd probably end up keeping them at that point, but their life indoors wouldn't be as pleasant - for either of you. I would think that if a squirrel has had a shot at outdoor life but still likes to be cuddled and such, and shows no adverse reaction to staying indoors, the choice had been made.
I agree. The problem has already started, though, because on one hand this squirrel is raiding bird's nests and climbing through the trees--showing an inclination toward the wild life-- and on the other, he's running to his hoomins and snuggling--showing an inclination to the indoor life. He's already a tad messed up *or* he's just figuring out life outdoors and is seeking his people for reassurance, hard to say since I don't know him.
If he is locked up indoors starting now, he still may be crazed because he has been 'sort of' wilded up but not really. He's had a good taste of the outdoors. Precisely why a correct soft-release is so important. But I totally see your point. I personally don't know what the best answer is (I'm no expert)---only that I think doing a proper soft-release right now could very well turn this squirrel wild since he's already showing many signs of liking being a little terror out there. :dono

[stepnstone]

Your little one needs to spend some alone time outside in his release cage so he can wild up with out you....... this usually take 30 days. You needs to practice the "feed & leave" part of helping your squirrel wild up --this mean for 30 days you no longer spend time with him other than when you are bringing his food out to him and after he has food and water for the day YOU LEAVE!!


I agree with you Rhaspsody, I personally can not advocate keeping a wild animal who is releasable.
But we do get to read horror stories of future outcomes of which our pages are already filled with many.

The world can be a dangerous place even to mankind. To step outside the confines of one's own security could open an invitation to one's demise. We have muggings, stray bullets, drug insanity, deranged people and just plain dangerous inconsiderate humans to contend with among the unusual and often usual fates of nature.

I would not deprive myself the privilege of sunshine on my skin, dancing in the rain, walking the forest alone or being out in the dark listening to the night sounds due to fear of the unknown anymore then I could deprive any creature of the same.
It is my spirit's nature to live life, not fear the death that waits me. As is I believe, the nature of any animal born to the wild.

It is of my opinion, to domesticate, make compliant and overcome the spirit, strength, or resistance of a wild animal who is
not non-releasable is an infringement on their nature.

.

[TubeDriver]

I agree with you Rhaspsody, I personally can not advocate keeping a wild animal who is releasable.
But we do get to read horror stories of future outcomes of which our pages are already filled with many.

The world can be a dangerous place even to mankind. To step outside the confines of one's own security could open an invitation to one's demise. We have muggings, stray bullets, drug insanity, deranged people and just plain dangerous inconsiderate humans to contend with among the unusual and often usual fates of nature.

I would not deprive myself the privilege of sunshine on my skin, dancing in the rain, walking the forest alone or being out in the dark listening to the night sounds due to fear of the unknown anymore then I could deprive any creature of the same.
It is my spirit's nature to live life, not fear the death that waits me. As is I believe, the nature of any animal born to the wild.

It is of my opinion, to domesticate, make compliant and overcome the spirit, strength, or resistance of a wild animal who is
not non-releasable is an infringement on their nature.

.


I agree with this. I think an uncertain fate living wild and free (for a healthy wild squirrel) is preferable to the relative safety of confinement in our homes. Completely different matter for a squirrel that is non-releasable due to an infirmity or disposition (comfortable around dog/cats/people etc).

Maybe the OP should retry the 30 day soft release and see how that goes? If the squirrel prefers the house and does not return to wildness then it has made it's choice, but at least you give it that choice.

[farrelli]

The world can be a dangerous place even to mankind. To step outside the confines of one's own security could open an invitation to one's demise. We have muggings, stray bullets, drug insanity, deranged people and just plain dangerous inconsiderate humans to contend with among the unusual and often usual fates of nature.

The problem with that analogy is that few people indeed will ever fall prey to any of those dangers and/or have their potential lifespan cut short by them where as virtually all wild creatures will have their lifespans cut radically short by their dangers, usually in a very cruel way. Squirrels aren't lions. It would seem that a great many can be made to have wonderful indoor lives.

