WoW just read this whole thread and envy you forall ou do for them.
I love the photo's especially the one of the two of them standing up on thier hind legs!
This quote is awesome "shoot, shovel, and shut up". Tee shirts anyone!
WoW just read this whole thread and envy you forall ou do for them.
I love the photo's especially the one of the two of them standing up on thier hind legs!
This quote is awesome "shoot, shovel, and shut up". Tee shirts anyone!
Coffeeculturegvl (04-03-2017), Mel1959 (04-03-2017)
I was very happy to hear your wonderful update! Your babies look very happy in life, thanks to you! .
I have also maintained contact with my boys. They still sleep together in their nest box in our oak tree. The one that was more bonded to me has become the alpha in the yard and reminds his brother all the time. . When he reached maturity he got pretty testy with his brother and me and started biting me if I didn't have a nut for him when I went outside, but he has since gotten better. I have learned to respect his space.
I offer veggies and nuts to them daily. They each have gone on an adventure for several days, which made me sick with worry, but they came back unscathed. They still groom each other, play together occasionally, and most nights sleep together in one of the two nest boxes in their tree. We check on them when it's getting dusk to see if they are in their tree and heading to their box. . These are the only two squirrels I've raised and released that I've maintained contact with. They will always be my babies.
Coffeeculturegvl (04-03-2017), Ekorre (04-12-2017), gunpackingrandma (04-03-2017), Lighten-Up (04-03-2017)
BCChins (04-03-2017), Ekorre (04-12-2017), gunpackingrandma (04-03-2017), Lighten-Up (04-03-2017), Mel1959 (04-03-2017), missPixy (04-06-2017), Nancy in New York (04-03-2017)
They look so HAPPY
I find the new releases are extremely unwilling to approach once it starts becoming dark so you may find Nugget to be much more friend come daylight...
Personally, I would discourage the use of fishing line, since that will cause collisions with all sorts of birds... good bad or indifferent. Using fishing line, which is by design more difficult to see (especially for birds flying very fast) is not a deterrent so much as a deadly booby trap. If you are wanting to string something, I would suggest nylon type "string" which is much more visible and will not cause the casualties that monofilament definitely will. Of course, that also requires a more tightly weaved canopy of string...
Wonderful pictures, they looked to be having great fun!
Coffeeculturegvl (04-03-2017), Mel1959 (04-03-2017)
Coffeeculturegvl (04-03-2017), Mel1959 (04-03-2017)
Mel1959 (04-03-2017)
Awe I have been reading your entire thread on these guys & you have such a big heart coffeeculturegvl! Looks like you have done a great job with your babies. They look very happy (I love the pic of the baby on the ladder)! I think this is the hardest part with rehabbing so far (even harder than round the clock feedings & being sleep deprived). I've rehabbed but always turned them over to be released. I admire your bravery & sharing with us know how you've been feeling about the release. I have all those same feelings!
Stick around...I may need your words of wisdom soon...everything you are saying is hitting home with me...i have 5 flyers (4 that Ive had since they were a month old). They are ready to release (I am also in Florida) and I have been able to find EVERY excuse in the book as to why i "cant" do it this week or next week, too cold at night, too hot during the day, have rain coming, what if they get fleas, saw some mosquito's out last night! Their RC cage isn't even finished yet b/c I keep stalling. My hubby & friends keep asking "when are you putting those squirrels outside?"....I am SO afraid to put them out! I dont want to keep them as pets. (I already have a dog, 2 cats, a chin, 3 kids, a hubby & full time job...hubby says I will be living under a bridge with all my fur babies if I bring one more home!) I want them to have the freedom to run outside & be squirrels that they are & make friends & have babies....but I worry myself to no end! And flyers come out at night, not during the day....so I cant even sit outside all day & watch them! Neighbors are gonna wonder why Im out all night with a flashlight!
I'll be looking for updates on your babies....to know it gets easier....as I work up the courage to put my guys outside! Thanks for sharing your story with us! There are others out there just like you!
gunpackingrandma (04-04-2017), Lighten-Up (04-03-2017), Mel1959 (04-03-2017), missPixy (04-03-2017)
It IS harder than the round-the-clock feedings, I agree. And I believe that the feelings and sentiments posted here across the board with just about everyone I think. So many people are saying yes that's the way I feel yes that's the way I feel so I think it may be a Universal emotion for us rehabbers. When my babies were still babies, I got a phone call about a squirrel nest coming down in my neighborhood so I rushed over with my incubator box only to find out that they were four 3 week old Flyers. I knew I couldn't take care of two different species at the same time. I was already dubious as to whether I could bring even more greyso in.. So I contacted a local rehabber who specializes in flyers and turned them over to her. I felt kind of sad, but also relieved. It is a lot of work when they're babies. And being a first-time rehabber, I was so uncertain and scared and did so much research because I didn't want to make any mistakes. Very stressful but so very rewarding.
