Releasing Baby Squirrel

[SCapstick]

I have a 9 week old baby, his mother was killed and my husband's friend tried to raise him. He fed him human baby formula (idk why!) But his 2 siblings passed so he asked me to try to save him he was close to passing. I've had him since August 27th and he's doing great! He's still under weight 9 weeks at 140 grams. He was at 89 grams when I got him. Anyways I've been reading how they wild up and can bite and attack. I have 2 little boys so I'm concerned. When do they start to do this? How old should he be before I release him? Is it too late in the year? Originally was going to wait till spring because we have harsh winters. I don't want to release him too early and not give him a fighting chance! My plan if I can't release him before winter is to move his cage to the basement and not allow anyone to handle him or go downstairs but me. I work from home so I will make sure he gets plenty of play time ect. Or possibly find him a home with someone willing to take great care of him that has no kids. I love him dearly and I want to make sure I do the right thing! I would feel TERRIBLE if my kiddos got hurt! What's my best options here? Advice is very much appreciated!
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[kcassidy]

I have 7 babies that age and I have every intention of releasing them before winter, I usually let them start to come and go at the beginning of October, they usually move outside permenantly by the end of October.

Please don't put him in the basement! If you do decide to overwinter him, he will need sunshine, not a basement.

have you looked for rehabbers in your area? Maybe you could find someone to release him or keep him if you truly think that is the best thing for him.

If you do keep him, he will need time out of his cage so he can stay mentally healthy. Not all squirrels become biters but I understand your concern.

Hopefully more folks will give you advice so you can hear it from more than one person :)

[SCapstick]

I have 7 babies that age and I have every intention of releasing them before winter, I usually let them start to come and go at the beginning of October, they usually move outside permenantly by the end of October.

Please don't put him in the basement! If you do decide to overwinter him, he will need sunshine, not a basement.

have you looked for rehabbers in your area? Maybe you could find someone to release him or keep him if you truly think that is the best thing for him.

If you do keep him, he will need time out of his cage so he can stay mentally healthy. Not all squirrels become biters but I understand your concern.

Hopefully more folks will give you advice so you can hear it from more than one person :)

OK I want to make sure he will make it! He would be out of his cage most of the day! My oldest is in school and young one is in pre-k. He would come upstairs to play! It was just more so my kiddos don't open the cage if I'm not right there. Not that I think they would but just to be sure! If he has a good chance I'm happy to release him in October! My wildlife was full. I read on a thread that if you keep a squirrel that it's guaranteed someone will get bit and hard. I was reading horror stories lol. I know they say all babies are tame, maybe they are all like my little guy but I can be upstairs and my husband and him downstairs and call him by name and he will run all the way to me, up my leg and on my shoulder! It's so cute! I can't see him being a biter, but I know they all say that lol!

[SCapstick]

Thank you!