Question about rehab release...

[Buddy]

I have a question about rehabber's release process. For Oaken Acres; which by the way, 2nd Hand Ranch contact person spoke very highly of, they raise the baby squirrels and they have really great, amazing, big outdoor squirrel cages etc. What worries me is that they take the squirrels when it's time to release and they release them in different areas. They say where they release, there are several boxes on the trees etc. They say they cannot release all squirrels in their area; because then there would be squirrel over population etc. They get a lot of squirrels and other animals.

I think they release late babies, if weather allows etc, in their area.

What do you think about releasing them in different areas than where their outdoor cages were?

I know, for example, we kept Buddy in his outdoor cage for weeks, and when we opened the door, he didn't get back to the cage at all, so I'm not sure if releasing them where the outdoor cage is critical? They also release them as a group, so again, not sure if they'd stick with each other or not.

[Buddy]

2nd Hand Ranch says that they are in and out of town until August 12 and they cannot take the babies now, but they can after August 12. The problem is, we're scheduled to go on vacation... So I think I will take them to Oaken Acres. Let me know if you have any concerns.

[Buddy]

Please let me know what you think as I'm trying to do the best I can for these babies.

I called a few other ones to talk to see if they are release in their backyard/area, but one is full capacity, the other one doesn't even have voice mail.

[olorin19]

It would be my strong preference to release a squirrel in same spot as their release cage. The time they spend in the release cage gets them familiar with that environment and also gets the local squirrels familiar with them so that they are less likely to be driven off as intruders.

Is where you live not suitable to release a squirrel?

If so, do you have any friends who might live someplace more suitable who would be willing to have a release cage in their yard?

[olorin19]

It would be my strong preference to release a squirrel in same spot as their release cage. The time they spend in the release cage gets them familiar with that environment and also gets the local squirrels familiar with them so that they are less likely to be driven off as intruders.

Is where you live not suitable to release a squirrel?

If so, do you have any friends who might live someplace more suitable who would be willing to have a release cage in their yard?

This is not meant to criticize Oaken Acres. If they release many, many squirrels every year, their approach seems the like the best possible approach.

Is there any way to wait a few weeks until 2nd Hand Ranch can take your squirrel? I have raised and released quite a few squirrels, and every now and then managed to sneak in a vacation by having one of my adult kids come over to feed and water a caged squirrel while I am away.

[Buddy]

I agree, and that is my concern. I'll try to do that. The neighbor, who found the squirrels might be able to help. The problem is, these are very young. They are like ~4 weeks old and it's not just one, there are 4 of them.

Proper feeding is required and night feeding is needed. I'm afraid they might not be taken good care for the week I'm gone (not intentionally but over feeding, getting food into the nose, AP etc etc are all potential challenges), but maybe it's better to hand over the babies for a week and then take them to 2nd Hand Ranch.

When do you think the night feeding can stop?

And do you think it's better to risk to hand them over to someone who has never taken care of babies for a week?

[Buddy]

Plus, one of them has been struggling with diarrhea.

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?69668-3-Weeks-Old-with-Diarrhea

Not sure if she'll be able to handle anything that comes up during that week and get the help she needs. I am happy to teach everything I know, but I know some of these things come with experience too.

if anyone has any thoughts on how to make sure she is as prepared, let me know or any other thoughts on this matter.