Jasper is free...

[Cesta]

Jasper is the squirrel who brought me to this board. He was born around the middle of August last year and I :Love_Icon him in a way I know only you guys understand. He had an infection when I got him and required a lot of care, and when he was old enough to be released it was too late in the year. So, he overwintered with us. He was spoiled pretty rotten by the whole family. :grin3 It has really passed Spring and become Summer here in FL, and I finally got up the courage to open his release cage today. He's been on a covered patio in the cage since November (we brought him in when it was "Florida cold"; 40 degrees or below. :grin Yeah, I know a bunch of you are laughing at me!! He's been outside under a giant oak tree for the last week and I just felt like it was time. He wandered out and stood on top of his cage and just looked at me like, "Really?". I said yeah, baby, go climb the tree. And he did. I didn't even get to watch or take pictures because I was bawling. So please keep my Jazzy in your thoughts, I'm praying he comes home for a while at night and eventually makes his home in our yard. There's a Jasper sized hole in my heart right now. :sadness

[pjjere]

Praying for Jasper to be safe and smart and for his squammy to understand she did the right thing. All you can do now is observe and hope Jasper comes back to visit. We released our first squirrel, Nutkin, last June and she settled (we think) a pretty good distance from her release cage area. I still worry about her but was thrilled the other day when she came back to the RC area for a couple of treats. Hope Jasper comes back to say hi! :)

[TubeDriver]

You gave Jasper the greatest gift that you could offer, his freedom!:thumbsup

I hope Jasper sticks around and you can enjoy his company for years to come!:)

[HRT4SQRLS]

Awww Cesta ... I know this was tough. :grouphug Jasper is a big boy and you raised him well. The conditions are perfect and your yard is beautiful. I suspect Jasper will be home tonight waiting for 'room service'.

Those singletons that are overwintered have a connection with their family. I believe Jasper will live near your home in those beautiful oak trees.

I was unloading some plants out of my car this afternoon. A squirrel ran up my back ... yep, it was Susie, my release from over a year ago. She is completely free and 'wild at heart' BUT she still remembers where the treats are. Jasper knows also! :thumbsup
Let us know tonight about your baby ... if he came home or if he's being a rebellious teen. :tilt

[SammysMom]

Cesta, you did the very best thing for your Jasper. It is the hardest part for me...the letting go, but it is the right thing. You gave him a glorious start to his life and he will remember that. That hole that is there is filled with a piece of Jasper's that is exactly the same size and shape as yours. You each make both hearts perfect and whole...
Go carefully Jasper...:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug

[HRT4SQRLS]

:hello .... Jasper.... you home yet. If not, you need to be, mom will be worried. :tilt

[Delo729]

Be free little Jasper. But check in with Mama everyday to make sure she's ok in the wild world without you. She might need your help adjusting.:grin3

[Chickenlegs]

What a glorious day for Jasper. What a painful day for you. Sometimes the best love is the hardest on the heart. :Love_Icon

[Cesta]

Thank you guys, such kind words, and so heartfelt. I know you've all been where I am right now.

H4S, Jasper decided to be a rebellious teen and didn't come home to his nest box last night. :sniff

I know this for sure because I checked at 9, 11, 2, and 4. :tilt

We did see him in the evening in the tree above his RC. Craig and I both called and called, but he didn't come down. I'm glad he's enjoying his freedom. He deserves it. He's a beautiful, healthy, 8 month old squirrel who has been in a cage way too long. :embar

I put at least 2 weeks worth of his favorite nuts in the cage to try and lure him back. :grin I figure he can take them and bury them in the yard. I don't want him to stay, just visit so I know he's OK. I'll be putting food and water on top of the cage too, in case he just really doesn't want to go back in there.

I'm feeling a little cheated. Even Stella-- who only lived with me a couple weeks, came back to her cage every day. She didn't sleep in it, but she came back to eat. I just pray Jasper found a nice gently used nest and slept there last night.

Craig believes he's out (ahem) 'making up for lost time' and working on filling our yard with the next generation of little Jasper's. :eek Dude, that's my BABY you're talking about!! :yuck He thinks he's "shacking up" with one of the cute little females who have been hanging around his cage this week. I told him I'm pretty sure squirrels don't 'shack up'. :shakehead

Anyway, I'll be keeping my eyes open and praying hard that he stays safe and healthy. Now it's time to feed the four little guys who are still counting on me. :)

Thanks for the support, guys. :grouphug

[Cesta]

:wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo
:Love_Icon JASPER IS IN HIS CAGE PLAYING. I AM A HAPPY SQUAMMY!! :Love_Icon

Maybe he just felt like a camp-out last night? :grin3

:bliss :bliss

:serene

[TubeDriver]

:serene

[HRT4SQRLS]

:fireworks :fireworks
Cesta, your post cracked me up. :jump :thinking I bet you're tired today after stalking the RC ALL night. :rotfl

Well... you survived the first night, post release. :grin2 You have many more of these nights to agonize over. :poke

The first time Susie didn't check in, she was gone a week. :tap She just SHOWED up like nothing happened. I don't think they measure time like we do. :tilt