[Stephsquirrel]

Maybe I did not give enough information. He has been in his outdoor cage over a month. We did the feed and leave for weeks approx 2 1/2 He was bonkers in his cage. Never sleep during the day, paced the cage and was just crazy. So we opened the cage and let him go. HAHA that never happened, he stayed close to his cage and one tree. He was always in his box or hammock before night fall and if he got a glimpse of one of his people he came running. Stalked us and climbed us. We stayed away from him all day long he didn't leave but did still come looking for people. He even climbed my horses tail while I was riding in the back of the property out of no where he came and almost got us both killed. All to get back to a human. He is not however in a indoor cage ever. If he comes to the back glass doors to come in on his own we put up the dogs and he comes in Reaps havoc and then goes back out to the outside trees or the cage. He has made or property his home and thats fine. I am concerned he is too used to people and that he will get killed for this reason. So my thought process now is to continue as we have. Outdoor cage and release during the day. Let him continue to decide. He had a huge cage under the tree. 8x8x12. He has toys coming out of everywhere and he eats things in the yard especially my roses and we supplement with squirrel blocks put in the tree. We have plenty of water out because of the mini pigs in the yard. ( He rides on the pigs to, He just started that since he was on his own.) he seems to like their bristly hair. I don't intend to bring him back in full time he would be unhappy. I think he is just too people bonded and maybe a girl squirrel will come around and change his mind but for now I couldn't and wont make him leave. I just really wanted advice on since he is so bonded should we keep him in the outdoor cage except when we are outside with him to keep him out of trouble. Maybe he is just a weirdo because he is basically right now a outdoor squirrel who loves his people and his people love him so I guess until he decides he is done with us I will just keep on. He even follows he to the car to get in if he sees me. I never know where is is coming from its like he has GPS on us cause as soon as you step out front or back it will only be a few minutes before those claws hit your pants or your back and he is headed up to your shoulder

[Milo's Mom]

The problem with that analogy is that few people indeed will ever fall prey to any of those dangers and/or have their potential lifespan cut short by them where as virtually all wild creatures will have their lifespans cut radically short by their dangers, usually in a very cruel way. Squirrels aren't lions. It would seem that a great many can be made to have wonderful indoor lives.

Or they can just go run a marathon in Boston and get their extremities blown off or be killed!

[Milo's Mom]

To respond to the question at hand....

If his outdoor cage is that big, I'd put him in the cage for at least 30 days, maybe 45. Take away the "human" things. He can keep one stuffed animal or blankie, but remove the rest. Put a nice big nest box in the cage with him...this is where he will sleep.

Fill the cage with tree limbs and branches and other things found in the wild.

Provide him with a big bowl of food ONCE a day. Do not touch him or talk to him, put the food in the cage and walk away. Make sure he has plenty of water.

The problem with having him run around outside as he is...what if his GPS is wrong one day and he lands on a stranger? They will freak out and think he's rabid and jump and scream, scare the bejesus out of him, he'll then bite them, and after a huge ruckus and cops and animal control and some fines, he will be put to sleep. All because he was being a squirrel.

I know what I am suggesting sounds very mean and he will be very confused initially, but I do feel that it will save his life.

His cage should be in an area where there are not alot of people regularly.

[stepnstone]

The problem with that analogy is that few people indeed will ever fall prey to any of those dangers and/or have their potential lifespan cut short by them where as virtually all wild creatures will have their lifespans cut radically short by their dangers, usually in a very cruel way. Squirrels aren't lions. It would seem that a great many can be made to have wonderful indoor lives.
I respectfully disagree with both statements. Maybe I have just been around too long to have witnessed for myself the human slaughter of men, woman and children outside of what I read about everyday.
As well, I have witnessed the longevity of many graying wildlife that die of old age.

I have an NR myself that has a "wonderful indoor life," but I seriously don't believe it would be the life she would be choosing at this point if she were to have a choice.
She is by every standard a wild squirrel and continues to educate me to that fact everyday, and not in such a pleasant manner!

I have to wonder how many people would continue to give them a "wonderful indoor life" once they attack them, their children or their other pets without condemning them to a life in a cage. Or would you think further breaking their spirits in the name of "safe keeping" would justify that?

[Rhapsody]

Maybe I did not give enough information. He has been in his outdoor cage over a month. We did the feed and leave for weeks approx 2 1/2 He was bonkers in his cage. Never sleep during the day, paced the cage and was just crazy. So we opened the cage and let him go. HAHA that never happened, he stayed close to his cage and one tree. If he is not going to be an inside squirrel with you and the family..... then you might want to think about giving him to another rehabber to wild him up. Some squirrels have a hard time wilding up with the people they have bonded to. I have taken in several squirrels over the years for other people and they have all wilded up for me and have been set free..... some of the squirrels just took three to four months to get become wild, but they got there.

