RELEASING BABIES TO WILD

[CMOSCINSKI]

We have 2 baby squirrels about6 mos old(??) They are very active boys and I don't want to deprive them of their natural instincts and life. Is there anyone that has video
or has done releases in past? We would like to re-introduce them to outside have taken them outside have not handled them aside from cleaning and taking them
outside a few times to keep their "fear factor" in check...

Any help is appreciated.
:thankyou

[Saverywood]

:Love_Icon My they are adorable !
You are in the right place, lots of good squirrel loving peeps here to help.
Please tell us more about the boys, have they been around family cats or dogs? Do they have any special needs?
Are you open to working with a wildlife rehabilator in your area to help you do a soft release?

[Saverywood]

Don't know if there is a video on release, but here's the link to soft release...
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?41071-SOFT-RELEASE-The-How-to-Sticky&highlight=Release

Hope that helps! :thumbsup

[island rehabber]

Are you anywhere near Princeton IL? We have a member (2ndHandRanch Rescue, her name is Nancy) who is a terrific rehabber and has a wildlife sanctuary on her property. She might be able to help.

For soft release of squirrels, you need an outside enclosure that is predator and weather-proof. The squirrels should stay in the release cage for a minimum of a week, up to 3-4 wks if necessary, to acclimate to the outdoors.

[CMOSCINSKI]

:Love_Icon My they are adorable !
You are in the right place, lots of good squirrel loving peeps here to help.
Please tell us more about the boys, have they been around family cats or dogs? Do they have any special needs?
Are you open to working with a wildlife rehabilator in your area to help you do a soft release?

No we have animals but kept them away from the dogs and cats. I did not want them getting used to us as "pets"
although I do talk to them when I feed them :)

They are in a large cage with three grass huts for nesting (I call it their condo) 2 levels with small heater in garage
by door so they hear and smell the outside of our yard. They are healthy chubby squirrels. No health issues
(but they are males and season starting) I feed them fruits, green veggies, cucumber, sweet potato, carrots, almonds,
walnuts, pecans and blueberries strawberries; a mix and balance of whatever is in season and healthy.

Here are some more pictures or you can view more in my folder here.

[farrelli]

No blocks? That actually sounds like a bad diet which may have predisposed them to MBD. Please take a look at the following and tell us how close you are:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

Fruits and nuts shoud be treats only. Sqs have serious calcium requirements and and need the PROPER dose of vitamin D, both of which they'd get from a high quality block. If they haven't been getting it, they may need special care to prepare them for eventual release. Let us know.

[Saverywood]

233009So, they are in the garage by the door and already listening to outside sounds and noises, right? Are you releasing them there in your yard beside your garage? Can you place the cage completely outside? It does need to be weather proof and predator proof. How old are the boys? I am not a foxer person, (someone correct me if I am wrong) but I believe they can be released between 12 & 14 weeks of age, as long as they can crack open a walnut with their teeth. :thumbsup

I usually put up a wooden nest box up high in a tree for my newly released squirrels to live in while they learn/build their first Drey. So, you might consider building them or purchasing them a big enough nest box.

I have a portal on my release cages that are squirrel sized, so they can come & go as they please, (once I release them) but small enough so a cat or larger critter can not use the same hole. See photo..:tilt

Meanwhile, I leave food and water inside the release cage, with portal open during daylight & closed during darkness for the next few weeks, just until it is clear that they are not coming back to the cage for food or safety.

[CMOSCINSKI]

No blocks? That actually sounds like a bad diet which may have predisposed them to MBD. Please take a look at the following and tell us how close you are:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

Fruits and nuts shoud be treats only. Sqs have serious calcium requirements and and need the PROPER dose of vitamin D, both of which they'd get from a high quality block. If they haven't been getting it, they may need special care to prepare them for eventual release. Let us know.

I was told NOT to use block. We have veggie garden in yard in summer we grow with spinach, kale, beans, tomatoes ....The squirrels have well balanced diet only 2-4nuts per day, kale greens spinach, beans in additional to things they will find outside naturally...where will they find block in wild anyway? What do they eat in wild I don't think calcium rich foods lol...

I think they are eating pretty well-balanced diet. I made them familiar with different foods that is easy for them to know and be familiar with in our area.

