Possibly need a new home...

[Cass]

I really hate typing this post...

I've always been a firm believer in finishing what you started and in only adopting a pet if you know that you can care for them forever. However, I have been the part-time owner of 5 baby squirrels for the past month or so. I posted in the Life Threatening thread not long after we got them. I'm SO glad to say that they are all doing great! However, the 4 bigger ones (came from a different mother) are getting out of hand. My boyfriend, Alex, is their main owner. I babysit whenever we have to work. I would just take them on but as a college student, I don't have the time or money to take care of them properly. Those poor babies are in a small (think 1 rodent sized) cage. Neither of us has the funds to buy/make a bigger one. I TRULY hate typing this but it might be time to give them to somebody who can really take care of them. We live in northwest Georgia about 30 minutes outside of Atlanta.

They just started to get rodent blocks (a little late for them but like I said, $ is an issue) and REALLY like the occasional avocado. Does anybody have it in their heart to care for these 5 babies? They're getting wild and have bitten us. Alex's main issue is that they suck on little Bo even when they've been fed plenty of food. Bo now has his own (big) shoe box that he sleeps in. Alex favors Bo and I think the others are pitiful.

If we can't find anybody to take them, are there any suggestions as to what we can do to make it easier to care for them? This winter is supposed to be brutal like last year and I don't think they'll be ready to release until it's already too cold.:sad:help

[ChippersMommy]

I know this must be a hard decision for both you and Alex, however I applaud you for your bravery. You realize that you can not properly care for these precious babies and have done the right thing by asking/reaching out for help. And luckily you've come to the right place. TSB is amazing and is more like family being that when a squirrel is in trouble or needs help everyone pulls in to make sure the squirrel & the rescuer gets as much help and guidance as possible.

You are not wrong for asking for help. It takes a lot to admit that you're in too deep in any situation. Being a college student is hard enough without the added stress of 5 babies!!!

I only have one and luckily I recently became a stay at home mom (after working full time for many many years & raising kids) of 4 human babies lol (ages 5-14) so i definitely know the struggle of juggling more than one thing at a time. Again, I applaud you for realizing that you can't continue to care for these precious babies.

These babies do require lots of love and attention which im sure makes it hard for those that have to work/attend school etc. Luckily with the promotion my husband got I was able to quit working in August and stay at home to homeschool my oldest daughter which worked out perfectly when I rescued Chippers because I was able to give her undivided attention/care. But not everyone has that opportunity and thats okay. It doesnt make you a bad person for realizing this is too much for you and alex at this stage in your lives. Acting now to ensure they get the proper care and proper placement is the right thing to do and the first step to ensuring the lil guys/gals have the best possible future.

Everyone has different opinons on release and non release- and i agree with both sides-with that being said, I choose to keep Chippers as a pet because I can provide the necessities for her and can provide ample time/companionship etc; if I wasnt able to provide those things than I would have chosen release. Again everyone has their opinions on this matter and that is alright- God gave us the will to have these opinions which is one of our disguised blessings as humans imo.

I live in SC which is close to GA but still a good distance away- however I will be more than happy to help in anyway that I can. Im sure you will be able to find great homes for these babies, and as much as i'd love to take each of them, im sure someone closer with more experience will chime in soon and be here to help. But if it arises that I am an option, id be more than happy to take one or two or all if necessary.

How old are they? Boys, girls?? What were your plans for them, release or keep? Any pics?

If there is anyway that I can help, please do not hesitate to let me know, even if you need some extra supplies sent to you or what ever it may be- im willing to help as much as i can.

Someone with more expertise will chime in soon- Just know that everyone is here for the squirrels best interest and arent here to judge any decisions or choices you make or have made.... Thank you for saving these precious babies.....

[czarina]

Don't worry, we should be able to find someone who can help you. Just keep checking back, and someone will contact a rehabber in your area.

Things will get better.:serene

[Rhapsody]

How old are your little babies? --I am sure some one will come along that should be
able to take your babies in until they can be safely released. (((hugs)))

What formula are you feeding them, how much and how often?
Squirrels are feed 5-7% of their body weight.

[Spanky]

I live in NE Georgia and would be happy to take the babies and see that they are safely released when they are ready. Our releases typically stay close by and visit often. There is lots of property around us on the lake with a flourishing squirrel population. I will PM you my number.

How is Bo? Has his leg healed or will he be non-releasable?

[Cass]

There are four older ones. 2 boys and 2 girls. The boys are Red and Hank and the girls are Polly Pocket and Miss Piggy. We've been feeding them the Fox Valley formula every 4 hours but recently ran out and got rodent blocks. They are learning to eat the blocks and are being fed 7% of their weight 4 times a day. We've been using the goats milk recipe until we can get more FV. Bo is eating 6% every 4-5 hours. Nothing is wrong with Bo's leg. He's a happy and healthy sweet little boy! We had planned to release all of them but weren't sure about if we should keep them through the winter because it's already getting chilly and this winter is supposed to be brutal. We think they're about 7-8 weeks.

[Spanky]

Nothing is wrong with Bo's leg. He's a happy and healthy sweet little boy! .

I am sorry Cass, my mistake! I got your threads confused with "Atlanta Georgia HELP needed!":
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?47762-Atlanta-Georgia-HELP-needed!

I am so glad to here Bo is well!

We had a release last year that disappeared about a week before a cold spell last November (I think it was November?). I was saying goodnight at dark to all the wilds (a "nutty" little ritual I call out "Good night everybody!") and Shep approached me on the deck rail seemingly out of nowhere. It was way too late (not to mention cold and wet) for him to be out, so I brought him in and placed him in his pre-release cage... he climbed into the nest box and did not come out until 10:30AM the next morning! Your mention of the cold made me think of this... and smile. :grin2

Just let me know if or how I can help! :thumbsup

[Spanky]

Just wondering how "the gang" is doing? Did you round up everything you needed for them? If you need anything please let me know and I will try to help.