My baby squirrel's future!!

[mrgnaustin]

I've read several articles about how to wean a squirrel back into the wild, but I want to get your opinion and how you've done (if experienced of course!). Batman is now 5 weeks old and soon he will eating fruit and climbing more and more...I want the best for him, to experience climbing trees and being free, but also feeling safe and secure at the same time. Please let me know, anything helps!

[SammysMom]

There is a whole lot of information here to help you with this process. It is not time yet, but best to be prepared. You might want to consider overwintering as your baby is going to be young when the seasons change.
Basic Release

It can take 30 to 60 days to acclimate a squirrel to the WILD!

1. When 4 months old place squirrel(s) in safe outside release cage
2. Continue to feed as you did inside, but now include more wild food
3. Spend time with them during the 1st week to help them adjust
4. During 2nd week Start the process of FEED & LEAVE - NO CONTACT
5. Average Time Frame in release cage is 30 days - up to 60 days
6. When you open their door to FREEDOM remain for a short while
7. Securely lock their cage every night IF they return home to sleep
8. Make sure to leave fresh food and water while they return, 30 days.


Release Cage should Include:

Nest Box
Food Bowls
Water Bottle
Covering for Top
Branches for Climbing


Never release a squirrel before it turns 14 weeks old / 4 months

Continue to feed Squirrel(s) up to 1 Month while they Adjust
>>>> nuts, berries, plants, rodent block, vegetables <<<<

[farrelli]

Can you tell us what his diet is now? It should be goat's milk or Fox Valley formula. Puppy and especially kitten formula is bad, as is cow's milk. Also, you should be using proper technique to feed (a needleless 1cc syringe pointed up with their head pointed down). NOt doing so can cause pneumonia which kills quickly. (If you ever hear clicking when breathing, we need to know immediately.) When he is old enough to eat solids, it should be a quality rodent block such as Henry's, not fruit. Fruit and nuts should be treats only. I'll post some links for you to peruse about proper diet, feeding technique, general care, etc.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?11782-I-FOUND-A-BABY-SQUIRREL-NOW-WHAT

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?36777-PROPER-FEEDING-TECHNIQUE!!

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?29903-Do-NOT-USE-ESBILAC!-**TEMPORARY-Goat-s-Milk-Formula***

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?39275-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels-(Revised-2-13)

[mrgnaustin]

Thanks you both so much, this was extremely helpful!!! I will start Batman on that diet right away!