Acting Restless< frisking< or signs of Stress?

[Snicker Bar]

Since the weather has been changing here, Ive noticed a change in our yearling, female grey's behavior. She is early to rise; she is very active, and seems to be running in these patterns around her large, outdoor playroom. She also does this repetitive "repelling"-like thing; she gets to one wall and repels, reverses, goes the opposite direction and repels. Then repeats this maneuver over and over; almost to a rhythm. She also seems to be losing weight. She has a proper diet (Henry's) with all the safe extras. She has plenty of climbing equipment; and branches, hammock , cozy cube etc. in a large, 10 x 12 ft outdoor room. I even added a bunny, thinking she may be lonely. The don't seem bothered by each other, but, maybe this is stressing her? We would have followed a release protocol for her; much earlier than now, but she had so many issues that were slow to resolve. During the months that passed, she seemed content and happy; and a little overweight actually. I'm scared this is a sign she may want to go to the "Wild", but I honestly think she is too tame , and possible still mildly vision impaired. What is happening to her do you think? Maybe in heat? Hates the bunny perhaps? Or natural instincts to be wild taking over? This is breaking my heart! I want her to be happy to stay_ we were planning on building a huge, heated apartment_ or move indoors, for winter.

[BamaHam]

She is sensing the nature of the wild calling. Its time to harvest and the smells trigger their animal instincts so she is freaking out a little. If she is going in heat she is also sensing its time to nest. In her outdoor cage put a large container with dirt and give her some acorns or nuts in a shell to bury.This keeps them busy. Also give her nesting material to fluff up her nesting box. Maybe put some dry leaves in there. As long as she is outdoors the call of the wild and the smells will wild her up. I would keep her indoors more until she calms down a little. But if you plan to release her then it is good to leave her out. I put my Ham out in the mornings and bring him in at night. He a NR. In the morning I take him out and we play a cpuple of hours and then out he goes in his cage for the day. I have feeders near his cage so he has visitors....... my2 wild babies I raised come around plus others.

[Snicker Bar]

Oh no! I never thought of that, I feel terrible ! I thought having that big, natural habitat room would be ideal, but maybe too ideal as far as creating urges to be free :sniff . I will do the things you suggested; also plans for her winter housing are now for the indoor version. Maybe we should have released her. I just worry that she is too tame now. When we took her in last Fall, she was completely blind, and could only walk in circles. She has come a long way; slowly but surely. Her vision may still be slightly impaired, but I'm not sure. She gets around fairly well in her room . But when she gets close to me, she does this head tossing thing ( no disrespect, but looks like Stevie Wonder) and walks slow like she still can't see well. Maybe this is normal squirrel behavior? idk; just think she would be vuneriblein the wild, but maybe shes trying to tell me she would be ok.

[gardenjewel]

Hi,
I think outside can work for some....it has for me. Like you, I didnt think about the outside stimulating the wildness when I first built my outdoor enclosure. I just thought it would be better than a cage inside all day. I think mine is very happy, but he does occasionally get cranky, depending on the season and what the other squirrels are up to. This may last a couple days then he returns to normal. He has lost weight during this time, but then regains it later.
I would continue with plans for an large indoor enclosure that way you have a place to bring her when she is troubled.....but still allow her to play outside. Keep her stimulated with toys and games even if she doesnt seem interested. Hide things for her to find, and interact with her as much as she will let you. I hide a nut or a few seeds in two or three layers of priority mail boxes (just one box to start)....lol. I even go as far as just reading for an hour or so with mine if he is cranky. Even a no release will always be wild so they require an enormous amount of time an energy to keep them mentally happy not to mention physically healthy.
If she doesnt improve, you shouldnt consider a slow release untill spring, but I bet she will relax, and each year the seasons may effect her a little less.
Also I think the older she gets at this point the less likely she will do well alone in the trees.
Give it time...build your indoor enclosure and she how she does.
Julia

[Snicker Bar]

Thank you for the replies and ideas- relieved to know your baby went through this too but is OK. Cranky! That's exactly what she acts like, esp. in the mornings- making these grouchy little grunting/cursing sounds while frantically running around me waiting for breakfast ( which also seems to frustrate her if it's not exactly the way she likes it). More mental stimulation and nesting materials will be our goals for the weekend. I am off the next couple days so will begin proofing our house for indoor playtime; maybe she is actually litter trained by now- guess will find out. We have never let her run around much inside, but, I could proof the back bedroom perhaps (and shoo the cats out) for indoor playtime if that would help her. Guess a little poo or pee is no big deal. The bunny was a hopeful addition for mental stimulation lol; but I guess he's not very entertaining based on the symptoms she's displaying :( I guess I hated to stick him in a regular rabbit cage; he seems very content with the outdoor room and has potty trained himself etc. I have his Timothy pellets out only at night so she doesn't get into them. During the day his greens and fruits are safe for both, and I put her Henry's Blocks up on her perches safe from him (although he LOVES them is she ever throws the leftovers over to him). But if any here think squirrels have a particular fear of rabbits I wasn't aware of, I'll move him....they really seem indifferent of each other. I just thought the physical presence of another docile little animal would make her happy, and, he is a very sweet little man :)

[BamaHam]

Squirrels and rabbits are ok together but I don't kow about them sharing a cage. I've raised both and they are not each others enemy. I forgot to mention that the weight loss is from the stress of wanting to do squirrel things but once she calms down she will normally gain weight again. It sounds like your squirrel is partially blind and maybe a NR. It may have gotten better because it was a nutrional problem and a regular diet helped it improve. May have permanent damage though. Just keep up a good diet. :grin3

[Snicker Bar]

Will do: going to add more climbing things to room. Also saw a Henry's Cage that may do for indoors and help her calm down; saw on the food web site- price not bad. May do better than a homemade version with the ladders and shelves.