I feel like I learned a lot by watching my 'hand full' of releases. We give them everything. We saved them. We lost sleep over them. We nurtured them, and on and on BUT when they hit those trees it's like they forget everything. :tap I wonder about the conflict in their mind. They are sitting in a tree, watching you call them but they won't come down. They know that you are their friend BUT the 'draw of nature' overpowers all of that nurturing and love. Eventually almost all of them will chose freedom over a relationship from mom. I have been blessed to have one of the few that cherishes her freedom and life in the trees but still allows me to have a small place in her life. Of course, I realize it's all about 'her' because she likes me treats but I'll take it. :tilt I'm also aware that everything could change when she has her own family and I'll have to accept that. :sadness

Day 1 Complete! Success! :thumbsup It WILL get easier!

[Cesta]

:fireworks :fireworks
Cesta, your post cracked me up. :jump :thinking I bet you're tired today after stalking the RC ALL night. :rotfl

Well... you survived the first night, post release. :grin2 You have many more of these nights to agonize over. :poke

The first time Susie didn't check in, she was gone a week. :tap She just SHOWED up like nothing happened. I don't think they measure time like we do. :tilt

I feel like I learned a lot by watching my 'hand full' of releases. We give them everything. We saved them. We lost sleep over them. We nurtured them, and on and on BUT when they hit those trees it's like they forget everything. :tap I wonder about the conflict in their mind. They are sitting in a tree, watching you call them but they won't come down. They know that you are their friend BUT the 'draw of nature' overpowers all of that nurturing and love. Eventually almost all of them will chose freedom over a relationship from mom. I have been blessed to have one of the few that cherishes her freedom and life in the trees but still allows me to have a small place in her life. Of course, I realize it's all about 'her' because she likes me treats but I'll take it. :tilt I'm also aware that everything could change when she has her own family and I'll have to accept that. :sadness

Day 1 Complete! Success! :thumbsup It WILL get easier!

H4S, I would have slept next to the release cage last night if not for the heat and mosquitos!! :grin3

I've put his fave foods up there but haven't seen him again since this morning. I'm just really glad to know he's OK... I have no clue where he slept but apparently he was happy with his spot because he doesn't seem to be coming back to sleep in the RC tonight. I'm proud of him, he's a big guy now and he's showing that he can make it on his own. :dance I'm sure I'll feel the same way, but a million times more, when my kids go to college!! :boohoo You know, a lot of what you wrote about the nature of squirrels applies to older teens/ young twenties human kids as well. Thankfully THEY usually come around. :tilt

As long as I have a 'Jasper sighting' now and then I'll be OK. And I really do think he'll continue coming back if I keep putting out hazelnuts, his very favorite. :thumbsup

[czarina]

:Love_Icon:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug:Love_Icon:g rouphug:Love_Icon:serene

[Cesta]

:Love_Icon:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug:Love_Icon:g rouphug:Love_Icon:serene

Thank you! :glomp

He's actually sleeping in his cage tonight. It's blowing like mad and thundering, I guess he's not quite ready for that. :) I think he has a new friend though, there's a little squirrel hanging out with him, in fact he/ she was hanging around the cage all week. Tonight I thought she was going to go IN the cage but she didn't-- just poked her nose in. She helped herself to Jasper's food and he didn't seem to mind (small miracle!). She also climbed in the nest box we have up for Jasper in the tree but came back out. I don't know, it might be love. :Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

[HRT4SQRLS]

Cesta, if Jasper is in the RC you need to close the door for the night. You don't want any predators to go IN the cage with him. :thumbsup

Yes, there's a storm coming so he needs to be in his bed tonight. :tilt

[Cesta]

Cesta, if Jasper is in the RC you need to close the door for the night. You don't want any predators to go IN the cage with him. :thumbsup

Yes, there's a storm coming so he needs to be in his bed tonight. :tilt

I did. I don't think he was real happy about it, but I'll open the door back up first thing tomorrow. Thanks for the reminder though!! :Love_Icon

[SammysMom]

Oh this is such good news...:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug

[Cesta]

Oh this is such good news...:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug

I know!! Thank you!! Today he's hanging around his cage like he wasn't missing for almost 24 hours. :tap Maybe it wasn't that long, it felt like a week! There's definitely a female hanging around the cage, and she has one juvie with her. Jasper seems both fascinated and intimidated by them. Every time she gets a little too close he goes zooming into his cage and disappears into his nest box. Wuss! :rotfl She's about 1/2 his size and doesn't seem at all aggressive... But this is his first real exposure to other squirrels.