I also made excuses as to why I couldn't move them onto the screen enclosure on the porch. I made lots and lots of excuses about not letting them go in the winter even though I'm in Florida. I just didn't see enough green sprigs of stuff to feel comfortable with that. I made excuses on whether to put them outside. I made excuses why we didn't have the time to take the enclosure down and put it back together outside. Excuses excuses excuses. So I completely understand where you're coming from. But your heart is probably telling you it needs to be done. So just do it. I think you'll feel a little bit better that you're one step closer to the goal of letting them run free. I also have three dogs, three cats, one child at home, and a husband, and a business to run. It was always something that took priority but my guilt level won out. I knew it had to be done and when I posted here it gave me the courage to do what I had put off for so long. But it's the right thing, because I know they're happier. One other thing, we also have a couple of owls in our neighborhood as well as Hawks. My husband told me that if you're outside with a flashlight, it will interfere with the owls ability to hunt. So you being out there may look strange to your neighbors, but it's good good thing for your Flyers. There are a lot of people on this board who have a lot more experience than I do, but I think we all share the same emotional upheaval when it comes time to release. From my experience, this is a wealth of information as well as support.
I don't know where you are in Florida, but if you're anywhere near Gainesville, I'd like to extend the offer to help you finish that RC cage. I'm pretty handy with tools. And again if anyone wants to get together and talk squirrel the invitation is wide open. You can never have too many friends anyway.
gunpackingrandma (04-04-2017), Jennefer (04-03-2017), Mel1959 (04-03-2017)
Aww thanks coffeeculture! Your words give me encouragement to be brave & get on it! Appreciate the offer to help with the RC...Im in Tampa Bay area, so not too far away! It really only needs a few little things done...one of which my husband is doing today (I think he's ready to move them along already). So, its easy stuff, I just keep procrastinating it....which is not like me. But thanks for the offer (I am however, a coffee addict, so you never know when I might show up at your coffee shop!) Im hearing that sometimes if flyers like where they are, they wont leave (wishful thinking ). I guess Im really attached. These guys have gone on vacation with me...twice! This was my first experience with flyers & they are so small. Im actually very proud of myself b/c Ive heard baby fliers are very difficult to keep alive...so far so good...all my babies are in great shape...i just wish I could keep them tucked in my shirt for the rest of forever! (Hubby says they see more of my boobs than he does- heehee )
Yeah, the nighttime thing scares me...how will I be able to see them when they run off? Good to know on the owl-flashlight thing...you should see the super powerful flashlight I have...you can see it from space (Im sure the neighbors love it). Im telling myself "we dont have any owls around here"...buuuuut I think we do. My guys are fast thought. And I think they will stick around for the food. The RC cage is up against a window & I tried to get hubby to agree to run a dryer hose from RC through the window so they could "come inside" if they needed too...no go Uhhhh, but i will push forward.
Thanks for sharing...I like having like-minded squirrel peeps for support! And your guys are beautiful...nice & plump & shiny....you did a great job! I have a feeling you'll be seeing more squees come your way!
Oh, since everyone loves pics here...here's a recent one of the Quads and Tiny! Jenn
cava (04-09-2017), Ekorre (04-12-2017), gunpackingrandma (04-04-2017), missPixy (04-03-2017), Nancy in New York (04-03-2017)
Jennefer (04-03-2017), Nancy in New York (04-03-2017)
My neighbor just implied "something might happen" to my squirrels if they continued to go into his yard!!!!
He bought a huge fake owl, so realistic I raced over and slapped the fence to scare it off, and put it on his fence as close as possible TO THE NEW NESTBOX. I wondered why my babies were freaking out.
I poked my head over the fence and VERY NICELY asked if he would mind putting the statue somewhere else in his yard, and the other side would be especially considerate. He knows I just released them. He's being purposefully cruel and discompassionate!
I say this because he has been, possibly due to a brief incident two years ago when our dog scared his kid running over to play with her (!), rude, demanding, called the local Environmental Protection Agency on us saying we were dumping chlorinated pool water into the sewer even after he knew the pool had sat stagnant for MONTHS with not a molecule of chlorine or other chemical-just organic matter. He brought his kids out and made a racket right after I released the squirrels, knowing squirrels get spooked easy.
