Fall or spring?

[estherglows]

I have 5 abandoned baby squirrel I rescued. One I got like 3 1/2 months ago. The other 4 I got like 3 weeks ago. I'm guessing the 4 are like 3 1/2 months old and the other one is like 4 months old. What I'm wondering is would it be better/safer for the squirrels to do the releasing process now or in the middle of spring?

[Mommaluvy]

Depending on your leaf cover and your location ( temps) I would say spring.

Also on your state law. You may have to work with another rehabber to pull it off. Like in my state YOU are only allowed to hold an animal for 6 months without permission from the state.

[estherglows]

In the winter it's like 32-39 in the day, and never gets below zero at night.

[HRT4SQRLS]

:eek :eek http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww173/prestonjjrtr/Winter/winter_smilies_0012.gif
Spring! Much too cold for young ones.

[farrelli]

What is their diet like? We always ask.

[Mommaluvy]

Food could also be an issue as well. Squirrels are scatter hoarders and they have to have time to stash their food. With out a month or so

They also need experience making warm dry nests. They don't actually hibernate they go into a state called Topor ( spelling) But they still need to be warm and dry.

[estherglows]

I feed them mostly acorns and other things I find outside that they like.

[Mommaluvy]

Nothing wrong with wild foods .. But captive squirrels need more calcium for bone growth. You will need to see the healthy food chart ESP if you do keep them overwinter.

I had actually meant that if you released now that they would have trouble finding food now that the fall has arrived. They have not had time to build those food hoards. BUT if your harvesting foods from the wild.. Your going to have a harder time finding it to feed them also.

Make sure your acorns are fresh. Old ones can contain aflotoxins