A question, now that he's in the yard and digging little holes next to the cage my cats have become VERY interested in him. Does anyone have advice on how to protect him, other than locking up the cats? Right now they are locked in my bedroom because my female was stalking him. The cats have never caught any sort of mammal or bird, just lots and lots of reptiles-- lizards, skinks and snakes. But he's making himself a really easy target, and he's not used to needing to watch his back because the cage has always protected him. Any words of wisdom appreciated! :)

:thankyou

[island rehabber]

DOn't let the cats anywhere near him until he has wilded up sufficiently and stays up in the trees, away from them. He needs to learn to listen to other squirrels and birds' alarm calls when the cats are out and about. DON'T ever trust a cat....I learned that lesson horribly when I rehabbed deer mice. A lazy old male cat who never raised his paw to anyone turned into a killing machine at the speed of light when a mouse escaped the container -- a mouse I had slaved over, for weeks, to rescue! :frustratedx

[Mommaluvy]

I know!! Thank you!! Today he's hanging around his cage like he wasn't missing for almost 24 hours. :tap Maybe it wasn't that long, it felt like a week! There's definitely a female hanging around the cage, and she has one juvie with her. Jasper seems both fascinated and intimidated by them. Every time she gets a little too close he goes zooming into his cage and disappears into his nest box. Wuss! :rotfl She's about 1/2 his size and doesn't seem at all aggressive... But this is his first real exposure to other squirrels.

A question, now that he's in the yard and digging little holes next to the cage my cats have become VERY interested in him. Does anyone have advice on how to protect him, other than locking up the cats? Right now they are locked in my bedroom because my female was stalking him. The cats have never caught any sort of mammal or bird, just lots and lots of reptiles-- lizards, skinks and snakes. But he's making himself a really easy target, and he's not used to needing to watch his back because the cage has always protected him. Any words of wisdom appreciated! :)

:thankyou


Sadly I too have out door kitties. I kept mine locked up for several weeks in the garage ... to give my releases a head start. 3 were born in my neighborhood and would have encountered them eventually op even if I had never met the squees.

They are both older cats. One had a psychological disorder and the vet actually told me to put her outside ( both are neutered ). The other was already out. Vet was right . It fixed her problem .... But ... Out door kitties are not good for the wildlife environment . They will be the last .

[Cesta]

DOn't let the cats anywhere near him until he has wilded up sufficiently and stays up in the trees, away from them. He needs to learn to listen to other squirrels and birds' alarm calls when the cats are out and about. DON'T ever trust a cat....I learned that lesson horribly when I rehabbed deer mice. A lazy old male cat who never raised his paw to anyone turned into a killing machine at the speed of light when a mouse escaped the container -- a mouse I had slaved over, for weeks, to rescue! :frustratedx

Oh, that's an awful story. I'm so sorry! I don't trust my cats with the squirrels at all. The wilds are too quick for them but Jasper is, like you said, still kinda clueless. Plus he's been defending his cage from the cats for months while he was on the patio (there was no way to separate them) so I think HE thinks they're afraid of him. :shakehead

I wish I had a picture of the tree/ cage to show. I may see if I can get my husband to put some sort of open-topped fencing/ chicken wire around the whole thing so we'll have a totally safe release area. :idea

[Cesta]

Sadly I too have out door kitties. I kept mine locked up for several weeks in the garage ... to give my releases a head start. 3 were born in my neighborhood and would have encountered them eventually op even if I had never met the squees.

They are both older cats. One had a psychological disorder and the vet actually told me to put her outside ( both are neutered ). The other was already out. Vet was right . It fixed her problem .... But ... Out door kitties are not good for the wildlife environment . They will be the last .

I have struggled with this issue for many years. Our first cat came to us shortly after we were married and were living just off campus (we were still in college). He literally ran in our door, he was just an 8 week old baby. He desperately wanted to play outside. I'd never owned a cat before, but my husband had grown up with tons of them and they were always indoor/ outdoor. So we kept him in until he had all his shots and then gradually started letting him out. We moved to a house, got a cat door, and he was an indoor/outdoor cat. He killed stuff-- mostly lizards and citrus rats. Never a squirrel.

When he passed away (16 years later) we got two more cats, and they just hunt small reptiles, mostly Cuban lizards, which are an invasive species anyway. We lock them up at night to protect them. I understand the danger to birds and squirrels and flyers and everything, but with the dogs having open access to doggy doors it would be almost impossible for me to keep the cats in. And my hubs loves his cats. They are fixed and stay in our large yard, and I try to be a responsible pet owner and keep an eye on them. It's hard-- they are natural predators, and they aren't meant to live indoors full time (IMHO).

So we'll do our best to protect Jasper and all future releases. We'll probably have to put up some kind of protection around the cage and the tree the cage is against. Or the cats will have to stay in until, as IR said, the squirrels "wild up". They're locked in my bedroom now, and they're PO'd. :grin3

[pjjere]

We enclosed our release cage area with welded wire (even the top) in order to keep the cats and coons away. If you use the right size wire squirrels and small birds can easily fit through. We leave one corner open so we can access the area and just secure it with snap hooks when we're done. This way there is always a safe place for the squirrels to go.They can also access the cage through a small opening once they slip through the wire. It is at least coon and cat proof.

[Mommaluvy]

It's hard-- they are natural predators, and they aren't meant to live indoors full time (IMHO).