[Fireweed]

Stephsquirrel, I have no idea what to suggest. Maybe an expert will weigh in (Edit: MM and Rhapsody :thumbsup). Your squirrel sounds a tad... crazy/confused. I would be concerned he will hurt himself or be killed by getting stepped on by your horse, getting flung by a human, getting caught up in the car etc. Predators and bully squirrels etc. are the least of his concerns at this point. Yikes. I'm thinking you might have to ignore him totally if you want him to stay safe out there or get him immediately to another rehabber. (Edit: what MM and Rhapsody suggested :tilt)

As for squirrels living a short life outdoors--I really don't know too many squirrels who live indoors who've survived more than 2-3 years...? Many don't even live that long. We hear about the ones who live a long time because, well, we have more time to hear about them. :D
It's true, though--most squirrels who are released don't live very long, either. But that is still no reason not to release a healthy squirrel.
Also, I personally know some truly wild squirrels who've lived longer without my help than some beloved healthy indoor squirrels on TSB.
There are so many GOOD things about a squirrel's outdoor life that just cannot compare to a life indoors. AND vice versa, of course! To me, neither life is necessarily the *best* life--although, if a squirrel is given an actual, proper choice, he'll choose outdoors most of the time--so maybe outdoors is the *best* life for most squirrels, even though we may not consider it to be. :dono Having said that, I know there are many healthy squirrels living great and healthy and happy lives indoors, too, who weren't given a choice. :D

There are cruel deaths outdoors, sure. But personally I'd rather my released squirrel die a much more quick 'cruel' death by predator, for one example, than die a slow, painful death because they were poisoned by eating a house plant or an avocado seed or a moldy nut, or because they got electrocuted, or got burned, got sat on, fell in a toilet bowl and drowned, got ripped to shreds by the 'friendly' family dog, got mbd, escaped and got stuck in a small space and starved, got too fat from a crappy diet and died of complications, fell out of their cage because it wasn't latched properly, or died slowly of organ failure or aspiration pneumonia without medical care because their hoomins had no vet care or access to meds.

Death sucks, period. Most squirrels die young(ish) whether they live indoors or out. Just as a life outdoors may at times be a struggle or filled with dangers, fleece and toys and HHBs don't necessarily make a squirrel truly happy or safe. A long life doesn't necessarily mean a happy or healthy or good life, either. And just because there are a few really loved, really well cared-for, really healthy and happy releasable squirrels who live a good life indoors does not mean AT ALL that most healthy releasable squirrels who are kept indoors have anywhere near the kind of life those very lucky few do. It takes so much work, time, money, energy, and smarts to keep a healthy squirrel happy indoors that few people really do it successfully, imo.

[Stephsquirrel]

He has bitten me. He has just grown so accustomed to people I am afraid that makes him a hazard. Why cant he have both the outdoor world and the safety we offer him. I didn't say put a GPS on him I meant he acts like he has GPS on his humans and the minute we step outside here he comes. If he gets outside tree time and his outside cage and is happy how is that bad? If he ever decides to leave he will have had tons of experience dealing with life outdoors, birds, finding food : etc. I see that opinions here are kind of one or the other has anyone ever had a squirrel that had both? He makes the choices right now. I am just trying to figure out if he is to bonded. I read how to soft release him and we did feed and leave but when he was finally let go he spotted us from far away Half a acre and here he came. Not for 30 days but for 2 1/2 weeks. Is gradual wilding up so bad? I wont go back and impose straight indoor life on him. I know thats not fair either. We have hung to boxes in two of his favorite trees to see of he will start using those but so far he just looks inside and always comes back to people.

[Stephsquirrel]

P.S. I have a rehabber coming by tomorrow to evaluate his behavior and give me her opinion. She works at the wild life preserve here. I will let you know what she says.

[MollyBear361]

ME thinks he is confused :thinking :thinking :thinking But he sure is a sweetie pie!!!!! :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Milo's Mom]

I know you did not say you put a GPS on him.

