Bring Him Home

[FaithieMarie]

I just wrote a long post, too long to repeat. After I tried to send it, it disappeared except for the heading and tags. That’s ridiculous. Now I’m going to just try a crummy detail-less post. I released my boy in my yard yesterday. He’s 20 weeks and a singleton. His cage is in my garage full of fruit, veg, nuts, and Henry’s blocks, water, and his nest box full of polyfill. He’s gorgeously healthy. The days are in the 70’s. The nights are in the 50’s. Today is to be in the 80’s. But this can’t last. It’s South-Centeal Pennsylvania. My heart is broken. I want him back. I made a wicked and foolish decision. But he was so frustrated in his cage. Of course no one can know or tell me for certain. Is there much likelihood he will return to his food and cage if he isn’t already dead? My yard is a double suburban lot, loaded with maple trees and well-fed backyard squirrels, three of whom are former releases. I’m heartsick but that doesn’t protect or bring back my Jonah.

[Chirps]

Hi! Sorry for your frustration in attempting to post. Been there. What exactly are you worried about? Was he acting stir crazy, so you let him out, and are now afraid that he won't come back to what he may see as confinement?

[FaithieMarie]

Hi. Thank you for responding. He is a singleton and exactly four months old. I fully intended to over-winter him but he was beginning to seem pretty miserable in his macaw cage. He climbed around frenetically and tried to get through the door when I opened it to feed him. When I tried to hold him, he twisted, flailed and made short squealing and growling sounds. Yesterday, I felt so guilty about keeping such a big, active boy caged up that I impulsively let him out into my garage. That's were his cage has been for about two weeks. Previously it was on my back porch for about three weeks. Prior to that, he was indoors with me, still "riding" about in my sports bra. I've released squirrels in my garage before, with their cages, nest boxes, and lots of food and blocks. I've typically kept the window closed but now I have so many coming and going that I didn't think it was a good idea to shut them out. Honestly, I truly doubted he would go outside. New releases never have before! Even after I did open the window, they returned to their cage at night for many months to sleep and to eat the fruit, water, and blocks I re-supplied each day. Not Jonah. He's gone. It'll be 24 hours at around noon today. It is 6:49 a.m. right now. I went around the yard calling for him at 7:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m., and 4:00 a.m. I so stupidly obeyed his 16-week-old squirrely brain over my 65-year-old human one and now I deeply, deeply regret it. Stir-crazy or no, he belongs in that cage or, at least, in the garage with closed windows until spring. He was an eyes-closed singleton when he came to me, for crying out loud. I KNOW BETTER. He probably only came out the window because he was looking for ME. Did the yard squirrels scare him off? did he just run terrified over the roof and into no man's land to die a lonely and frightening death? You can't answer these questions any more than I can answer them. ALL of my rehabs have slept in their cages for weeks and weeks and weeks. None have just taken off like this. But he was a singleton. He knew nothing and no one but me. I am so ashamed and guilty and heartsick. But those feelings mean nothing. Only my ill-considered action means anything. Should I go around the neighborhood calling him? Should I just keep supplying the cage with fresh water, food and HOPE? I love him so much. I RESCUE squirrels. NOT release them to their deaths! Do you have experience with singletons let go at 16 weeks. I've only read BAD things about eyes-closed singleton releases. Do you think a guy like him has the skills to find his way home if he ran away in a panic?

[FaithieMarie]

Can anyone comment on this quote from another squirrel site?

"We don’t ever recommend releasing a single squirrel, particularly one reared alone. A baby raised with humans before its eyes open and then subsequently not given the opportunity to interact with other squirrels will never behave properly in the wild much like a human would behave in an analogous situation. Squirrels such as these will live as outcasts. Always raise wildlife with others of its kind. A single squirrel raised alone past sixteen weeks is what we call at Squirrel Refuge, a pet squirrel. If the single squirrel entered care at an age where its eyes were opened (after five weeks), it can often be successfully released alone if returned where it was found among genetically related squirrels."