So we'll do our best to protect Jasper and all future releases. We'll probably have to put up some kind of protection around the cage and the tree the cage is against. Or the cats will have to stay in until, as IR said, the squirrels "wild up". They're locked in my bedroom now, and they're PO'd. :grin3

Yes.. that was kinda what my vet said. Not meant to be inside all day. Which I get.. but then I found the issue with the wildlife. I had to stop feeding birds in my front yard at least cause they were stalking the birds. And they used to stalk squirrels. So that is why I say they will be MY last kitties.

I have chain link fence 8 foot that I am putting around my release cage. Actually I am looking at an off site release area ATM but have not figured out how to do that with out problems. I don't want to do hard releases on the finders property etc.. plus they may not be cat free either.... but .. no matter what area you have.. if your dumping 8- 30 squirrels ever year your going to run into food and territory issues and many other things. So Personally I would like to work with some places in my area to do a rotation. Save my land for special conditional releases. Or what not.

[TubeDriver]

I don't have an easy answer, my belief is that your cats will kill Jasper if he does not wild up quickly. :(


It sounds like Jasper and your cats are going to meet each other at some point? Does it make sense to plan this meet so that you can supervise and make sure Jasper runs? That way you can intervene. Could a person play a recording of an alarm and run around to simulate an attack which would probably cause Jasper to head for the trees (or his cage)? Just throwing some idea out there, I hope others here with more experience will chime in.


If Jasper is not afraid of cats and you have two cats roaming in the yard, it is not going to be a surprise at what will happen. It will be a tragedy because you have done such a great job raising and releasing him. Sorry to be such a worrier but I want this thread to continue to be such a happy one!

[Cesta]

We enclosed our release cage area with welded wire (even the top) in order to keep the cats and coons away. If you use the right size wire squirrels and small birds can easily fit through. We leave one corner open so we can access the area and just secure it with snap hooks when we're done. This way there is always a safe place for the squirrels to go.They can also access the cage through a small opening once they slip through the wire. It is at least coon and cat proof.

Could you possibly share a picture of your release area set up? That might really help me. Thanks! :thumbsup

[Cesta]

I don't have an easy answer, my belief is that your cats will kill Jasper if he does not wild up quickly. :(


It sounds like Jasper and your cats are going to meet each other at some point? Does it make sense to plan this meet so that you can supervise and make sure Jasper runs? That way you can intervene. Could a person play a recording of an alarm and run around to simulate an attack which would probably cause Jasper to head for the trees (or his cage)? Just throwing some idea out there, I hope others here with more experience will chime in.


If Jasper is not afraid of cats and you have two cats roaming in the yard, it is not going to be a surprise at what will happen. It will be a tragedy because you have done such a great job raising and releasing him. Sorry to be such a worrier but I want this thread to continue to be such a happy one!

I have been pondering this since I read your reply, TubeDriver. It's hard to explain Jasper's attitude. He will run if chased, but he seems to think he's some sort of Rottweiler squirrel. (Don't get me wrong, I'm quite fond of Rottie's, but my squirrel needs to understand he weighs about a pound). I think I trained him to believe he was the big guy in charge when I made all the animals stay away from his cage, trying to keep separation between him and the pets. It was impossible to actually keep that separation, but I was able to train the cats and dogs to leave his cage alone. So he thinks he's hot stuff, and he's extremely possessive of his cage.

I've spent hours in the back yard this past week spraying the cats and dogs with the hose when they get too close to his cage. He's burying nuts, and the dogs are going around behind and picking them up, and he's getting seriously TICKED. At one point, when he was outside with my daughter and our puppies (3 months old), he jumped on the puppy's back because she wouldn't go away. The puppy screamed and ran and I'm sure we could have made a lot of money on AFV. My husband thinks I should spray Jasper because he's the one who needs to learn to run (like you said)-- but I'm afraid if I do that he'll never come back down to his cage.

He's spending more and more time in the trees but still comes down before dusk to eat and he sleeps in his cage every night (except the first night, little meanie.) He has a little girlfriend who has an approximately 12 week old juvenile with her, and he willingly shares his food with them. He is starting to 'wild up' and I hope we can get through this transition phase without any injuries. In the meantime, I'll continue to keep a close eye on everyone and keep my garden hose ready. :thumbsup

I'm already planning a different release spot, not in the middle of the back yard, for the next guys to go out to the trees. The good news is I think I've successfully scared my cats away from his cage, and him. They seriously hate being blasted with water.

[TubeDriver]

I hope some more knowledgable people will chime up here? I think Jasper will eventually learn to run from dogs and cats as he wilds up but my fear is that he will hesitate or stand his ground for a bit when a cat is stalking him and that will be the end of Jasper. :( I don't know what to tell you? But that description of Jasper jumping on a dogs back to defend his nuts almost makes me think he is a NR squirrel now. I am going to alert some experienced members here about this thread to see what they think about all this.



I have been pondering this since I read your reply, TubeDriver. It's hard to explain Jasper's attitude. He will run if chased, but he seems to think he's some sort of Rottweiler squirrel. (Don't get me wrong, I'm quite fond of Rottie's, but my squirrel needs to understand he weighs about a pound). I think I trained him to believe he was the big guy in charge when I made all the animals stay away from his cage, trying to keep separation between him and the pets. It was impossible to actually keep that separation, but I was able to train the cats and dogs to leave his cage alone. So he thinks he's hot stuff, and he's extremely possessive of his cage.