I have no clue what to do!!!!
He just went on and on about how they were going to be hawk food soon enough anyway. This was after I started crying and asked him to please stop saying such things. It greatly distressed me just to think of that real danger. I added I wasn't sure he understood just how much they mean to me and though I was releasing them to be wild as intended, they were still like family members and always would be.
He said that was unrealistic of me and should get over it.
He said they might bite his kids.
I explained how I'd raised them specifically to be wary of any human but me and I was the only one they would allow to walk up on them. He countered by saying he had to shoo them it of his yard. As in, from 20 feet away, spooked them.
He has he upper hand. I SO want to retaliate and f**k his day up but then I expect my babies will go missing and he'll just sayet something like oh well, old you they'd get eaten.
I'm in TEARS.
What do I do??????
gunpackingrandma (04-04-2017), Mel1959 (04-03-2017)
Oh NO! First thing...deep breath..you cant think right if your upset. Sounds like this guy is a piece of work & out to get you for old reasons. He's saying things to get you upset...dont give him the upper hand! I hate difficult neighbors!
May not be possible, but is there anyway you can move their RC to the other side of your yard to another tree? There's no way he can "control" all the squirrels in the yard, or tell yours from the wilds, i would think. If they are truly only attached to you, then you might not have any problems with them going up to him or his kids. And the fake owl, might work to your advantage...arent they hawk deterrents? And might keep your sqees away from his yard or fence if they are scared of it. I hate to say it, but this guy sounds like he's going to be trouble no matter what you do. I would try & keep them away from his yard when he's home...if you can.
Hang in there...maybe someone with bad neighbor experiences will chime in.....
gunpackingrandma (04-04-2017), Mel1959 (04-03-2017), missPixy (04-03-2017)
I am frantic to catch my babies and put them back in the RC. I dont trust him one minute. I have Grayson, but the other two are probably in the nestbox if they didn't take off after he put that owl statue up.
I'll have to find out if it's legal or not, but I'm ready to go trap a BUNCH of wild squirrels and release them on OUR fence which separates our yard. See what happens to his precious "garden seeds" then. Even though that's so far from the real reason. There are 15 wild squirrels between our two yards and have been for a long time. I think it's disgusting he's chosen NOW to do something about "the squirrel problem." He's a mean person and I think this is a horrible example for his children to witness.
And his wife is a VETERINARIAN for God's sake. If only her clients knew how callous and insensitive she was to another person's animals, perhaps they'd think twice about allowing her to care for their dog or cat. But she's his rug, I think.
He's a domineering, self righteous lawyer.
I'm so screwed.
gunpackingrandma (04-04-2017), Nancy in New York (04-03-2017)
I agree. It will be difficult to keep them out of his yard, but I'm not sure how he will tell them apart from any other squirrel. Hopefully in time, when he sees that his kids haven't been attacked he will be a little more compassionate. If it's possible to move the release cage that might be a good idea. It might encourage your guys to be a little less interested in his yard, but I think they will go wherever.
I hope someone that has experienced this sort of problem chimes in.
You definitely don't want to piss the neighbor off to the point that he does something evil like put out poison. Yikes!
Anywhere else that you could release them if you could recapture all three?
gunpackingrandma (04-04-2017), Jennefer (04-03-2017), Nancy in New York (04-03-2017)
first, check your town's and state's regulations on squirrels and whether it's illegal to trap them or harm them. I think this varies from state to state.
second, this jerk seems like he wants to make you cry. Which is why the next time you have to get right back into his face (once you've researched the appropriate town/state laws so you know you have legal standing!) and tell him facts, i.e, it's illegal in your state to poison squirrels or trap them. Some people just want to hurt others even if they don't plan to actually do anything. it's how they make themselves feel better or in control. don't allow emotion to show~~ practice in the mirror or with a friend if you have to. but just being strong and determined can sometimes put these people in their place.
I know, because NONE of my neighbors will ever approach ME about squirrel "complaints" (I feed the wilds and also do occasional soft release). they speak to my partner as an intermediary because people can sense when you won't put up with their mean crap. Too bad you don't have a male friend to go up to him and say angrily, "hey, what's up with the threats to my friend?" Totally change the tone of the conversation.
Also, honestly, everyone has a button. Maybe do some quiet observation and figure out what his is to reverse the pain.
