Release Time

[BDCurtis]

Well Peanut and Nutmeg have hit the 12 week mark! I'm so excited we've made it this far! I didn't think I could do it but with the help of this board and muffinsquirrel (my hero) we have. Special thanks to muffinsquirrel who answered several emails, phone calls, willingly invited me and the babies over for their first exam, provided supplies, and tolerated a late night visit when Peanut was making funny noises. It's a 30 minute drive... we made it in 15. LOL

Now here we are and I'm looking at the calendar realizing I have to open that cage door in a few weeks and it's driving me crazy!! I thought I was ready for this. I've been feeding wild foods - roses, tree bark, acorns, leaves, etc. Their nest box is ready but they seem to hate it. I've never handled them more than necessary but quit handling them completely about 2 weeks ago. Of course I still sit by their cage for hours and talk to them and feed them treats through the bars. I know I should stop this as well and only visit when it's feeding time. I've been taking them outside first thing in the morning and leaving them till it starts to get dark. I know I should start leaving them outside at night as well but I worry so much about them. We have tons of cats in this neighborhood along with a few coons. I just can't leave them out there!

I'm really worried if they will survive. Have I done this right? Do they know what they should? Will they know to stay out of the street??? So many what if's and scary thoughts.

My entire family has picked on me since the beginning telling me I'm going to cry when they are released. I have insisted I wouldn't because I want them to be real squirrels and play in the trees. Now I'm not so sure. Keeping them as pets is not an option. They are not real friendly towards anyone but me even that is questionable. At first I thought they saw me as mommy now I think they just see me as a food source. Anytime I'm near the cage they have their mouths open or try to nibble on me. LOL

So I guess I'm looking for tips on releasing them and reassurance I've done all I can. How do you not worry about them once you let them go? Uggghhh... talk about torn. I want them safe but I want them happy and free as well. I do plan on providing food and water for as long as they will come around. I also plan on a soft release when their nest box will be in a tree but their cage will be in it's usual outside location with the door open if they choose to sleep in there. Anything else I can do to make this process easier on them (and maybe me)?

[island rehabber]

So I guess I'm looking for tips on releasing them and reassurance I've done all I can. How do you not worry about them once you let them go?

You can't not worry if you're a worrier. Hey, it's what we do. :D



Uggghhh... talk about torn. I want them safe but I want them happy and free as well. I do plan on providing food and water for as long as they will come around. I also plan on a soft release when their nest box will be in a tree but their cage will be in it's usual outside location with the door open if they choose to sleep in there. Anything else I can do to make this process easier on them (and maybe me)?

try putting out fresh veggies for them late at night before you turn in, long after they've gone to sleep.....they'll wake up in the morning to new foods but not associate it with your appearance. If they regard you as "food lady" but not "mommeeeee!" you've done an excellent job. When you release them, they may regard you as "jailer" as well and never come near you again for fear of being caged. THAT IS REALLY GOOD. :thumbsup You're doing beautifully -- just take a deep breath, try to remember that squirrels were on this earth long before us and will most likely be here long after.....nature and God are on their side, and we just have to trust that they'll be OK. :)

[thundersquirrel]

you'd be surprised how well captive-raised squirrels can take to the outdoors. my mother and i are backed on a field with a suburban street in front- not sure if it's the field's doing, but we've never had a released squirrel die on our street. can't speak for the ones who move away eventually, but i have an inkling they were fine too.

don't think of it as letting your babies go- think of it as giving them the choice to go. because it's likely they'll stick around, probably for the winter. they can learn how to be squirrels while you're nearby keeping an eye out for them. that means they have a wonderful advantage when they go. :grouphug