I've spent hours in the back yard this past week spraying the cats and dogs with the hose when they get too close to his cage. He's burying nuts, and the dogs are going around behind and picking them up, and he's getting seriously TICKED. At one point, when he was outside with my daughter and our puppies (3 months old), he jumped on the puppy's back because she wouldn't go away. The puppy screamed and ran and I'm sure we could have made a lot of money on AFV. My husband thinks I should spray Jasper because he's the one who needs to learn to run (like you said)-- but I'm afraid if I do that he'll never come back down to his cage.

He's spending more and more time in the trees but still comes down before dusk to eat and he sleeps in his cage every night (except the first night, little meanie.) He has a little girlfriend who has an approximately 12 week old juvenile with her, and he willingly shares his food with them. He is starting to 'wild up' and I hope we can get through this transition phase without any injuries. In the meantime, I'll continue to keep a close eye on everyone and keep my garden hose ready. :thumbsup

I'm already planning a different release spot, not in the middle of the back yard, for the next guys to go out to the trees. The good news is I think I've successfully scared my cats away from his cage, and him. They seriously hate being blasted with water.

[Cesta]

Um, OK, I have sort of a sensitive question... :secret

Jasper hit puberty quite a while ago and it was pretty noticeable to everyone when his testicles suddenly appeared. (Sorry Jazz Momma's telling private stories about your privates!!)

BUT... now that he's out in the trees and wild and free and doing God only knows what (I DON'T WANT TO KNOW!!) they seem to have GROWN. A LOT. Is this normal? It almost looks... uncomfortable? I can try to get a picture... just want to make sure I'm not missing some kind of abnormal growth. It seems to have happened in the week or so he's been out of the cage.

[TubeDriver]

Males during mating season get pretty large testicles. They can be almost the size of a walnut in shell! :tilt



Um, OK, I have sort of a sensitive question... :secret

Jasper hit puberty quite a while ago and it was pretty noticeable to everyone when his testicles suddenly appeared. (Sorry Jazz Momma's telling private stories about your privates!!)

BUT... now that he's out in the trees and wild and free and doing God only knows what (I DON'T WANT TO KNOW!!) they seem to have GROWN. A LOT. Is this normal? It almost looks... uncomfortable? I can try to get a picture... just want to make sure I'm not missing some kind of abnormal growth. It seems to have happened in the week or so he's been out of the cage.

[Bravo]

Hi Cesta,

Sorry, no related experience but I would agree with TD. In my opinion this is becomes a non-releasable issue.

As for the equipment, :grin2 entirely normal, and will probably recede once the mating/baby season is over.

[Cesta]

I hope some more knowledgable people will chime up here? I think Jasper will eventually learn to run from dogs and cats as he wilds up but my fear is that he will hesitate or stand his ground for a bit when a cat is stalking him and that will be the end of Jasper. :( I don't know what to tell you? But that description of Jasper jumping on a dogs back to defend his nuts almost makes me think he is a NR squirrel now. I am going to alert some experienced members here about this thread to see what they think about all this.

Ugh, I know what you mean but I'd hate to steal his freedom and make him a NR. He loves it outside. You don't know how hard it was for me to let him out in the first place!

I know he would run from unfamiliar cats and dogs, he's suspicious of people he doesn't know, too-- but these are animals he knows as 'part of the family'. He's been with us for 9 months because he over-wintered. I accidentally trained him to think he was the boss of everyone by always shooing them away from his cage, and then he thought he chased them off. The puppy he jumped on has been driving him bonkers since she got here, and honestly, she's too small to hurt him and I think he knows that. He's much more wary of the cats. The problem is he reacts to movement-- he runs when chased-- and cats are stalkers. I appreciate advice from anyone who's been in this type of situation. He's locked in his cage today because of bad weather so I'll just wait and see if others have some good advice. Thanks so much for your help. :tilt

[Cesta]

Males during mating season get pretty large testicles. They can be almost the size of a walnut in shell! :tilt

That is EXACTLY how I was going to describe it but didn't want to seem like I was exaggerating. I'm not. They're ginormous. :klunk

[Nancy in New York]

Is there any other place that you can release Jasper? I'm sure you've already thought of that prospect,
but this is scary that he jumps on the puppy and basically has no fear.
Perhaps is he wasn't alone, he would learn from the other squirrels.
Do you have a friend that has another that he could be released with.
Not in the same cage, ideally another release cage.
He would/could learn from the warnings from another squirrel. :dono

[HRT4SQRLS]

Cesta, I think you would be hard pressed to make Jasper a non-release at this point. He has already experienced freedom in the trees and I don't think you can turn that clock back. He might do OK for a few days but in the long term I believe he would be resentful.
At this time he is being driven by those enormous gonads. :poke :grin2

I know your dogs are indoor dogs so I don't think the threat is from them. When they go out you can always monitor the situation. The cats are a different story. You won't be able to alter the 'predator response' in the cats. One thing that I would recommend is to put collars on the cats with bells on them. The sound of the bell will alert Jasper to the cats presence. The problem still exists if Jasper's response to a predator is inappropriate.

