Too old to try and release?

[frank'smom]

Hi Everyone, Frank is two and a half years old. I have tried to release him twice and he will not leave the release cage. I have a very small window of time between it being 90 degrees outside to not having any food sources to store for the winter. He stays primarily inside because as soon as he sees the kennel to go outside he runs. He hates being outside. I started by sitting with him for an hour or so. Then I increased it to where he was alone for up to 8 hours a day. I would bring him in at night. I know I should have kept him outside 24/7 and the outdoor cage has hardwire but there are so many predators in my area. He has been on Henry's block since he got teeth. He is spoiled and gets the very best in vegtables, etc He hates acorns and prefers an occasional pecan. I have been careful not to introduce him to my other animals. Is he too old and or spoiled to attempt another release? Thank you for your continued help. I just want the best for him. I love him with all of my heart. Frank's Mom

[SammysMom]

Just out of curiosity, are you unable to keep him? If he is happy in the house is there a reason you think he needs to go?

[TubeDriver]

Hi Everyone, Frank is two and a half years old. I have tried to release him twice and he will not leave the release cage. I have a very small window of time between it being 90 degrees outside to not having any food sources to store for the winter. He stays primarily inside because as soon as he sees the kennel to go outside he runs. He hates being outside. I started by sitting with him for an hour or so. Then I increased it to where he was alone for up to 8 hours a day. I would bring him in at night. I know I should have kept him outside 24/7 and the outdoor cage has hardwire but there are so many predators in my area. He has been on Henry's block since he got teeth. He is spoiled and gets the very best in vegtables, etc He hates acorns and prefers an occasional pecan. I have been careful not to introduce him to my other animals. Is he too old and or spoiled to attempt another release? Thank you for your continued help. I just want the best for him. I love him with all of my heart. Frank's Mom

I generally fall on the side that thinks squirrels should be released if possible. But everything you describe (hates outside, lots of predators near your house, his age) makes it sound like he is happy, safe and where he belongs (ie in your home). :). Just my opinion but it sounds like you are stuck with Frank.:grin

[Rhapsody]

A squirrel is always releasable...... IF they want to go. What has happen the other two times that you tried to release?

[farrelli]

Sounds like he's made his choice about how he wants to live. If you can't keep him, perhaps we can find another home. I hope you can though. They're kind of hard to re-bond with someone else. I think you should count yourself incredible lucky to have a squirrel that chose YOU. :Love_Icon

[frank'smom]

Hi Everyone,Thank you so much for your advice. I just do not want to be selfish by not giving him the opportunity to experience the wild. It would hurt my heart something aweful by releasing him but if it is the right thing to do by him I will try again. Previously, when trying to release him, I had him outside from 8-12 hours a day for a little over a month. When I opened the door, and left it open for awhile, he would not leave the cage. I gave him a lot of time. The only way he would get out of the cage is by crawling into my hand- with my hand still inside the cage. I do not have to release him, and love him in my home. He always has a place here with me. Yes, I am very lucky that Frank came into my life. If you all think he is happy, then we are all set! Thanks, again. Frank's mom. ps I would put a picture up but my dial up internet will not cooperate.

[farrelli]

Personally, if he's got a great home and doesn't want to leave, why mess with perfection. Some are just homebodies. Nature has a lot of great things, but a wild life is filled with fear, deprivation, disease, searing heat, bitter cold, and virtually none of them die peacefully in their sleep. If he's happy, he's happy.