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View Full Version : Questions about released squirrels?



bridgetole
07-29-2014, 01:33 PM
First the scoop...I released 4 squirrels in my yard almost 6 weeks ago. They are about 6 months old now. I live in town, but have many large old trees of many varieties. They are able to cover my whole yard, and probably go for miles, tree to tree. I'm guessing they like it here as they havn't seemed to have left the yard. Their favorite tree is right next to the house. We put a nest box in the tree along with nestboxes in 3 other trees. They have also built their own nests. All 4 come running down the tree like clock work at 5:30am waiting for their breakfast. The evenings are the same, all show up about 4:30 sharp. I do enjoy it but worry they are too dependant on me. I'm for the most part, doing everything I did before I released them. HHB's and a plate of veggies in the morning. Fruits, nuts and HHB's in the evening. They also have a bowl of Kaytee blocks with sesame seeds and oatmeal always available. They are barely touching the vegetables lately. Still love their HHB's! My first question is what do most people do as far as feeding their releases? It gets expensive and labor intensive. My fridge is so full of fruits and vegetables for the squirrels, us people are starving:) JK. Also I wonder if now that they are gathering in the wild, they don't really need the vegetables I have been giving. But maybe more fruits that are not so available in the wild. As long as they are around, I will have the HHB's for them, I have no questions about that.

Also, they are still so friendly with us. We can call them and they come. If we are in the yard, they will come. They want to climb on us alot. I'm Ok with all this but worry what could happen when they get older. Most mornings all 4 want to be running on me at the same time. It can feel a little freaky, but I like it, as long as everyone stays nice. I don't feed them while they are on me, I also try not to feed from my hand, but I can't say this for my husband. It is obvious when they are with us they are usually in search of treats, not just looking for company. One of them will get nippy once in awhile. Never broke skin. She gets a loud firm "NO" and we leave her alone. It seems to be working. So my question here is...What are other people's experiences with released squirrels as they get older? Is there anything wrong with this type of contact with them, or should we be discouraging this contact for their sake or ours?

Mommaluvy
07-29-2014, 02:23 PM
These are good questions. And one I have as well once I get to post release with pipsqueak . Since he is a fall baby I know I am going to be feeding him till spring . But the handling etc is one I do not have the answer to. I would say that if you have neighbors you may want to discourage then climbing on you. I know that stinks .. But if the nippy one nips someone's kid then animal control may get involved.

Again I am not seasoned with squirrels. But am just using common sense . I would back off on the friuts and veg a bit. Maybe serving them just once a day. And then a week or so later moving over to veg just once every other day. Kinda wean them off. They should be foraging on their own at this point.

I do not see any reason why you could not / should not continue offering a few HHB etc. And or large stripped sun flowers etc.

But again - I am just starting my squirrel journey.

Rhapsody
07-29-2014, 02:28 PM
I personally only supplement my released squirrel food for the first 30 days after they have been released...... after this time I wean them down to no food from me on a every other day basis. They learn to eat off the land when I am no longer giving them food. Some of the released squirrels continue to stay around in the area and visit me for several more months, while others go on their way and make a new life in the wild.

bridgetole
07-29-2014, 07:50 PM
I will be weaning them. Starting with the fruits and vegetables only every other day. For now, I will continue the Hhb's morning and evening. And eventually bring that down to once a day if they are still around.

sandycheeks
07-29-2014, 08:01 PM
I have only raised and released 1 squirrel. An only child. But I continued to let Sandy climb on me like normal. Even petted her and rubbed her chin when she wanted me to, maybe once a week. After 8 months or so my wife told my neighbour about the Sandy and he said he didn't even notice there was a not normal squirrel around.
How do they react to other people? Have you had company over with them around? Did they jump on other people or just you?
I think I got super lucky that Sandy just ignored other people, but I'm certain they know you from other people.

bridgetole
07-29-2014, 11:36 PM
They seem to ignore other people, neighbors and company. They have never been cuddly or wanted to be pet or held like some squirrels I've read about on here. I think because they have always had each other. They do like to be by us and run and climb on us. I do wonder what the fascination is... Do they really like our company or are they just looking for food :grin2 Anyway, I hope they stay around but I have made some rules to be less of a constant and direct food source.

Monipenny
07-30-2014, 12:05 AM
Awe, they look so happy, healthy and beautiful. Good job on those babies. I assume you did the soft release with them and they had the opportunity to learn from the wild squirrels how to forage for food and avoid predators? Gradually cutting back will be fine.

bridgetole
07-30-2014, 12:28 AM
Yes I did a soft release. I'm not sure how much they are interacting with the wilds. I've seen mine being chased by the wilds and I've also seen mine chase the wilds. I think that is why they like the tree by the house. The wilds for the most part stay away. One morning while giving them their breakfast, I did my usual head count. Counted 5! I only have 4! My squirrels didn't seem to mind him a bit. He didn't get too close, but he didn't run away either. He is a young one like mine. They seem to have accepted him.