All I am saying is that since he was raised as a singleton it takes longer for them to become wild. I keep my guys in the RC for no less than 45 days. And they are in groups of 4 or 5 versus being single. This is why we always try to group them together versus raising them as singles.

The problem with an indoor outdoor life...what if he jumps on a stranger? The stranger will not know he's friendly they will think he's attacking them. More times than not when this happens the end result is the death of the squirrel.

I know you love him and want the very best for him. Possibly allowing a rehabber to release him or try to release him...

EDIT: We have many many very experienced and very trusted members in Florida. Rhapsody is one of them. Please be careful with informing other people that you are trying to release a squirrel you raised. I believe it is legal to raise and keep a squirrel in Florida (actually I know it is), but it is ILLEGAL to release them.

[farrelli]

FW, come on, you know that a squirrel well provided for probably has a minimum lifespan of 8 years. The short lived ones almost always have poor care or are special needs.

Also, virtually all of those causes of death exist in nature. They get poisoned, electrocuted, drowned, etc. and they certainly don;t get vet care when they acquire disease.

Stephsquirrel, we have at least one member (Nancy in New York) who has an indoor-outdoor squirrel. Fluffer apparently goes out most days but always comes indoors at night for bedtime and some loving. You should ask her about it. She's waiting for Fluffer to decide where he really wants to stay (I think two years now). I know it's hard on her never knowing if he'll get taken by a hawk, run over, catch some disease, etc. Personally, I wouldn't be able to take it. I would certainly offer a choice to squirrels, but it seems from so many of the stories that I've seen here that they can be very, very happy indoors, so if they were on the fence, I'd make the final decision for them. The world is just such a harsh place and nature is vicious.

[farrelli]

If you do have a rehaber release him, please make sure that it's one that will also offer a choice rather than just throw them out there without a choice or euthanize if they make the "wrong" decision.

[Rhapsody]

I read how to soft release him and we did feed and leave but when he was finally let go he spotted us from far away Half a acre and here he came. Not for 30 days but for 2 1/2 weeks. He was not given the correct amount of time to wild up (30 days or more).... thats why he is so confused atm, he still has one foot in his human world and one foot wanting to go with his natural instinct --to run wild and free. We have guidelines for a reason and when they are followed - they work. I hope the rehabber that is coming to evaluate your little guy can offer some helpful tips. Good Luck -

[Fireweed]

Stephsquirrel, I think you're answering your own question. Why can't he have a life indoors and outdoors at the same time? Because you tell us all about the risky behaviour he engages in which may lead to a serious injury or death all because he is half in and half out. Something probably has to be changed in order for him to choose life indoors or out OR learn to avoid humans and their 'things'. Some squirrels have an indoor/outdoor life but they may have a different squersonality which makes it safer or easier for all involved--not to mention their situation is entirely different/unique. Maybe eventually your squirrel can have both--but I think you're going to have to do things a bit differently before that happens if you want him to stay safe.
I hope the rehabber can offer some good advice/help when you see her tomorrow. Good luck!


FW, come on, you know that a squirrel well provided for probably has a minimum lifespan of 8 years. The shot lived ones almost always have poor care or are special needs.

Also, virtually all of those causes of death exist in nature. They get poisoned, electrocuted, drowned, etc. and they certainly don;t get vet care when they acquire disease.

Of course those deaths exist in nature--they also exist indoors, which is what I'm saying. Life indoors is not necessarily *safe* or free of a cruel death. That's all.
And the 8 years lifespan? I certainly know many more who have died young than at 8 years plus. But, you are saying exactly what I am saying here: The short lived ones almost always have poor care. Exactly. It takes a lot to provide good care and a long and happy life to a healthy, releasable squirrel... which was my point. That's all.

Anyway, I'm not saying life outdoors is GREAT! I'm also not saying life indoors is GREAT! It's not one or the other, imo. There are pros and cons to both, and every squirrel and situation is unique. That's all. :D

[Stephsquirrel]

The Rehabber can and went, This was her assessment:


(Good)

Critter knows he is a squirrel and shows all the correct behaviors that a squirrel should(Vocalizing, climbing, finding and hiding food and stealing nests)

Critter hates strangers as she learned (bite) he runs from them and barks loudly and runs to one of us if he can get to them.

Critter runs from a barking dog.

Critter has made the front acre of the property his. He scent marks and watches his area and trees.