[Chirps]

Actually the only squirrel I ever raised I released early? mid? October and I gauged her birthday from eyes open date to be July 14. I had meant her to be in a PR cage for a couple of weeks, but on one of the days I had her out to play and climb in a huge yew in my yard, she sort of settled into a premade "drey" of sorts composed of debris in the yew's tightly clumped multiple thin trunks. She actually seemed to be trying to get me to come up there with her. (Impossible.) So that was her unintentional "release". Someone had made me a couple of squirrels boxes (I expected her to be kicked out of the main one I intended her to use at some point by an older squirrel, so wanted a backup, which did eventually happen but not until the next spring.)

I was lucky in that she stayed and lived at my place, coming to me every day for treats but also living her squirrelly life, until the next summer I saw less and less of her and then nothing since August 16, 2019. I HOPE she moved on to another territory, but am fairly sure she was taken. Fox, cat, hawk, we have them all here.

I HOPE your boy encountered something that made him have to flee, and maybe he's nearby but disoriented by the strangeness of where he ended up. I'm hoping he finds his way back to you. Hopefully seeing you or hearing you call him may help him find his way back. I know it is not recommended to release at the age mine was and yours is, but if they will stay where we can support them with good food and shelter, it can work. At least you exposed him somewhat to his environment by having the cage on the back porch. Maybe he learned a bit about being a squirrel if he could observe the wilds and previous releases in your yard. I do think if the wilds didn't run him off too far that he can find his way back as long as a predator doesn't get him. Do you have hawks and cats around? Hopefully wherever he has gone it doesn't take him near a road before he gets back to you. . . . . .

[Chirps]

Can anyone comment on this quote from another squirrel site?

"We don’t ever recommend releasing a single squirrel, particularly one reared alone. A baby raised with humans before its eyes open and then subsequently not given the opportunity to interact with other squirrels will never behave properly in the wild much like a human would behave in an analogous situation. Squirrels such as these will live as outcasts. Always raise wildlife with others of its kind. A single squirrel raised alone past sixteen weeks is what we call at Squirrel Refuge, a pet squirrel. If the single squirrel entered care at an age where its eyes were opened (after five weeks), it can often be successfully released alone if returned where it was found among genetically related squirrels."


I think they are selling the squirrels short to some extent. When my baby had her eyes open for . . . I can't remember details anymore, maybe a week? I kept her in a birdcage and would take her outside so she could hear the sounds. Once when we were out there, she was sitting/walking around the cage floor when a wild alarmed. She knew her language instinctively and bolted into the cockatiel nest box that was her baby "nest box." Isn't part of the reason for the PR cage to let any squirrel, singleton or not, encounter other squirrels from the safety of the cage? Animals aren't as complex as we are. A grey squirrel in PA "speaks" the same language as one in MA or SC. When she was out and about, she had interactions with other squirrels that I did see, and plenty more that I didn't see. Once she went way up a big swamp maple in my yard where there was a dray. She was exploring and wanted to check it out. A squirrel close to her age (maybe a sib for all I know) zoomed out of the drey and chased her down the trunk. . . . .

As for the bit I boldfaced, because it just occurred to me-- This bit sounds like they are saying one shouldn't overwinter a squirrel? Yet how many people here do it all the time, and just prepare the squirrel the next spring with the PR cage and exposure to its environment?

Many thoughts, fingers can't keep up. . . . .

[Charley Chuckles]

For what it's worth I've been told by a very reliable rehabber many years ago " an earlier release isn't always a bad thing"
As far as releasing a Singleton it's fine, even when you release more than one they don't always stay together anyway.
I released a male sigleton thought he was ready to go out he disappeared in front of my eyes it was days he never came back then one last attempt I went out at dusk he saw me ran to me and wanted back in his cage. So don't give up 👍
Squirrels instinctively hear the wild noises and know what danger is.
Also if the cage is available for him to come back in I'm sure he will. Just make sure no one else has taken over.
Prayers for Jonah🙏

[CritterMom]

Can anyone comment on this quote from another squirrel site?

