Releasing Schedule Question

[itsme.terilyn]

My Sheldon is about 7 weeks old.

If we are to release them at around 4 months that puts us at the end of October, beginning of November. I am in Illinois...will that be too late for him to go?

I know if I did it that I would have to feed him all winter long.

Or am I releasing too late?

So many questions.

[lennysmom]

My concern with a November release would be that Sheldon would not have adequate time to stash for the winter, which is what squirrels spend most of the fall doing. I'm sure that the winters in IL can be harsh and he would still need to establish territory and build a drey for himself unless you plan to provide a box for him. I will let some more experienced rehabbers weigh in on this one, but I personally would be inclined to overwinter.

[farrelli]

Late babies are almost always overwintered, even by their moms in the wild. They need to stash their food, establish a territory, and learn to avoid predators in a leafless world.

[Mommaluvy]

I am new.. but this is what I have been told.

If over wintering it should be done in an out door cage.

But Do not release post Oct 31. PROVIDE a nest box and provide food and water all winter long .

That said you are farther northwest than me. I am in southern Ohio . Our winters don't really hit till after December.

I am going to follow this standard .. I will provide nest boxes AND food and water.

[farrelli]

Most people overwinter inside. It does depend on climate though. I don;t know anyone in a cold region where they're kept outside.

[Fireweed]

First off, thank you so much for thinking about release NOW instead of later. :highfive

I think they should have enough time to prepare for winter - and that means finding a territory, building a warm drey, growing a thicker coat, finding enough food, adapting to such a change etc. So depending on your winters, if you think he won't have at the very least one month to do this before it gets too cold or there's any sign of snow, then I'd overwinter.

Of course, like you mention, you could continue to feed him and keep watch over him - but what if he doesn't want to stick around? He has to be able to have a chance to make it without your help. So if it would be too cold for him to make it without your help, it's definitely not the right time to release - especially if you are rushing it in order to get him out before winter.

You also have to take in to consideration the time it will take him to soft-release - how long will he need in a release cage before actually having the chance to adapt to life in the wild? Some take up to a month in a release cage before being ready to go. Time in the release cage shouldn't be included in the time he needs to prepare for winter...

If you do overwinter (inside), I would be making plans to release him as soon as there is leaf cover in the trees. Have the release cage ready asap and prepare for him to be out of the cage by the time the leaves have popped out. The sooner he is out in the spring, the better his chances are for a multitude of reasons.

Good luck. :)

[farrelli]

FW, I disagree. Normally most people don't release until 14 weeks of age at the earliest, which would be about mid-October. That's pretty late. Most folks in cold climates don't release that late.

[Fireweed]

FW, I disagree. Normally most people don't release until 14 weeks of age at the earliest, which would be about mid-October. That's pretty late. Most folks in cold climates don't release that late.
You disagree with what exactly? :thinking
I'm saying 16 weeks at the end of October seems too late and I wouldn't do it especially if you live in a colder climate than, say, Florida.
In other words.

I thought I was agreeing with everyone else. :tilt

[farrelli]

Sorry. Speed reading. "I think they should have enough time to prepare for winter," I took as a declarative sentence, as if they were released in October, they would have enough time to prepare for winter.