(Bad)

Critter is very socialized to his people and is a singleton so he does not relate to other squirrels. She brought a unreleasable squirrel and Critter could have cared less seeing the other squirrel in a cage.

Critter is spoiled, why would he move on he has a Huge safe cage with a box and a hammock. Full of tree limbs and plenty of food and water

Critter answers to a name when called and if someone called him he might come down but she believes since he doesn't like strange people we may be safe unless he sees someone he thinks is us and approaches until he get a scent.

(To Do)

She believes that Critter is wild enough that moving him back inside would make him crazy and mean.

We have plenty of acres and with the two neighbors she spoke to Critter has 15 acres at his disposal to do as he please. My neighbors love to see him.

She does want anytime he approaches a stranger that comes to our home for that person to clap their hands and yell NO real loud to teach him STRANGER DANGER.

She wants to put up a temporary release cage with 4 squirrels she nicknamed the Avengers and have me house them on the back 2 1/2 acres. She wants to see if after a while curiosity makes Critter start to approach the cage. At the end of 30 days she wants me to release the Avengers after she visits them and she hopes that one of the girls will catch his Eye.

She will be putting up more boxes on my property and the neighbors on each side (they have given permission) for the new squirrels.

Other than that she says let him decide how wild he wants to be and lock him in at night is he comes home for safety. If we don't mind having him a Squirrel friend she thinks his outside life is better than most Squirrel could ever find.(except maybe Disney Worlds campground)

So thats her opinion now the decision is to be made do we house the Avengers and see what happens
:dono

[CritterMom]

That has to win the prize for the CRAFTIEST way a rehabber ever used to find a new place to release her babies!!! 15 acres and squirrel lovers - I bet she was salivating!:rotfl :rotfl

I think Critter will be just fine. They are VERY smart and they do not easily mistake one persone for another. :thumbsup

[Fireweed]

That has to win the prize for the CRAFTIEST way a rehabber ever used to find a new place to release her babies!!! 15 acres and squirrel lovers - I bet she was salivating!:rotfl :rotfl

I think Critter will be just fine. They are VERY smart and they do not easily mistake one persone for another. :thumbsup
:jump Exactly what I was thinking! :rotfl

Sounds like a pretty good assessment, all in all. :thumbsup And if all visitors are aware you have an attack-squirrel on premises, even better. :D

[stepnstone]

One hand washes the other, I think it's an excellent idea!

Not only will Critter benefit, you will also benefit from experience through this rehabber and be able to give back to releasable squirrels their deserved freedom. It's a total win win scenario!

[MollyBear361]

That sounds like a great thing you have going! And more squirrel friends!!

[Garden71]

One hand washes the other, I think it's an excellent idea!

Not only will Critter benefit, you will also benefit from experience through this rehabber and be able to give back to releasable squirrels their deserved freedom. It's a total win win scenario!

:goodpost

[skippy]

I was reading your thread from the beginning and was thinking that bringing another squirrel to your release cage may benefit him if he wasn't too territorial and aggressive. I did that last season here in my release cage. They never got along great but made it the 4 weeks together and were released successfully.
Then to see your post on the rehabber visit.
So thorough, talking with neighbors, assessing the entire situation.
I'll definitely be subscribing to this thread to see how things are progressing
Good Luck and thanks for loving Critter enough to seek out the help in making the best choice for him.

[Stephsquirrel]

The Avengers have arrived. Crazy day. I will post later about the release set up and the squirrels in general. They are very different from my sweet squirrel. Have to get all my other animals feed and in for the night and will post after

[SammysMom]

I LOVE this turn of events. Clever for all concerned. Very smart rehabber... So happy for Critter to be learning about being a squirrel from the new release cage crew. He can go have a peek at them and feel large and in charge because they are contained on his territory like his own personal zoo...:D

[PennyCash]

Wow!!! I love this thread, the devotion, the overall discussion and ultimately the outcome. Will be checking back. By the way Critter is a cutie pie :grouphug

[Stephsquirrel]

So the release cage is a piece of plywood on the side that faces my house and wire on the other 3 sides and top. There are 4 boxes one in each corner and when I feed I approach from the plywood side and lift the hinged wood areas to change the water and put in food. The idea is that the squirrels never associated food with people.