"We don’t ever recommend releasing a single squirrel, particularly one reared alone. A baby raised with humans before its eyes open and then subsequently not given the opportunity to interact with other squirrels will never behave properly in the wild much like a human would behave in an analogous situation. Squirrels such as these will live as outcasts. Always raise wildlife with others of its kind. A single squirrel raised alone past sixteen weeks is what we call at Squirrel Refuge, a pet squirrel. If the single squirrel entered care at an age where its eyes were opened (after five weeks), it can often be successfully released alone if returned where it was found among genetically related squirrels."

I will be happy to.

If this is Squirrel Refuge in Vancouver, WA, they are an excellent rehab facility, with people there who are also members here. Their "audience" and all other rehabs for that matter, are not us! Your post tells us clearly that you have experience, your horror and angst about what has happened is a neon sign telling us how much you care, and those two things are NOT the "general public." They are people who never paid squirrels a mind but wind up with a baby that they think they may want to keep as a pet because it is cute and then when puberty hits (the Scissorhands phase) or perhaps even later, when they have to move and don't want their new woodwork chewed, they try to take them to places like Squirrel Refuge to "rehab." I see the above statement as trying desperately to throw some water on that before it actually catches fire. Yes, they can be rehabbed but it is a ton more time and work than a baby that has been properly prepped for release at a young age. And in your situation, you were doing that already, for release in the spring. THAT baby would need more time in the release cage away from everyone but would likely do just fine.

And is probabl OK now, too! And having a blast while you fret.

[FaithieMarie]

Thank you, everyone: Critter Mom, Charlie Chuckles, Chirps, and anyone who reads and responds to my post. I pray with all my heart that he is doing far better than I am. I can't stop crying and feel powerless to think about or do anything but hunt Jonah around my neighborhood. I constantly repeat a particular sound and a way of saying their names so that they will know it's me trying to communicate with them. For Jonah, it's a really rapid and long "tooth sucking" and a quick whispered Jojojojojojojojojoj jo. I keep walking around doing this. I'm sure the neighbors who didn't think me certifiable certainly do by now. He could be anywhere. My efforts feel hopeless. How far did he run? Where did he sleep last night? Was he terrified? Was his little heart racing? Is he already dead? I have brought many orphans to healthy and safe release. I know about chewed woodwork and have received many a deep and bruising "staple gun" bites up one arm and down the other. But I love them. And I love Jonah extra hard. We're having such a gorgeous, long autumn, and I pitied him in his cage alone. I never dreamed he'd leave my big, high-raftered garage. No one has done that without weeks of hanging out and learning to jump from two-by-four to two-by-four. Many LIVE in my garage. I feed and water them there. And provide nesting material and a couple of boxes.
At first, I wasn't pleased, but I wasn't frantic. sure he'd come back in an hour or two, certainly at bedtime. THEY ALL DO! I've checked and checked and checked. And called and called and called. If you are a praying person, pray he comes back safely and pray that I can cope without spending a month or more in grief. I tell myself with the world in the broken state that it is in, full of all manner of suffering, it is self-indulgent to be hysterical over a squirrel. But it doesn't work. I'm sure most, if not ALL of you, know what I am talking about. Hold your babies close. If Jonah returns to that cage, he's going NOWHERE until March or even April if March is freezing and raw.

[FaithieMarie]

Thanking God with all my heart. I found him. He was on my back porch, just hanging out beside where his cage used to be. I spoke to him; unfortunately, my dog, Christopher, was right behind me, and as soon as Jonah saw Chris, he ran up the nearest tree. (Which is a good thing.) I stood under the tree and talked to him. He looked like he was considering coming down, but he didn't. The next time I go out, I must go out without Cbris. So then I went down to the garage, got his release cage, brought it up, and placed it right under the tree he was perched in. He had disappeared by the time I returned. I'm going to keep that cage so full of nuts, avocados, and Picky Blocks he'll HAVE to go in some time. Then CLANG. In stir 'til spring. It's unfortunate. But necessary. Please keep up the prayers. He's such a precious little soul. Well, they all are. xoxoxo:Love_Icon

[Chirps]

I will be happy to.