I have a question. What do the wilds squirrels do when they see the cats? Do they ignore them or do they start alarming? Occasionally, I see a feral cat on my property. The wild squirrels go NUTS. Every squirrel around starts barking and alarming. They never even react if a hawk lands in the tree but CATS... :eek they freak out. It is SO predictive that if the wild squirrels here start alarming, I know they see a cat, even if I don't. If your squirrels alarm, there might be the possibility that Jasper could learn from them about dangers.

If I can help you in any way, I'm here. By the way, I'm releasing the girls (Sunny and Cheri) on Monday. I'm off M-W so I can keep an eye on them. :thumbsup

[TubeDriver]

You make some very good points, I just worry that it will only take that one time when Jasper does not run or hesitates and the cats get to him.:(




Cesta, I think you would be hard pressed to make Jasper a non-release at this point. He has already experienced freedom in the trees and I don't think you can turn that clock back. He might do OK for a few days but in the long term I believe he would be resentful.
At this time he is being driven by those enormous gonads. :poke :grin2

I know your dogs are indoor dogs so I don't think the threat is from them. When they go out you can always monitor the situation. The cats are a different story. You won't be able to alter the 'predator response' in the cats. One thing that I would recommend is to put collars on the cats with bells on them. The sound of the bell will alert Jasper to the cats presence. The problem still exists if Jasper's response to a predator is inappropriate.

I have a question. What do the wilds squirrels do when they see the cats? Do they ignore them or do they start alarming? Occasionally, I see a feral cat on my property. The wild squirrels go NUTS. Every squirrel around starts barking and alarming. They never even react if a hawk lands in the tree but CATS... :eek they freak out. It is SO predictive that if the wild squirrels here start alarming, I know they see a cat, even if I don't. If your squirrels alarm, there might be the possibility that Jasper could learn from them about dangers.

If I can help you in any way, I'm here. By the way, I'm releasing the girls (Sunny and Cheri) on Monday. I'm off M-W so I can keep an eye on them. :thumbsup

[Cesta]

Is there any other place that you can release Jasper? I'm sure you've already thought of that prospect,
but this is scary that he jumps on the puppy and basically has no fear.
Perhaps is he wasn't alone, he would learn from the other squirrels.
Do you have a friend that has another that he could be released with.
Not in the same cage, ideally another release cage.
He would/could learn from the warnings from another squirrel. :dono

I have thought of other places I could release Jasper, but nothing I feel a peace about. If I had to send him anywhere, I'd probably beg H4S to take him and pay her to feed him, etc, because he's far from actually leaving his cage. But I'd feel like I was abandoning him, it would be like dropping one of my dogs off and driving away. I'm not sure I can do it.

I think he's a little (actually a lot) overwhelmed-- by the great outdoors, by his giant hormones, by the other squirrels, the freedom, all the new choices he can make now. He's torn between wanting to be with me and the safety of his 'house' and the freedom and fun of the trees.

He is spending time with the yard squirrels, and strangely they aren't afraid of our cats/ dogs either. They rarely alarm call, and usually when they do I can't figure out what they see/ hear. I think they're used to the 'normal' animals/ people in our yard too. At first they fussed at the puppies but now they ignore them. I was counting on them to teach Jasper but they aren't doing squat. :tap At least they stop and flatten against the trees when they hear a hawk. That's something, I guess. The hawks are what scare me, I've watched them snatch birds from my trees and there's NOTHING I can do about them.

For now, I'm going to keep going as we are and pray for the best. I will put bells on the cats, a great suggestion by H4S. They are indoor/ outdoor and spend a lot of time inside. The dogs rarely go outside without a person with them. We have doggie doors but they're still house training and are very closely monitored. I'll continue to hose down anyone who gets too close, which scares everyone, including Jasper. I'm still working on my husband, trying to convince him to build an open-topped enclosure around the whole cage/ tree so that Jasper will be safe on the ground around his cage. I'm open to any other suggestions, but I agree with H4S, I don't think he can go back in the cage as a NR. It would be cruel. :sadness

[HRT4SQRLS]

Cesta, Jasper could always come here for release. I hope you know that ... but I know that's not what you want. :grouphug

I did think of one more thing. I think I would buy a Super Soaker Water gun from WalMart. Those things will shoot a stream of water 20-30 feet depending on which kind you find. I think this would work better than the water hose. IF Jasper sees the cat near the ground or is in close proximity I would soak him AND the cat. The hose, he would clearly associate with you. The stream from the SS water gun would be on him before he knows it and he HOPEFULLY would associate the bath with the cat. I don't know if it would work but it's worth a try. I believe you are more likely to alter his behavior than the cats. Cats are hunters, no changing that.

Have you hung a nest box in a tree? The sooner he leaves the RC completely, the better. Funny thing though, none of my squirrels are using nest boxes now. It is just too hot. When the temps are in the 80's like they have been they prefer living in trees. They made dreys.
We'll figure this out but in the mean time I would monitor things closely when the cats are out.