I don't think they have any deficiency. I made sure I talked to wildlife and rescue people on what I can feed and was aware of calcium requirements thus giving them kale and spinach - they love it. I think I would see a smaller rickety squirrel if they had issues of any kind but they don't, they are thriving young healthy boys... :)

[CMOSCINSKI]

233009So, they are in the garage by the door and already listening to outside sounds and noises, right? Are you releasing them there in your yard beside your garage? Can you place the cage completely outside? It does need to be weather proof and predator proof. How old are the boys? I am not a foxer person, (someone correct me if I am wrong) but I believe they can be released between 12 & 14 weeks of age, as long as they can crack open a walnut with their teeth. :thumbsup

I usually put up a wooden nest box up high in a tree for my newly released squirrels to live in while they learn/build their first Drey. So, you might consider building them or purchasing them a big enough nest box.

I have a portal on my release cages that are squirrel sized, so they can come & go as they please, (once I release them) but small enough so a cat or larger critter can not use the same hole. See photo..:tilt

Meanwhile, I leave food and water inside the release cage, with portal open during daylight & closed during darkness for the next few weeks, just until it is clear that they are not coming back to the cage for food or safety.

Sounds good, we have cage that they have made home and will put it outside away from direct sun. My husband will figure out how to make the door for them to get in and out. We have field mice too so I hope that they don't overtake their cage??

[Saverywood]

:thumbsup
Make sure the cage is close to a group of trees so they can move about without having to use the ground (some of mine wait until the very last ray of light to get home) make it easy access from trees or ground. Also place a heavy limb close to the portal entrance so they can use it to get in and out easily. Same is true for the nest box high up in tree, put nest box close to a strong branch or put something for them to use to get in/out of the box. Straight wood is slick.:grin2

Good luck!! Maybe you can make us a video? :grin3

[farrelli]

You are wrong about the diet. Blocks are a MUST. We cannot state that clearly enough to people here. The ones who think they know better end up coming back to us later with sick and dieing squirrels. I think you're about to hear this from a number of people here. It is our MOST consistent and constantly repeated message, bar none. We cannot over state it. The fact that your guys look healthy means nothing. They are prey animals and hide everything. Everone who comes here with MBD has the same story, they were so healthy yesterday but now he's convulsing, or paralyzed, or dead.

Btw, spinach also isn't recommend due to the Oxalates. Also, nuts should be 1-2 a day and fruit also should be very limited.

You would do well by them to get them on blocks immediately and give them extra calcium. And yes, they do get lots of calcium in the wild, but more importantly, they get little phosphorous which blocks calcium absorption and which tends to be high with human provided diets. They also get D from sun exposure in the wild, and when indoors need it from a well measured source. Without that D, all the calcium in the world won;t do them any good because it won't be absorbed.

Do tell me, if you're so sure that you have all the answers, why are you here?

[CMOSCINSKI]

You are wrong about the diet. Blocks are a MUST. We cannot state that clearly enough to people here. The ones who think they know better end up coming back to us later with sick and dieing squirrels. I think you're about to hear this from a number of people here. It is our MOST consistent and constantly repeated message, bar none. We cannot over state it. The fact that your guys look healthy means nothing. They are prey animals and hide everything. Everone who comes here with MBD has the same story, they were so healthy yesterday but now he's convulsing, or paralyzed, or dead.

Btw, spinach also isn't recommend due to the Oxalates. Also, nuts should be 1-2 a day and fruit also should be very limited.

You would do well by them to get them on blocks immediately and give them extra calcium. And yes, they do get lots of calcium in the wild, but more importantly, they get little phosphorous which blocks calcium absorption and which tends to be high with human provided diets. They also get D from sun exposure in the wild, and when indoors need it from a well measured source. Without that D, all the calcium in the world won;t do them any good because it won't be absorbed.

Do tell me, if you're so sure that you have all the answers, why are you here?

I never said I had the answers. I stated what I was told. I am a person who saved 2 baby squirrels or they would have died just trying o release them into the wild. I will put them outside asap. I will buy block and put them in my yard I guess them what else do I need to do immediately ?

Here is where I buy my pets food from... is this ok blocks?? http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=6067+10381+11253+25087&pcatid=25087

[SammysMom]

The information that you are getting about blocks is absolutely true. The part of their outside diet that is missing is the bugs, bark and minerals that they get from places that you are not even thinking about. What was the reasoning for not giving blocks? That does not make any sense to me.

[farrelli]

Don't put them in your yard, unless you mean in a cage! The release process needs to be gradual to be the most successful.

