Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12
Results 21 to 24 of 24

Thread: Back of neck injury

  1. #21
    Join Date
    Mar 2022
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    107
    Thanked: 58

    Default Re: Back of neck injury

    Ugh . . His nest would be taken over after only 4 days of being gone?! Shoot. We have thought about putting up a nest box, but we would have to hire someone, as we don't have a ladder tall enough or the skills to not kill ourselves lol. In terms of an enclosure first, we don't have that option. Any thoughts on how difficult it would be for him to find a nest if released back here in the morning (as to provide the whole day to figure it out)? I will say, that I've seen him in two different nests (1 of the 2 was more preferred for overnighting, as we saw him transfer from one to this other, higher up one, as it got dark). I would hope that this would increase his chances of having a home. It's just cold here in Illinois, so I'm concerned. If he's released at the rehabber's place, it would be unfamiliar and different (our suburbs vs rural). She says they have lots of squirrels there and nut trees so that sounds good, but again, rural, so way more owls, hawks and other predators than what we see here (infrequent hawk sighting and a couple cats that roam free). Taking the nest situation out of the equation, do people feel like some sort of soft-release is necessary (or after how long in captivity would it be necessary). I wouldn't think it would take too long for this injury to heal and thought he could get a hard release. I can't imagine he would be too happy about being outside but still in a cage. I will hopefully chat w/ the rehabber tomorrow, but would love to hear your (the boards) thoughts, too.

  2. #22
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    SC (Madison)
    Posts
    7,177
    Thanked: 6807

    Default Re: Back of neck injury

    Rehabbed, adult / mature squirrels are always better off being released in the area where they were found ("home territory) versus being forced to involuntarily establish themselves in a new territory. There are times when this is untrue, an obvious example would be a squirrel injured during a clear cut / tree harvesting operation that occurred in their territory. Consider that if his drey were taken over.... especially this time of year... then likely there is another drey that was abandoned. It may need some sprucing up, but even if starting from scratch he'll be back in a territory he is familiar

  3. Serious fuzzy thank you's to Spanky from:

    lukaslolamaus (01-29-2023)

  4. #23
    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Location
    East coast of Florida
    Posts
    9,781
    Thanked: 12707

    Default Re: Back of neck injury

    I agree that he should be released in his own territory. Doing so also eliminates the need for any soft release process as he’s already familiar with his territory. Fewer predators is always a bonus in my opinion.

  5. #24
    Join Date
    Mar 2022
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    107
    Thanked: 58

    Default Re: Back of neck injury

    Hi all. I just wanted to give an update on Stripesy. He's still with the rehabber, getting time to heal. He's in a bird cage, so limited space which limits too much movement. The rehabber said the wound is healing pretty well and currently there is a scab still, so he needs some more time to scar over. Hopefully when he's ready for release (thinking maybe next weekend), he will be able to come back to his home territory. Fingers crossed!!

Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •