How old is my abandoned sqirrel and when should I wean & release

[haagenlady]

Hello all. My husband and I have been caring for an abandoned baby squirrel for almost a month now.
I believe he was about 7 weeks when we found him. He now weighs over 200 grams and is eating solid
food but still loves to receive formula several times a day. When is it time to release him and I read we
should build a temporty nest for him attached to a tree until he makes one of this own? Any insight would be
appreciated. He is sooooo cute . . . .my husband named him . . yes Rocky

[bamababies]

I would let him take formula as long as he wants it. With mine, I build a large release cage outside and put mine in there at 14 weeks old, I gave them 1 month to become accustomed to the sounds and watch other squirrels that run around outside, then I opened the door and watched them explore. They came back to sleep at night for a few weeks, til they found a nest in my peacan tree. I put thier nest box in that tree but they never used it.

[farrelli]

Yes, the above is standard practice. Most start the process at 14-16 weeks.

What kind of formula are you feeding? What kind of diet are you using for solids? Have you seen the good diet thread?

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

[haagenlady]

Thank you. We will build a safe crate for him to be exposed to the outdoors. I have been feeding the Esbilac, rodent block,
sweet potato, celery and sunflower seeds. I had not seen the link with the food pryamid so that is great - thank you very much.

Still not sure about his age but if he is about 8-10 weeks - he should be ready to be out on his own in about a month? I don't want to rush him but I also do not want to keep him to long from his natural habitat. I will keep the crate available outside until I am sure he has made his own nest. I never knew they were such wonderful creatures . . . after a lifetime of seening tons of them every day. Thank you for all your feedback!

[farrelli]

Well, if he could be 8, don't go in a month, wait at least 6 weeks to be sure he's 14. People release at a min of 14 weeks.