The blocks that we recommend are the following. They're the only ones that are made just for squirrels and are, in fact, made by a member here. If they're too pricy (a bag lasts about a month per sq), we can recommend cheaper options. They will provide calcium, the right amount of D, and a lot of other things that they need.

http://www.henryspets.com/squirrel-diet/

I would provide them with a calcium source for sometime before they go. We usually recommend Tums because they will often eat it plain, and it's cheap. Here's the thread that we give to people who's babies have MBD. You might not need as much, but providing them some at a few times a day would help. Cuttle bone, and antler chews are also good.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?34495-Emergency-Treatment-of-Metabolic-Bone-Disease-(MBD)

[farrelli]

Btw, most rehabbers and even vets know little about squirrels, and some are complete idiots. We had one the other day who told someone that all they needed was one dose of antibiotics to cure pneumonia. Always check and double check.

[Nancy in New York]

Btw, most rehabbers and even vets know little about squirrels, and some are complete idiots. We had one the other day who told someone that all they needed was one dose of antibiotics to cure pneumonia. Always check and double check.
That is very true farrelli, and I believe that was because she overdosed her squirrel with Baytril 50 times the dose requirement. :shakehead Guess they meant what doesn't kill you, may cure you? :dono

By the way, your squirrels are gorgeous and the diet isn't THAT bad, we have seen a lot worse. I would definitely give the blocks for a month or two, just to be on the safe side. :thumbsup

[CMOSCINSKI]

Don't put them in your yard, unless you mean in a cage! The release process needs to be gradual to be the most successful.

The blocks that we recommend are the following. They're the only ones that are made just for squirrels and are, in fact, made by a member here. If they're too pricy (a bag lasts about a month per sq), we can recommend cheaper options. They will provide calcium, the right amount of D, and a lot of other things that they need.

http://www.henryspets.com/squirrel-diet/

I would provide them with a calcium source for sometime before they go. We usually recommend Tums because they will often eat it plain, and it's cheap. Here's the thread that we give to people who's babies have MBD. You might not need as much, but providing them some at a few times a day would help. Cuttle bone, and antler chews are also good.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?34495-Emergency-Treatment-of-Metabolic-Bone-Disease-(MBD)

So today should I give them 1 tums each with their food????

[SammysMom]

Tums are not going to hurt anything, but are generally used for known cases of MBD. You can fix their diet by adding block into it on a regular basis.

[CMOSCINSKI]

Tums are not going to hurt anything, but are generally used for known cases of MBD. You can fix their diet by adding block into it on a regular basis.

I just ordered the blocks ty!

[CMOSCINSKI]

What kind of light (imitates sunlight) do I get so they receive enough while we are transitioning them....

[Nancy in New York]

What kind of light (imitates sunlight) do I get so they receive enough while we are transitioning them....

I know that CritterMom recommends a great one, and for the life of me, I can't remember which one.
I'll look for the thread. :thumbsup

[Nancy in New York]

Here you go:


If you held Ott's feet to the fire, they would tell you that their bulbs are "visible" full spectrum - that is they have the COLOR of full spectrum. They are made for crafting and sewing and really should not be marketed to critter people looking for UVA/UVB for calcium absorbsion because THEY DON'T DO THAT. And yes, I spent much money on them for my parrots before I researched them in depth.

The only real full spectrum bulbs are made for the reptile trade. Repti-sun is well known; they are followed by a number - 2.0; 5.0; 10.0. That number tells you how far in inches below the bulb the UVA/UVB penetrated when the bulb is brand new. That means 10" is the max available.

If you are feeding a good rodent block with calcium, vitamin D and magnesium, unfiltered sun is not required for calcium absorbsion. That said, if you can give your baby a nice sun bask he will love it - but the D it provides can be achieved through diet.

[farrelli]

I might give a bit of Tums every day to try to make up for what they lacked growing up. Did they have a good formula? What kind?

[CMOSCINSKI]

I might give a bit of Tums every day to try to make up for what they lacked growing up. Did they have a good formula? What kind?

We got them on formula right away same night we got them they were on it for several weeks...maybe 6 I'd say before we even introduced any solids. 3x day feedings. Esbilac --link is below for nutrition value.

http://www.healthypets.com/puppymilk11.html?mr:trackingCode=56829EFC-909B-E011-8D66-001517B188A2&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=28625353727&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=56708805167&gclid=CMnLgau5iL4CFSVgMgodEToAQg

[farrelli]

Did you use this liquid, or did you use the powder? The liquid isn't as good. Also, we recommend that they be given formula for as long as they can be convinced to do so so as to ward against MBD. What age did they stop?