If this is Squirrel Refuge in Vancouver, WA, they are an excellent rehab facility, with people there who are also members here. Their "audience" and all other rehabs for that matter, are not us! Your post tells us clearly that you have experience, your horror and angst about what has happened is a neon sign telling us how much you care, and those two things are NOT the "general public." They are people who never paid squirrels a mind but wind up with a baby that they think they may want to keep as a pet because it is cute and then when puberty hits (the Scissorhands phase) or perhaps even later, when they have to move and don't want their new woodwork chewed, they try to take them to places like Squirrel Refuge to "rehab." I see the above statement as trying desperately to throw some water on that before it actually catches fire. Yes, they can be rehabbed but it is a ton more time and work than a baby that has been properly prepped for release at a young age. And in your situation, you were doing that already, for release in the spring. THAT baby would need more time in the release cage away from everyone but would likely do just fine.

And is probabl OK now, too! And having a blast while you fret.

Thank you. Now that statement makes MUCH more sense.

[nikkicreatesart]

I know exactly how scared and sad you are feeling. I released my baby two weeks ago- he was ready, but I was not ready for him to only stick around for a few days. Every day I call "Booger buutttt" and I am sure the whole neighborhood thinks I'm crazy too. I watch all the other squirrels and try to tell myself he's OK, he's having the time of his life. Luckily my next door neighbors are letting me walk the adjoining tree line on their property, although part of me thinks I may be scaring the squirrels more than if I just trust God to bring him back to me one day. But I can't help it. He's the first thing I think about when I wake, he's the last thing I think about when I go to bed, and I watch the ring camera footage to see if he's swung by for goodies. There is a young little squirrel who has discovered that goodies are there too- and he's so little I can't begrudge him. My baby was 20 weeks old on release. If only there were tiny GPS devices he could band on them it would certainly help with peace of mind. I will pray you get your Jonah back. If you have a minute, maybe pray for my little Picasso that he is OK for me? We are all in this together!

[FaithieMarie]

Dear EVERYONE! Prayers are being answered, though not precisely as I would wish, as is often the case. Disappointments: Jonah is not back in his cage behind a safely locked door. e has gone in for food. But each time, he has been too quick for me, and now I'm not even going to try unless I find him asleep inside because I fear he'll quit going in altogether if he thinks going in means me rushing forward to slam the door shut on him. Blessings: He is STILL here. e HAS taken food. e was back in the garage this morning, sheltering from rain. AND best of all, he was WITH Timmy, last season's release. I have been so fearful that my other guys would run him off, beat him up, or even kill him. But nope. They were definitely sitting peaceably up in the rafters about 2 feet apart.:hug. @nickkicreatesart You and Booger will remain in my prayers. Keep me posted. Sorry, if there is a way to respond individually here, I do not know it.

[FaithieMarie]

Dear EVERYONE! Prayers are being answered, though not precisely as I would wish, as is often the case. Disappointments: Jonah is not back in his cage behind a safely locked door. e has gone in for food. But each time, he has been too quick for me, and now I'm not even going to try unless I find him asleep inside because I fear he'll quit going in altogether if he thinks going in means me rushing forward to slam the door shut on him. Blessings: He is STILL here. e HAS taken food. e was back in the garage this morning, sheltering from rain. AND best of all, he was WITH Timmy, last season's release. I have been so fearful that my other guys would run him off, beat him up, or even kill him. But nope. They were definitely sitting peaceably up in the rafters about 2 feet apart.:hug. @nickkicreatesart You and Booger will remain in my prayers. Keep me posted. Sorry, if there is a way to respond individually here, I do not know it.

