multiple soft releases from same spot

[SugarHill]

Does anyone know how territorial gray squirrels will be towards newcomers? I have soft released 25 squirrels over the year, all in my back yard which backs up to a large forest.
Should I move the release cage further back in the woods to give everyone more space? Or will they disperse on their own?
If the release cage is moved further back in the woods, it won't be as safe from potential predators. But the newbies would have more room and maybe not get bullied...I think?
Thoughts??

[lennysmom]

Do you feed your releases on a regular basis in that area? If not, chances are they have already somewhat dispersed themselves. If so, it might be a good idea to move the feeder back to a different location so that the food doesn't add to territory aggression in that area. I have never released that many in one area though, so hopefully someone with more experience in that situation will chime in with some input.

[SugarHill]

Thanks, yes, I feed them twice a day (they're spoiled rotten), at 8 feeding stations positioned around the property (approximately 30-50 feet apart).
I can add more feeders further back in the woods, but wasn't sure how far they'd go from their original soft release site...



Do you feed your releases on a regular basis in that area? If not, chances are they have already somewhat dispersed themselves. If so, it might be a good idea to move the feeder back to a different location so that the food doesn't add to territory aggression in that area. I have never released that many in one area though, so hopefully someone with more experience in that situation will chime in with some input.

[kcassidy]

Over the past 3.5 years I've probably released more than 30 squirrels on my farm and while I can't figure out who's who anymore, they all seem to come around for handouts. I also know some of them have had babies and their kids have moved across the street to another farm. I know that for sure, since she was Black and some of her kids are too.

I think mine don't fight because food is so abundant. I keep the feeders full of BOSS year round as well as putting out nuts, veggies and fruit.

The only time I see them chasing is during breeding season. Otherwise they all seem to get along.

I also do releases at my friends house, she has a release cage too so I do try to shake it up a little :)