[CMOSCINSKI]

Yes we used the canned liquid not powder. And fed 3x day about 4-6 weeks approx...they had to be at lease 2-3 mos old

[farrelli]

Why do you think they were 2-3 months old when you got them? They usually would not take formula at that age.

In any event, it sounds like these guys haven't gotten the best nutrition throughout their life. I would correct that for awhile and give supplemental calcium before release.

[Saverywood]

We got them on formula right away same night we got them they were on it for several weeks...maybe 6 I'd say before we even introduced any solids. 3x day feedings. Esbilac --link is below for nutrition value.

http://www.healthypets.com/puppymilk11.html?mr:trackingCode=56829EFC-909B-E011-8D66-001517B188A2&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=28625353727&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=56708805167&gclid=CMnLgau5iL4CFSVgMgodEToAQg

Some of the peeps giving out advice have never even held a HHB or rehabbed a single squrrel...

You and Hubby have raised two beauriful boys,
you did the best you could
looks like you did some homework & research,
so stop ... beating yourself up and move forward.
:thumbsup

[farrelli]

Btw, no one is shaming you. Some mistakes were made and a fix is at hand. Some people think that making people feel good is the the way to go, but that solves no problems at all. Most of us are more interested in helping squirrels than ingratiating ourselves to users and making everyone feel good. It is standard procedure around here that in cases where there has been a nutritional deficit (and it sounds like your guys got lesser quality formula and no blocks) that this deficit be addressed before release. I don't really know how that could be interpreted as being hurtful.

[Charley Chuckles]

Btw, no one is shaming you. Some mistakes were made and a fix is at hand. Some people think that making people feel good is the the way to go, but that solves no problems at all. Most of us are more interested in helping squirrels than ingratiating ourselves to users and making everyone feel good. It is standard procedure around here that in cases where there has been a nutritional deficit (and it sounds like your guys got lesser quality formula and no blocks) that this deficit be addressed before release. I don't really know how that could be interpreted as being hurtful.

Hi Chris I'm sorry but I just happened to see this post :( I am sorry if I didn't get a chance to read all the other posts/ HOWEVER , I just want, as a member, to say...PLEASE tone it down a notch :poke I would hate for you to chase a newbie away...who needs help :nono :thankyou I know Chris you can do better than rude...LOVE YOU QUACK DOC :grouphug:Love_Icon

[farrelli]

What is with the southern women here? They all think I'm rude while at the same time I get PMs from other people, even about this very thread, who think I do a service by being direct. CC, how have I in any way been rude to Cmos? Please tell me. She came here looking for advice, and the fact of the matter is that her squirrel has been raised with sub-par formula and then didn't get any blocks. Does that help or hurt a squirrel? Should I instead be telling her, like others, that everything is just peachy? Or should I be telling her the truth, the truth which has been told to so many others in the same situation, that her squirrels would be better off having a corrected diet and probably supplemental calcium before their release to make up for the deficit? CC, if you're one of the people who thinks that it's better to just tell people what they want to hear, I'm sorry, but that isn't what TSB is all about.

Just the other day, in relation to another thread, the question was asked in the Triage Room, since when has TSB become so concerned with being "the nice board". Facts are facts and squirrels need help. When all some members do is made "isn't he cute" pics, and tell people who have made mistakes that "you've tried your best" and then move on without telling them that these were mistakes and how to correct them, they're doing this board a disservice and are actively hurting squirrels. I haven't badmouthed Cmos, I haven't badgered or name called, I pointed out a mistake and how it could be corrected, like so many others have done in similar circumstances. Cmos came here for advice, so she should get it, not just be essentially told that everything is A-OK. I'm sure she's a big girl and not only can bare to hear the truth, but actively wants to hear it in order to help her charges.

[island rehabber]

Cmos, you have gotten excellent advice throughout this thread from all concerned. I agree that since your boys did not eat rodent block they could stand a boost of calcium in their diet prior to being released. The stress of release often causes whatever weaknesses in a squirrel's system to weaken further and we don't want to risk that.

