How late is too late to release?

[Minaluvri]

I have 3 late babies, 2 older ones are around 15 weeks old, and the little one is 12 weeks. They can't be together as one of the older ones attacks him. Anyways I live in missouri and I know I need to release ASAP. But I'm concerned it may be too late, especially for the littlest one. However the two older ones are CRAZY rowdy, and I feel they would be miserable (not to mention horribly difficult) if I tried to overwinter them. Additionally, I may be going on vacation in january...and they would be overwintered in a critter nation cage (which I feel is too small for the three of them) My release cage is ready, the older two are weaned, Cash is on once a day formula feedings but he hardly eats any (12 ccs). I would release in my backyard, I always release there, lots of trees, no cats, (although one neighbor with a dog) and I could provide food all winter. I was hoping to put , at least the older ones in the release cage in two days (October 17th) because it will be in the 70's for a few days, but after thar the forecast is in the mid 50's to upper 60's for the next month or so, before it drops down to mid 40's/ low 50's. is this too cold? Will they be okay?

[Rhapsody]

Releasing this time of year up North is cutting it close for a squirrel, as they still need 30 days in the release cage before they can safely be released and even then they would not have much (if any) time to build their nest and collect food for the Winter. I know you say you have plenty of food to feed them for the Winter, but that is only if they remain in the area (your yard) and do not wonder off to find their own territory. I would personally think about over Wintering them either inside with you or outside in the release cage with coverage over the cage to protect them from the cold Winter will bring.

[BamaHam]

I would over winter them in release cage. Make sure their nesting box stays dry and is well supplied with warmth. Plenty of food with good fat contents so they can build their body fat for the winter and thru the winter. They should be ok outside. They will keep each other warm and snuggle together. Water bottles will freeze on cold days so keep an eye that.

[BamaHam]

I've never had to join squirrels but I would try to unite them. This would make things easier for you ( unless you have 2 release cages). As going on vacation you will have to ask someone reliable to feed them for you and instruct them well.

[Mommaluvy]

I have 3 late babies, 2 older ones are around 15 weeks old, and the little one is 12 weeks. They can't be together as one of the older ones attacks him. Anyways I live in missouri and I know I need to release ASAP. But I'm concerned it may be too late, especially for the littlest one. However the two older ones are CRAZY rowdy, and I feel they would be miserable (not to mention horribly difficult) if I tried to overwinter them. Additionally, I may be going on vacation in january...and they would be overwintered in a critter nation cage (which I feel is too small for the three of them) My release cage is ready, the older two are weaned, Cash is on once a day formula feedings but he hardly eats any (12 ccs). I would release in my backyard, I always release there, lots of trees, no cats, (although one neighbor with a dog) and I could provide food all winter. I was hoping to put , at least the older ones in the release cage in two days (October 17th) because it will be in the 70's for a few days, but after thar the forecast is in the mid 50's to upper 60's for the next month or so, before it drops down to mid 40's/ low 50's. is this too cold? Will they be okay?
I am new :)*




For future reference WMB says 14 weeks. But Rhapsody is right that they need time in the release cage. *

I askd a well respected member of TSB in northern Ohio ans she said she over winters out doors anytime after Oct31 .*

I just recently spoke to another great TSB member near my city and he said " if the ground is brown " he does not release ( also southern ohio near ky.. Which is nearish to your state)*

He recommended I talk to another local who does do winter releases .. He said she was great but they differ on that. *So I think everyone does it different....*

Some of the differences may be due to state law and regs. For instance.. In Ohio you can not keep wildlife past 6 months. *I have a group right now that has been preparing for release but one maybe two need more time. *I am in a pickle cause if I do keep for 6 months.. That makes mandatory release the dead of my areas winter. January! Wow.*

So the point of my rambling is this.. Check your state laws .. Make sure they don't make your present situation worse..*

Some Questions to ask yourself . What part of MO are you in? When do the trees change and go bare? *

Also.. If your going to unite them.. Put them all in the release cage at the same time. Maybe have two nest boxes for them.*
You will have to watch them for a few hours.