[Cesta]

Cesta, Jasper could always come here for release. I hope you know that ... but I know that's not what you want. :grouphug

I did think of one more thing. I think I would buy a Super Soaker Water gun from WalMart. Those things will shoot a stream of water 20-30 feet depending on which kind you find. I think this would work better than the water hose. IF Jasper sees the cat near the ground or is in close proximity I would soak him AND the cat. The hose, he would clearly associate with you. The stream from the SS water gun would be on him before he knows it and he HOPEFULLY would associate the bath with the cat. I don't know if it would work but it's worth a try. I believe you are more likely to alter his behavior than the cats. Cats are hunters, no changing that.

Have you hung a nest box in a tree? The sooner he leaves the RC completely, the better. Funny thing though, none of my squirrels are using nest boxes now. It is just too hot. When the temps are in the 80's like they have been they prefer living in trees. They made dreys.
We'll figure this out but in the mean time I would monitor things closely when the cats are out.

Thanks, H4S-- if I really can't make it work here, I will contact you and take you up on your kind offer. I know he'd be safe with you. I like the idea of a Super Soaker. I'll go get one 2morrow. Easier from a distance than the hose, too. I agree he's easier to 'train' than the cats although they are losing interest in him every day. They detest the hose.

Yes, we have put a nest box in his tree, but I don't think it's high enough. My husband's good at a lot of things, but after falling off a roof onto a concrete patio, heights aren't one of them. Jasper comes down every night before dusk and tucks himself in to HIS nest box in HIS cage. It's filled to overflowing with fleece, I don't know how he doesn't roast, but he :Love_Icons it!

I so appreciate your support. Going to feed my littlest guys and then off to bed. :glomp

[Cesta]

Stella sighting!!

I saw Stella this morning on Jasper's cage! She's eating his food! :Love_Icon He's scared to death of her. :rotfl

I guess that's NOT where he's using those big cojones!!

It's definitely her, she's got a raggedy look about her and a definite kink in her tail. I'm so glad she's OK after all this time! :dance

Dogs and cats are locked in and I'm going to Walmart now to get my SuperSoaker. Should be an interesting day. :grin3

[Cesta]

Jasper had a rough day last night/ today. He decided not to sleep in his cage, and when he came back this morning he was uptight and anxious. He wanted to hang out on my shoulder and he was comfort nibbling on my hands and fingers. I had to go in so I put him on his cage and brought all the other animals in. A little later I glanced out at Sawyer and Finn, on the patio in a baby cage, and for a second I thought one of them had somehow gotten out. Then I realized it was Jasper! He was on the pool patio trying to get back into his old cage. That's the 2nd time he's come onto the patio since he's been released, but this time he seemed desperate to get in his cage. I know the patio is his 'normal'-- it's safe, and dry, and we're there all the time. Ugh, I'm as confused as he is! :klunk

So, he climbed on me again and I got him back outside. He went back inside his release cage. I was keeping an eye on him from inside the house, trying to force some independence on him. I put his food inside his cage today, because it looked like it might rain this morning. Before long, I saw two squirrels slip INSIDE his cage to get at his food. :eek He flipped out and tried to chase them away, but they wouldn't leave. Jasper finally gave up and hid in his nest box while they ate all his food and played in his cage. I gave him some time, to see if he'd try to either make friends or chase them again, but he just hid. So I went out there and they zipped out of the cage and I locked it up for him. I replaced all his food and we called it a day. He did come out and was playing cheerfully once his doors were safely closed again.

I am at a loss. My husband thinks I should tough-love him-- put his nest box in the tree and take away his cage. To me that sounds horribly cruel. Am I babying him? I just feel for him, we're all the family he has, and he's obviously torn between the safety and comfort we represent and the freedom of the outdoors. I'm more concerned for his mental well being than his physical safety at this point. How long does it take them to adjust? Is this behavior normal? Any ideas on how to make this transition easier for him?

Thanks so much for any advice you have to offer, I appreciate it!! This little guy is breaking my heart! :Love_Icon

[HRT4SQRLS]

Aww, poor Jasper.

When I released a group of 3, they lived under the release cage roof for several months. I would definitely not take his cage away. He needs that right now. It's his 'safe' zone. If you remove that right now he will basically be homeless. Cesta, it does take more time with singletons. I had always read about it but when I actually did release a singleton I could clearly see the difference. The groups that I released had each other. A singleton only has you. It is much more difficult to break the attachment for a singleton than a group. Susie is a perfect example. I love that she still comes to me BUT she is the only one that still has an attachment to me. The others went their way and for the most part, didn't look back. They are still out there but they definitely don't need me. On Monday, I will release Sunny and Cher. I am almost certain they will NOT need me. Oh sure, they'll come back for food but they won't stay to be my buds. :tilt

I think it's too soon to panic. Jasper needs more time. There are very few squirrels that choose to be 'kept'. A few have (Sweeper's Baby) but most done. I don't see his behavior as unusual YET. He's still attached to his mama and needs more time. Not only was he a singleton ... he was overwintered also so he had longer to interact with his family. Give this time Cesta.

