Pre-release questions?

[Andylove1]

Well it's almost spring and I'm going to give my Andy every opportunity to live wild as he was meant to be, that being said I'm sure with him it will require a soft release when the time comes because he has been with me for 7 mos or so and I'm attached to him as he is with me. So my question is would a BIG aviary cage work for a pre-release habitat?

Second question is when is the best time to release? I live in Illinois so the cold weather has not quite broke here, nor has the groundhog been out yet..lol

[SammysMom]

As long as the aviary is large and totally predator proof. Floor must be sturdily wired to protect from tunnels and digging under sides.
Wait until there are no more bitter cold nights. He is alone so no company for warmth.
You are doing the right thing to give him the freedom he will likely want. Does not mean he doesn't love you, but it shows that you love him.

[RockyPops]

And have your video device ready! There is nothing more precious than seeing a squirrel tasting true freedom and the trees for the first time.

[Nancy in New York]

And have your video device ready! There is nothing more precious than seeing a squirrel tasting true freedom and the trees for the first time.

I posted this a while back....with the title This is what freedom looks like.
You are SO right RockyPops, there is nothing like seeing a squirrel with their
first taste of freedom.

This is how Harvey came to me, with complete front end paralysis.
https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...VzjTF-1280.mp4

His first day of freedom after overwintering.

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...hlight=Freedom

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...F6LJWP-640.mp4

Trying to make friends with a bunny.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...J4zGN-1280.mp4

[RockyPops]

Not to hijack the thread but Nancy, I could stand to watch a lot more of those Harvey videos!

[Andylove1]

And have your video device ready! There is nothing more precious than seeing a squirrel tasting true freedom and the trees for the first time.

Yes, I can say with certainty I will have my phone ready when he goes, and sadly I know I'll probably cry. I just love him so much and want him to do well. I'm already tearing up just thinking about it but the feeling will be mixed. Happy for Andy, Sad for me...

[Andylove1]

Not to hijack the thread but Nancy, I could stand to watch a lot more of those Harvey videos!

It's ok, I don't mind at all. We're all friends in common here.😊

[Andylove1]

I posted this a while back....with the title This is what freedom looks like.
You are SO right RockyPops, there is nothing like seeing a squirrel with their
first taste of freedom.

This is how Harvey came to me, with complete front end paralysis.
https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...VzjTF-1280.mp4

His first day of freedom after overwintering.

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...hlight=Freedom

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...F6LJWP-640.mp4

Trying to make friends with a bunny.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...J4zGN-1280.mp4

That is so sweet!! Seeing that makes me happy too! Love Squirrels!