As for WHY BLOCKS, the fact is that squirrels in the wild have an incredibly varied, seasonally and geographically-dependent diet. They do not eat the same things all year round. They do not eat the same things in New York that they eat in Texas or Florida. It is virtually impossible to reproduce their natural diet when they are in our home, so rodent block takes care of as much of that as possible by supplying the various minerals and vitamins they would normally get from SO MANY things outside. Whoever told y ou they don't need it is -- I'm sorry -- GROSSLY misinformed. Every respected squirrel expert, from Shirley Casey to Sarah Rowe to Christina Clark will tell you that blocks are essential. To make matters more dicey, the foods we tend to give squirrels in our homes (nuts, oxalates like spinach, corn) boost their phosphorous levels so that their calcium levels drop dangerously low. That's why we're always harping on this dietary stuff -- not to make anyone feel bad, but to protect the squirrel.

okay, that said, your boys are adorable and you sound like a person who will do whatever needs to be done. Take the info presented and use it -- it's free! -- and it's very good info. If the tone of some of the posts bothers you, remember that this is the internet and all we have is cold type. Take the WHAT is being said, not the HOW. :grin2

:peace

[CMOSCINSKI]

Why do you think they were 2-3 months old when you got them? They usually would not take formula at that age.

In any event, it sounds like these guys haven't gotten the best nutrition throughout their life. I would correct that for awhile and give supplemental calcium before release.

No we got them as babies - their eyes weren't even open...we fed them thru to approx. 3mos of age then introduced solids. I have pictures here in my folder, you can see how small they were when we got them.

[CMOSCINSKI]

Cmos, you have gotten excellent advice throughout this thread from all concerned. I agree that since your boys did not eat rodent block they could stand a boost of calcium in their diet prior to being released. The stress of release often causes whatever weaknesses in a squirrel's system to weaken further and we don't want to risk that.

As for WHY BLOCKS, the fact is that squirrels in the wild have an incredibly varied, seasonally and geographically-dependent diet. They do not eat the same things all year round. They do not eat the same things in New York that they eat in Texas or Florida. It is virtually impossible to reproduce their natural diet when they are in our home, so rodent block takes care of as much of that as possible by supplying the various minerals and vitamins they would normally get from SO MANY things outside. Whoever told y ou they don't need it is -- I'm sorry -- GROSSLY misinformed. Every respected squirrel expert, from Shirley Casey to Sarah Rowe to Christina Clark will tell you that blocks are essential. To make matters more dicey, the foods we tend to give squirrels in our homes (nuts, oxalates like spinach, corn) boost their phosphorous levels so that their calcium levels drop dangerously low. That's why we're always harping on this dietary stuff -- not to make anyone feel bad, but to protect the squirrel.

okay, that said, your boys are adorable and you sound like a person who will do whatever needs to be done. Take the info presented and use it -- it's free! -- and it's very good info. If the tone of some of the posts bothers you, remember that this is the internet and all we have is cold type. Take the WHAT is being said, not the HOW. :grin2

:peace




I know you haven't prob read all the thread, but I took all advice given and ordered block. I just want to know the whys and hows etc. That's why I asked all the questions. Thank you all for your advice!! :grin2

[farrelli]

Are you going to also give them supplemental calcium?

[CMOSCINSKI]

Well we have been acclimating the boys to the yard and trees and surroundings for two weeks. Keeping a cage in yard and only allowing them out when we are present to "babysit" while they play. Ben (the bigger one) has left our yard last Sunday came back but has left for good I think.

I initially seen him with the other baby squirrels just around the corner from my house. They all hang by the large pine trees but found him by himself hoping around and feeding at my neighbors house down the block because she has a feeder there, I think he is comfortable being his own "man". I have attached Jerry's picture from this last weekend eating fresh coconut for to keep immune system in check. He and other squirrels I still feed the blocks that were recommended to me as well as fresh veggies. I don't feel Jerrry will be leaving us. He stays in the yard near the garage and even attached himself to my husband so he now lets him pet him and feed by hand with no problem (which I did not want to happen but Oh well...if he is happy here, he can stay as long as he wants). The door is open and cage is unlocked for him to come and go as he pleases.

My question during this season to keep the squirrels healthy (mosquitoes, ticks, fungi, etc.), what can I feed them to keep their immune system in check and free from ticks or mange? Any help appreciated!!:grin2 :thankyou

235696

[farrelli]

Perhaps you should put up a squirrel box for him to make his permanent home.

[CMOSCINSKI]

Actually Jerry left yesterday!! He is living in my neighbors tree across the yard from mine :0 there are about 10 squirrels there so he will be fine. He will follow their lead. I am feeding them blocks and seeing about asking neighbor to put a squirrel box up there for him. My neighborhood has not many squirrels at all and I am wondering if someone killed them off :(

He's good! My husband saw him and gave him food & he ran back up the tree to eat :) :Love_Icon

235766

[CMOSCINSKI]

Well looks like Jerry is back home again! For visit??

Left for the night played with his squirrel friends and brother and stopped by to eat :)

He knows where his true home is....