Just curious, do you think his nest box needs to be higher in the tree? I know you mentioned a 'fear of height and falling on concrete' issue. :eek If so, I can do that for you. I have NO such fears. :peace :rotfl

How did Jasper get in the screened patio? Did he tear a hole in the screen or did he come through the doggie door?

[Cesta]

I think it's too soon to panic. Jasper needs more time. There are very few squirrels that choose to be 'kept'. A few have (Sweeper's Baby) but most done. I don't see his behavior as unusual YET. He's still attached to his mama and needs more time. Not only was he a singleton ... he was overwintered also so he had longer to interact with his family. Give this time Cesta. OK, deep breath, I can definitely give him more time. This will work. I'm going to PM you about possibly helping with Sawyer and Finn's future release because I don't trust that Jasper will have vacated the release cage by then!


Just curious, do you think his nest box needs to be higher in the tree? I know you mentioned a 'fear of height and falling on concrete' issue. If so, I can do that for you. I have NO such fears.
Yes, I definitely think the nest box should be higher in the tree. If you could help with that, we'd be very grateful. Thanks so much for the offer!

How did Jasper get in the screened patio? Did he tear a hole in the screen or did he come through the doggie door? The patio door was propped open for the puppies. One of them is still wary of the doggy door. Maybe you were right about releasing Jasper from the porch-- I should make a 'squirrel door' up high on the screen and just put his cage back on the patio, with a safe route from the screen to the cage!! At least that would keep the neighborhood squirrels out of his house! :tap I definitely think he's going to be a 'Susie'!! :tilt

[HRT4SQRLS]

I'll be glad to help with Sawyer and Finn's release. I'm releasing Sunny and Cheri tomorrow morning. I'm off for the next 3 days so I will be home to watch them. I'm working in the yard so I'll be outside with them. It's a bittersweet day. It's sad to see them go BUT it's very exciting to watch them return home. When I see their joy and delight I never doubt that it's the right thing to do. :tilt

I'll try to link up with you about moving the nestbox higher in the tree.

I believe you DO have a 'Susie'. That's not a bad thing. I love her so much and I know you feel the same about Jasper. :Love_Icon

[Cesta]

I'll be glad to help with Sawyer and Finn's release. I'm releasing Sunny and Cheri tomorrow morning. I'm off for the next 3 days so I will be home to watch them. I'm working in the yard so I'll be outside with them. It's a bittersweet day. It's sad to see them go BUT it's very exciting to watch them return home. When I see their joy and delight I never doubt that it's the right thing to do. :tilt

I'll try to link up with you about moving the nestbox higher in the tree. I believe you DO have a 'Susie'. That's not a bad thing. I love her so much and I know you feel the same about Jasper. :Love_Iconi

[Cesta]

I'll be glad to help with Sawyer and Finn's release. Thank you so much. :Love_Icon:Love_Icon I don't think the RC will be vacated anytime soon.


I'm releasing Sunny and Cheri tomorrow morning. That's so exciting! How's it going? Are they enjoying the trees?!? :dance


I'm off for the next 3 days so I will be home to watch them. I'm working in the yard so I'll be outside with them. It's a bittersweet day. It's sad to see them go BUT it's very exciting to watch them return home. When I see their joy and delight I never doubt that it's the right thing to do. :tilt I'm so glad they have each other. (And you to watch over them!) What a stroke of luck that Cheri made her way to me right after you found Sunny.


I'll try to link up with you about moving the nestbox higher in the tree. That would be fantastic, thanks so much! :glomp :thumbsup


I believe you DO have a 'Susie'. That's not a bad thing. I love her so much and I know you feel the same about Jasper. :Love_Icon I'd love nothing more than for Jasper to be a 'Susie'. :grin3 His release is off to a rough start for both of us, but I know eventually it will all get sorted out and life will go on as usual, except with a permanent addition to our backyard family. :serene

[HRT4SQRLS]

Thank you so much. :Love_Icon:Love_Icon I don't think the RC will be vacated anytime soon. Actually, mine not be vacant either ... We shall see. :grin2

[/COLOR] That's so exciting! How's it going? Are they enjoying the trees?!? :dance Well, we sorta had a failure to launch. They ate breakfast and went back to bed. They are still in the RC. Do you suppose they're democrats? Sorree :embar :rotfl

I'm so glad they have each other. (And you to watch over them!) What a stroke of luck that Cheri made her way to me right after you found Sunny. Me too, it was perfect!

That would be fantastic, thanks so much! :glomp :thumbsup
I'll link up with you probably on Wednesday.

I'd love nothing more than for Jasper to be a 'Susie'. :grin3 His release is off to a rough start for both of us, but I know eventually it will all get sorted out and life will go on as usual, except with a permanent addition to our backyard family. :serene
Yep, I believe it will work out. :thumbsup

[TubeDriver]

Jasper has one heck of a team in his corner. I bet he just needs a little extra time to get his sea legs. Go Jasper Go!:thumbsup