How do you know when squirrels are releasable ?

[herbivore]

I have two female grey squirrels around 14 weeks old and they love to run around people and jump on you when they are hungry. I have a lot of trees in my neighborhood and a huge mango tree in my backyard and would love to release them around here so i can feed them daily but i'm worried they'll jump on the neighbors or get attacked by cats since they are so use to living inside. Any signs i should look out for to know if they are non-releasable?
My backyard is relativity secure from cats unless they jump over the fence. :thankyou

[farrelli]

Where are you? Fall babies overwinter in cold climates. Probably south due to mango.

[Monipenny]

Are you familiar with the soft release process? And never release babies once the trees are bare of their leaves, they would be easy prey for predators.

[island rehabber]

My two criteria for release are:

*are they fully weaned?
*Can they crack a walnut and a hazelnut without you starting it for them?

[Mommaluvy]

I used something like IR's.

Can they crack a walnut by themselves.. and can they perch /balance well on branches?
If you have a lot of phone and electric wires in your neighborhood.. make sure they can balance on ropes by putting some thin rope in their cage.

[herbivore]

I live in south florida the winters here are barely cold, I have never soft released a squirrel before but i have been doing alot of research so im familiar with the process. They are weaned and eat anything i'll give them including their rodent blocks but still drink milk if offered. I haven't tried giving them walnuts yet but i'll but some for them next time i go to the store. I have a release cage for them outside and they have great balance in branches i'll buy rope tomorrow to see if they can balance on that. My biggest worry is my neighbor three cats they hang around my front porch often, the back yard is separated by a fence but i'm not sure if they'll go after the squirrels. Im going to make the squirrels a nest box in the trees and they'll still have their cage. Do you think it'll be safe enough or should i release them somewhere else ?

[Monipenny]

Oh dear, wish there were no cats in your yard, that is very concerning. I would not release where there are cats that close, your squirrel(s) will come up to you after they are released for treats and could be attacked by those rascals. Do you have someone close by with a safe place that can release in their yard?