Does this guy need a "sibling"?

[cava]

Hi everyone!

I am a retired vet tech and raccoon rehabber who was called about a young, male squirrel a few days ago. He appeared in a woman's backyard after a bad storm. She sent me the pic (below) and when I arrived he was really cold, but still breathing. We named him Francis.

Francis is nursing/peeing/pooing and all is well. I have the supplies I need and growing and release cage. In my rehabbing experience, I have always had litters of things, never a solitary critter. I am concerned about his ability to socialize with other squirrels later on. Should he be with another squirrel? Will he be ok if one doesn't come along?

I have contacted the gal who does squirrels in the area and she hasn't had any yet at all this year. (Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati)

Your thoughts/advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

PS. I have the time and energy for frequent feedings/care, and would be willing to take another one.

[stepnstone]

Hi everyone!
I am a retired vet tech and raccoon rehabber who was called about a young, male squirrel a few days ago. He appeared in a woman's backyard after a bad storm. She sent me the pic (below) and when I arrived he was really cold, but still breathing. We named him Francis.
Francis is nursing/peeing/pooing and all is well. I have the supplies I need and growing and release cage. In my rehabbing experience, I have always had litters of things, never a solitary critter. I am concerned about his ability to socialize with other squirrels later on. Should he be with another squirrel? Will he be ok if one doesn't come along?

I have contacted the gal who does squirrels in the area and she hasn't had any yet at all this year. (Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati)
Your thoughts/advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
PS. I have the time and energy for frequent feedings/care, and would be willing to take another one.

It's always good if they have a sibling to grow and interact with but singletons can and do just as well.
I've raised quite a few singletons myself and see no difference between their abilities then those raised with others.
I just personally think singletons need more soft release time in their outside cage to adjust to wilding up then those
raised with others.

[cava]

Thank you so much for the quick response! I also got in contact with Central Kentucky Wildlife Rehab (worked with them during my raccoon days) to offer my services for any other "singletons" in my area. I'll keep you posted!

[Mommaluvy]

I do squirrels in the Cincinnati area. The spring was a SLOW year for squirrels here. I took in only ten.

I have taken in 11 since July 4th So the fall season has begun with a boom for sure LOL . ( my friend has 8 in her care as well where she had had none all spring )

The problem here would legalities be crossing state lines. If its a KY squirrel then it should stay in KY. Did the KWC offer to take it or do they only do coons and other RVS down there? I met Karen Bailey as an instructor to a course I took. Nice lady. But was not sure if they did anything other than coons, foxes and bigger critters ( obviously otters LOL )

[cava]

Stephanie,

I'm not sure if Karen takes squirrels. The gal, Kim, who used to do them when I did the coons lived on a lot of wooded land around here and released herself. But Karen's people did get back to me and asked for my number, so may be they plan on dumping some more Kentucky Squirrels in my lap.

And if you're getting a lot this time around, then who knows, I should be careful what I wish for!! Hey, could you post a photo of your outdoor release set up? I'd love to see it!

Also, I agree, they should stay in their areas, for sure!

[HRT4SQRLS]

Cute baby... I think Francis is a girl. :embar

[Mommaluvy]

275868

It's 8x8x8 1/4 hardware cloth underground as well as roof. Partly covered with tarp. And a double door system. And I make the nest boxes too if you can see it in the cage.

[cava]

Mommaluvy, that is awesome! So you keep it away from the house? I have already informed my brother that he has to build me one. After reading the bit about raccoons getting into regular cages, I'm nervous. I'm interested in seeing different building ideas.

Also, HRT4SQRLS, YOU THINK FRANCIS IS A GIRL??? Can someone tell me for sure. Here are some pics...

[HRT4SQRLS]

Also, HRT4SQRLS, YOU THINK FRANCIS IS A GIRL??? Can someone tell me for sure. Here are some pics...

I definitely think Francis is a girl. :tilt

275878

[cava]

Well darn, I can't argue with THAT! Looks like Francis is now Francine! And we named her Francis because one day we wanted to see her racing across the yard as an adult and say, "Look, there's Frank!!" (Who knows, may be we still will!)

Well, you guys have been such a huge help today. Thank you for your speedy replies.

[Mel1959]

I agree looks like a girl! We just built a release cage and my husband made panels that can be put together in different configurations or when taken apart they can be stored easily. The pics of the cage are on my guys thread titled Peepers and Nibbles in The Nursery if you want to take a look. I considered what others on TSB had done for release cages and then tweaked the design for what we needed. Good luck with your little GIRL. :blowkiss

[redwuff]

Hi cava,

Welcome to TSB! Good luck with your baby.

Trysh

[HRT4SQRLS]

Well darn, I can't argue with THAT! Looks like Francis is now Francine! .

You could still call HER Frances. Her nick name can be Frankie. :grin2 Unique and cute as can be. :thumbsup

[stepnstone]

Also, HRT4SQRLS, YOU THINK FRANCIS IS A GIRL??? Can someone tell me for sure. Here are some pics...
Definitely a girl. :grin2
For future reference.....
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=275882&stc=1

[cava]

Yes, I can still call her Frances and "Frankie" for short! So cute.

Also, that is the best anatomy pic of tiny squirrel "privates". I have it saved!

[Gardentoes11]

I had to giggle at Francis becoming France's, because the squirrel that my family & I raised when I was a kid was Timmy.....until "he" became Timmi! I think that's a fairly common error until you see them side by side like in the pix. Anyhow, welcome cava & Frankie!