❝ We can bring a heart of understanding and compassion to a world that needs it so much.❞ ~~ Jack Kornfield
gunpackingrandma (04-04-2017), Jennefer (04-03-2017), Mel1959 (04-03-2017)
Oh no!!!
Yes, you have a huge problem. A bad neighbor is a nightmare. Unfortunately, it's a battle you can't win.
Does he have a garden? Is that the deal with the seeds? An evil person will use any past conflict as an excuse to hurt you. Personally, I hate ALL neighbors. Well I guess my niece is OK. I've lived next to my only other neighbor for over 31 years. We have been GOOD neighbors. I recently put up a fence... a very nice fence. When I mentioned the word 'fence', I could see her eyes roll back in her head. I was forced to hire a surveyor to define the property line. She hasn't spoken to me since. I was going to put a walk through gate between us as a goodwill gesture but after that, I did NOT. At least she loves the 'wild' squirrels so that's something.
If he is as evil as I think he is, he will do one of two things or both. He will put out rat poison OR he will report you to FWC for rehabbing without a license. Yes, he can do that. From what I have seen with others, FWC will always investigate in response to a complaint but for a 'once and done' non-licensed rehabber they don't go crazy on it. They asked a person I know if she had raised and released squirrels and she said, yes. They basically slapped her hand and said, 'don't do it again... without a license'.
You can always play dumb and act like you didn't even know there was a license for that. In most cases that is totally truthful. I certainly didn't know when I got into this.
I was flabbergasted when I was told by a vet that I was breaking the law.
You have very few choices. You can just ignore him and hope it goes away. You can capture your babies and let someone else release them in a 'safe' location. Maybe if he 'thinks' they were relocated, it would cool his jets... wink... wink. There is no way he can identify 'your' squirrels.
Can he see into your back yard? Didn't I see privacy fences? Do the neighbors spend a lot of time in their back yard?
If he 'thinks' they were relocated you would have to keep any interaction totally private. In a case like this I probably would distance myself from the babies. As heartbreaking as it is, it would be for their safety. If a squirrel scratches one of his kids it will be the end of the world. Most releases do go their own way after some time. A few... very few will hang around and want to be friends. This is the exception though.
I hope it doesn't get crazy but IF this gets completely out of control, I can help you with a safe release location.
I hope it doesn't come to that. I know you want your babies at home.
Coffeeculturegvl (04-03-2017), gunpackingrandma (04-04-2017), Jennefer (04-03-2017), Mel1959 (04-03-2017), missPixy (04-06-2017)
Your emotions are completely understandable. However I do completely with agree with Jennefer, take deep breaths and a time out. One can't ever see straight enough to make the right decisions when they are in an upset. And in this situation, clear thinking is what you need.
I will offer my thoughts...they are just that, my thoughts.
This appears to be a tough situation. Therefore, I will offer thoughts that I have personal experience with, but I do realize, they may seem odd, if not bizarre. My apologies ahead of time if they are too out there.
Please consider that he does not have the upper hand. He just appears to. Clear thinking and calm can point the way to a straight path "through" this situation to find at the other side, that even though he meant to harm you, he has actually helped you. Like in the tiny example already given by Jennefer that the owl on the fence might actually help keep hawks away, which was something you desired. Squirrels are smart, because they are so close to that owl statue, they will find that it is fake and not be bothered by it. And though he meant to harass you with this, he might have helped you, if you can perceive it differently.
To think he has the upper hand, is to give your power away to him, when in actuality, you still have the power in this situation, even if in this moment you can't see it, you actually do. Please consider that you really do, have all the power necessary to enjoy your squirrels in your yard, and for them to be safe from him. People who act against others, are always found to be weaker, universal forces will not aid them; and one who keeps his calm, universal forces do come to their aid. In regards to this, I might suggest not stooping to his level and releasing hordes of wild squirrels on his garden. :-) It's normal to have those thoughts, I don't fault you at all for having a defensive attitude having just had this altercation with him, but in my opinion, to win this one, with a very insensitive (evil) neighbor, it is of utmost importance to keep your side of the street very very clean. You have many unseen forces (call it what you want) that can be of service to you, if you open yourself up to asking for good solutions to bless both sides, yourself, your squirrels, and him. Yes, and him too. He is only acting this way, because somewhere, somehow, he is deeply hurt inside, and he is taking it out on you. The best thing that can happen to you, is that he gets healed from whatever thorn is sticking him. It is this attitude of blessing, that can break the power of the evil that he wishes to inflict upon you. Please know, I do believe him, that he very well intends to do as he says, I just trust more in the powers of good, than I do of evil. The more you align yourself with the goodwill toward all, the more universal forces will work to help.