The Avengers themselves are 3 females and one male. They are smaller than Critter in size as he has never has to compete for food. One of the females is much smaller than the others and seems very timid. They are LOUD and MEAN, the bark constantly at the sounds of birds or my horses in the pasture if they move near their cage under the large oak tree. The wrestle and fight with each other and its loud and looks really rough and the littlest female hides during these quarrels. But at night they all get in the same box and go to sleep except the little female. She stays out after the others are in and looks around the bottom of the cage for food.

I am worried about her the most. I am thinking that she needs to be feed seperatly I am going to talk to the rehabber about this. I am also not real happy about how she has told me the realase goes. She says she blocks them in their nest box at night hangs it in the nearest tree. Takes down the cage and the next morning opens the nest box opening.

Any thoughts anyone?

[CritterMom]

So the release cage is a piece of plywood on the side that faces my house and wire on the other 3 sides and top. There are 4 boxes one in each corner and when I feed I approach from the plywood side and lift the hinged wood areas to change the water and put in food. The idea is that the squirrels never associated food with people.

The Avengers themselves are 3 females and one male. They are smaller than Critter in size as he has never has to compete for food. One of the females is much smaller than the others and seems very timid. They are LOUD and MEAN, the bark constantly at the sounds of birds or my horses in the pasture if they move near their cage under the large oak tree. The wrestle and fight with each other and its loud and looks really rough and the littlest female hides during these quarrels. But at night they all get in the same box and go to sleep except the little female. She stays out after the others are in and looks around the bottom of the cage for food.

I am worried about her the most. I am thinking that she needs to be feed seperatly I am going to talk to the rehabber about this. I am also not real happy about how she has told me the realase goes. She says she blocks them in their nest box at night hangs it in the nearest tree. Takes down the cage and the next morning opens the nest box opening.

Any thoughts anyone?


Kind of old school. I am sure this is because she wants the release cage back. Normally the cage is set up with a release portal - a little door that is very small - so a squirrel can go through but nothing else. Then you hang some boxes in the trees and open the portal in the morning. They can come and go from their familiar cage, explore, return to eat and even sleep (after dark you close the portal so nothing can follow them into the cage at night) until they decide they are ready to move out permanently - which may take a minute or a week or two. It is a kinder, gentler, less abrupt method.

[Stephsquirrel]

The Avengers are doing okay and the rehabber has agreed to let us modify her cage so that the squirrel can come and go through a small opening for a few weeks. The agreement was reached after me husband offered to make her another release cage with a soft release entrance and exit so she will now have two. I have been feeding them better squirrel blocks, fruits and veggies and they are looking better. I also slip a extra block into the little girls box were she sleeps alone after she goes to sleep at night and she is starting to catch up and to stand her ground a little with her siblings. As for Critter, he could care less about the squirrels, we tried ignoring him more. We made a pack this weekend to not do any outdoor project so he finally showed up at sliding glass door this afternoon and laid down like he was dying. My little boy got very upset. My husband had me lock up the dogs and they carried in Critter. I thought maybe he was hurt from a fall or poisoned. As my son carried him in he was limp and lifeless and as I came over to examine him I picked him up and held him and he rolled over Bit me soundly on the arm and them started running around the house and playing with my husband and my son. He was into everything, but if I came near him he would bark and shake his tail like he knew it was my fault that his play friends were gone. After a hour of play time he finally has come over and made friends and let me hold him but he made his point he does not want to be left alone.

[Stephsquirrel]

Pics

[Unikorngrrl]

:shakehead OUCH!!

[Chickenlegs]

There are those special squirrels like NINY's Fluffer and Sweeper's Baby, who have obviously chosen the life of a home squirrel but when Fluffer goes out, Nancy grows another fistful of gray hair and Sweeper doesn't get to go and do anymore because of Baby (a good trade--just ask her). Squirrels are individuals and no two are alike. Behind every decision we make is a squirrel with his/her own needs. Just gotta figure out what they are.

[PennyCash]

Stephsquirrel,
Thank you for slipping an extra block to the little girl. :D
I'm so sorry that critter got you like that and such a sensitive spot it looks like it hurt a good bit. Although I absolutely LOL at how Critter managed to get his attention.

[SammysMom]

Sammy chose the indoor life, but has still had a few "moments" that involved blood...:shakehead

[MollyBear361]

Ooh, poor Critter, he obviously wants to be with his hoooomans. And poor arm! :sanp3