Cautious introduction advice please

[Snicker Bar]

I mentioned a couple weeks back that I took in two no release babies ( 10-12 wks old approx.) They were raised together by a Rehabber , who is letting me help with their care from this point on - forever home style. One has a blind eye, the other has balance problems and a traumatic , healing jaw injury. The blind eye ( Dandy) is becoming increasing active and ready to climb and have lots of room. As adviced, I kept the babies' day cage outside in Snicker's (my yearling grey) large outdoor porch, so they all could see and smell each other. Today, I let Dandy explore the habitat - it's huge, with lots of tree boughs and log castle etc.- so they are safely able to keep their distance if desired. I was surprised that there was no growling on either part; they would occasionally touch noses and dart away, but no signs of aggression. My questions: assuming these supervised visits continue to go well, can I be assured that they are not likely to go bipolar and try to hurt or kill each other? Secondly, since the neuro baby (Doodles) cannot ambulate well, so should I keep her completely separate from the other two, with the exception of letting her and foster sister share a bedtime cube in their indoor ( night ) cage?I could make her a safe daytime/play habitat- she needs traction (flat carpet), low branches, easy access to food without competition) I hate to break their bond- but also hate to confine Dandy on her account. What do experts think?

[island rehabber]

Sounds like the more normal two are good to go; they would have shown aggression by now if it was not going to be nice. As for your neuro girl, I would keep her completely separate, even at night. If she is going to be a forever squirrel she needs to get used to being alone now, not later when the others are released. Just my two cents. :great

[Snicker Bar]

Ok, wasn't sure if the squirrel species was unpredictable or , if accept each other, is a good sign for stability long term- because if so, I was hoping they could be companions. I got Snickers a bunny , but like I've said- he's more interested in stealing her leftovers than a social relationship! The three are likely permanent - Snickers was completely blind and vestibular for the first several mos of her life; so release never happened- but we've literally modified the outside of our house for her; ( and she has a large , overwinter and bedtime cage) so she can be as happy as possible . Should I try to release the one blind eye baby ( Dandy)? The Rehabber didn't think she should be? So that was my reason for trying integrate her into this large habitat .. The neuro baby , of course , can and will be spoiled rotten if her condition doesn't become progressive and debilitating; she seems content, just off kilter lol

[Coralreefer]

Wouldn't the squirrel with the blind eye be way to compromised with predators to be released and expected to survive?
Since squirrels are a prey animal the blind eye seems like it would be a deal breaker for release.
Others may have better insight.

[island rehabber]

Ok, wasn't sure if the squirrel species was unpredictable or , if accept each other, is a good sign for stability long term- because if so, I was hoping they could be companions. I got Snickers a bunny , but like I've said- he's more interested in stealing her leftovers than a social relationship! The three are likely permanent - Snickers was completely blind and vestibular for the first several mos of her life; so release never happened- but we've literally modified the outside of our house for her; ( and she has a large , overwinter and bedtime cage) so she can be as happy as possible . Should I try to release the one blind eye baby ( Dandy)? The Rehabber didn't think she should be? So that was my reason for trying integrate her into this large habitat .. The neuro baby , of course , can and will be spoiled rotten if her condition doesn't become progressive and debilitating; she seems content, just off kilter lol

I have released one-eyed squirrels; all did well as far as I know, and I believe at least the NY State protocol says we CAN release because squirrels are so adaptive to having only one eye. :great

[Coralreefer]

I have released one-eyed squirrels; all did well as far as I know, and I believe at least the NY State protocol says we CAN release because squirrels are so adaptive to having only one eye. :great

Interesting info!

[smurfangel182]

Squirrels get hurt in the wild and lose eyes. Someone on here a few weeks ago talked about a one eyed squirrel they saw. I worry alot but she will most likely be fine. I worry about releasing my little Sandy and i have months to go. Shes missing 3 nails on her right hand but vet said she would be fine.

[Snicker Bar]

Ok; I guess I'll just see how she grows and adapts; and if she seems content or restless to leave! I am going to allow she and Snickers several hours together again, and look for habitat/cage options for little Doodle. She has a will to live that's for sure- she eats, rambles, and tries to climb, bless her.

[smurfangel182]

Thats pretty much what im doing with sandy. Shes still so tiny to me at 134 grams lol. Got her she was only lile 20 or 25. So far shes climbing good with that little she does. Just a waiting game to see how they do.