I don't have anymore to offer right now, except that IF you can find a way to find calm again, and find a way to release all hostility that he has made you feel, than the next steps will be made clear to you, and I feel that you may be very surprised at some delightful ending to this rather awful beginning.
If none of this resonates, that's fine, I hope it does, but it's only my perspective, I realize that, I'm okay with that, I'm just offering it.
Best to you. We all care, we've been there...it sucks when it is happening, I can attest to that.
Hopefully this will have been of some value to you...
Coffeeculturegvl (04-03-2017), Ekorre (04-12-2017), gunpackingrandma (04-04-2017), Jennefer (04-03-2017), Mel1959 (04-03-2017), missPixy (04-06-2017), pjjere (04-03-2017)
Early on, I looked up the Florida Statutes and it CLEARLY says no license needed for squirrels. I took a screenshot at the time but I moved it to another computer. I read it over and over just to be sure.
Also, after Hurricane Hermine, the local Florida Wildlife Rescue put out a distress call for rehabbers, newbies and all, because they'd had HUNDREDS of orphans dropped off. If illegal, that doesn't make much sense they would solicit ANYONE'S help AND provide instruction.
Next, yes we've already considered the possibility he might put out poison. I managed to capture them all and got them.back into the RC. It was traumatic for all of us because I had to keep a death grip on two of them, with no gloves, and I practically TOSSED Nugget into the RC in a panic because he was about to squirm away. It's so sad. They tasted freedom and they were SO happy. Now they KNOW they're imprisoned. Needno to do SOMETHING within my control, I immediately dragged out the extra RC materials and began building an anteroom for the RC. I know I will NEVER get in and out of there with a single door now without one or more escaping. I should be able to finish it tomorrow afternoon.
We've discussed moving the RC and the nestbox across the yard, however THAT neighbor has a dog and all the locals avoid that side. It would get them away from that damn owl, though. But it won't keep them from wandering his direction.
During our conversation he actually told me I wouldn't be able to tell my squirrels apart from the locals anyway, so what was I so upset about?! Then contradicted himself by saying HE could tell which ones were mine because they didn't act like normal squirrels.
There is a fence, and they spend a LOT of time out there. He pokes his head over all the time making regular "requests" like "Can you do that work another time? My kids are sleeping." Or "Your lights are keeping my kids awake. Would you turn them off?" (While his security light is pointed directly at my yard) and my favorite statement today "You couldn't have put that [RC] any closer to my yard. I guess that was poor judgement on your part. I'll move the owl to my roof but the whole reason I got it was to scare them."
And I much appreciate the offer for a safe release location. I can't think of a scenario here where I can let them out again again and be confident he won't do something. Maybe it's just the owl....maybe he's capable of more, though. There's no way my babies would let his kids anywhere close enough to grab them. Even I have difficulty with them scooting off (except Grayson.) But he could SAY they got scratched or jumped on or who knows what. I won't put it past him to fabricate lies if it was to his benefit and my distress.
But....the thought of never seeing them again or witnessing them mature and make their way and Miney having babies.... just literally is more than I can bear. It was so hard letting them free, but knowing I'd still be able to witness their freedom, even if only a while, made it easier to do. So, I'm stuck. I won't make any decisions right away. I have hope...although slim...he will slow his damn roll or I can talk to his wife and appeal to the animal loving (?) veterinarian in her to persuade a change in his attitude. But, frankly, I don't know how much of this development comes from her also. He was the messenger, but she can't possibly be oblivious.
It's not too out there. And I totally agree with your point. I really do just want peace between us...or a mutual compromise of sorts. If nothing else, I can try to rise above this. I spout spiteful intentions, but I'm really not like that. It's the anger speaking, true. But I've never seen the positive in spite for spite, antagonism, and escalation when it can be avoided. It's wasted energy. Today, I'm going to let myself be mad. Tomorrow will bring a clearer head.
I'm thankful my husband will be home tomorrow. Because one positive thing DID happen today. After a year and a half, I finally got accepted today by the Mayo Clinic in Jax to sort out a medical mystery. And they set my appointment for tomorrow! At 845 am. It's a 2 hour drive one way. I know my husband will be vigilant watching out for them.
Ekorre (04-12-2017), gunpackingrandma (04-04-2017), Lighten-Up (04-04-2017), Mel1959 (04-04-2017)