Releasing My Baby

[Maura]

I posted a little while ago when my rescue was 7/8 months, and she wasn't even off milk. Now it's getting to be that time to let her go. She's completely healthy, eats and drinks well, and is very hyper and happy.

I need some advice for what I should to do prep her to be released. I'm going to wait until warmer weather, but I need to start preparing (especially emotionally). I know that a lot of people have their squirrels visit them after being released, and I hope that's the case. I was thinking of leaving her cage in the backyard whenever she wants to visit, too.

Please tell me what you guys think.

[stepnstone]

I posted a little while ago when my rescue was 7/8 months, and she wasn't even off milk. Now it's getting to be that time to let her go. She's completely healthy, eats and drinks well, and is very hyper and happy.
I need some advice for what I should to do prep her to be released. I'm going to wait until warmer weather, but I need to start preparing (especially emotionally). I know that a lot of people have their squirrels visit them after being released, and I hope that's the case. I was thinking of leaving her cage in the backyard whenever she wants to visit, too.
Please tell me what you guys think.

There is a process called "soft release" used for a successful release that
can benefit you both especially a squirrel going out into it's new world.
The forum posted below can explain details and give you some ideas.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?41071-SOFT-RELEASE-The-How-to-Sticky&highlight=release

[island rehabber]

I am overwintering two late fall babies, so we're in the same boat -- although 'warmer weather' will come a LOT sooner to you in TX than to me in NYC. Best thing is to slowly become as hands-OFF as possible as you get closer to release time, maybe a month before. Put her fresh food in her cage, clean up when necessary, but limit hands-on interaction and out-of-cage time for this reason: we've seen over and over here on TSB that squirrels who enjoyed a lot of out-of-cage time while still in the house, and who were allowed to climb all over their humans prior to release, will take the same behavior outside after release and become a problem to others. You don't want her approaching neighbors, jumping onto heads or shoulders from out of trees, etc. Not good for community relations and definitely not good for her safety.