[Charley Chuckles]

I'm so glad you saw him 😁 they are smart and he's having the time of his life ( at your expense of all the worry as many of us know so well)

FYI to reply to a post just go to bottom right corner of their post and click on " reply with quote"👍

[FaithieMarie]

326201 :dono Not sure why the photo is sideways, but here's my wee escapee.

[FaithieMarie]

Jonah when he was a wee baby.:Love_Icon

[FaithieMarie]

I'm so glad you saw him 😁 they are smart and he's having the time of his life ( at your expense of all the worry as many of us know so well)

FYI to reply to a post just go to bottom right corner of their post and click on " reply with quote"👍

Thank you! I was afraid to click "reply with a quote" because I did not know what quote I wanted to reply with. Thought my quote had to be a wise maxim of some sort about squirrels like:


"O sweet September, thy first breezes bring
The dry leaf's rustle and the squirrel's laughter,
The cool fresh air whence health and vigor spring
And promise of exceeding joy hereafter."
George Arnold

:laugh2

[Chirps]

Thank you! I was afraid to click "reply with a quote" because I did not know what quote I wanted to reply with. Thought my quote had to be a wise maxim of some sort about squirrels like:


"O sweet September, thy first breezes bring
The dry leaf's rustle and the squirrel's laughter,
The cool fresh air whence health and vigor spring
And promise of exceeding joy hereafter."
George Arnold

:laugh2

Oooooh, I don't know that poem. Must memorize it!

[Charley Chuckles]

Thank you! I was afraid to click "reply with a quote" because I did not know what quote I wanted to reply with. Thought my quote had to be a wise maxim of some sort about squirrels like:


"O sweet September, thy first breezes bring
The dry leaf's rustle and the squirrel's laughter,
The cool fresh air whence health and vigor spring
And promise of exceeding joy hereafter."
George Arnold

:laugh2
😁🤣🤣🤣
Hey that's good 😊

[CritterMom]

Thank you! I was afraid to click "reply with a quote" because I did not know what quote I wanted to reply with. Thought my quote had to be a wise maxim of some sort about squirrels like:


"O sweet September, thy first breezes bring
The dry leaf's rustle and the squirrel's laughter,
The cool fresh air whence health and vigor spring
And promise of exceeding joy hereafter."
George Arnold

:laugh2

That is absolutely hilarious - it sure would class up the joint...for a while, then you would run out of good ones and be back with that man in Nantucket...

BTW, if you want to ask a question off the board of a member - for clarification of something or more personal info you don't want on the open board, click on their name in any of the headers of their posts and it will take you to Private Messages with their name already filled in for you.

[FaithieMarie]

Guess who I found huddled in his hammock inside the cage yesterday when I went to feed. JONAH! I shut the cage door before he could poke his head out of the fluff. On the last three uncharacteristically warm days of Indian summer in South-Central Pennsylvania, the lad tasted freedom. It has suddenly become cold and rainy. Soon, it will be freezing and icy. Once again, I feel bad for him having to be stuck in a cage for three more months. But I've always believed overwintering to be best for him.

My next question is: Should I overwinter him outside on my back porch, cage completely covered with blankets overnight? Or should I bring his cage indoors?

Thanks for your time and attention. x :Squirrel x :Squirrel x

[FaithieMarie]

That is absolutely hilarious - it sure would class up the joint...for a while, then you would run out of good ones and be back with that man in Nantucket...

BTW, if you want to ask a question off the board of a member - for clarification of something or more personal info you don't want on the open board, click on their name in any of the headers of their posts and it will take you to Private Messages with their name already filled in for you.

"...that man in Nantucket" You cracked me up!:laugh1:laugh2

[Charley Chuckles]

I knew he'd show up 😀 👏
Someone else will have to answer your overwinter question, I'm in Florida and anything under 70* I'm dressed in my fleece jammies till spring 🤣