Feeding issues with orphan squirrel (6-7wks old)

[paperheartfairytale]

I have been caring for an orphaned fox squirrel since it was about 2-3 weeks old (he is about 6-7 weeks now). His eyes are opened, tail is fluffy(er), top incisors have just emerged and he's increasingly more active. He has been eating Fox Valley squirrel formula via a nipple/syringe. He takes no interest in actual food, at all whatsoever. I have tried rodent block (even dipped in formula), and various other things (fruit, nuts, etc, etc). He has no interest in it, even when I cut back on his formula intake. I've never had an issue like this with my other orphaned squirrels from the past. Can anyone make any suggestions?
Also, he's quite social able and likes to be around me, in the past I have never not allowed a squirrel to do this, but recently I have been leaving him in his cage, and feeding him from his cage. Is this the right thing to do?

[Rhapsody]

I do not see an issue if he is not yet interested in hhb or food yet. I generally do not even introduce squirrel blocks to my babies until they are 8 weeks old and even then I still leave the formula as their main staple. If this one particular squirrel is not yet wanting to give up his formula go ahead and feed it to him, but leave a small amount of hhb in the cage with him and allow him time at his own pace to accept it......but so stop with feeding the other food atm.

[farrelli]

Why do you think keeping in cage is good, if he's sociable. THey like and need interaction.

[paperheartfairytale]

Why do you think keeping in cage is good, if he's sociable. THey like and need interaction.

I want to reintroduce him back into the wild. I fear that he may become too attached to me.

[farrelli]

This is a common concern that has no validity. Almost all people here play with them no end, cuddle, etc. and things are fine come release time. They generally only like one person anyway. They shouldn't be habituated to other pets though.

[stepnstone]

I want to reintroduce him back into the wild. I fear that he may become too attached to me.

A soft release done correctly will allow them time for that disassociation and
gives time to wild up and draw on their natural instincts.
Some do handle their releases, some do not. Out of cage time is not necessary
as long as their holding cage is a decent size.

[pjjere]

I would advise to keep feeding the formula but offer block. It is probably best to get your squirrel to transition to a good block like henry's healthy pets (google it) before offering treat type foods like fruits and nuts. Your squirrel will let you know when it is done with the formula but for now it is good food for him. Also try to provide as much out of cage time as you can. Are you planning to overwinter the squirrel and release in the spring?