You might remember our Bella and sibling Barry (black squirrels) were soft released from our backyard RC last June 2023. They have both come to see us every day, each would come in the kitchen if the door was open. Then we hadn't seen Barry since January and fear something happened to him. Bella still came every day, and as of end March we could tell something was different, she would only come to see us early morning before sunrise and in the evening after sunset, for her meals, not usually in the daytime. Then we checked her tummy and all 8 teets showing . 2 weeks ago we saw her going in and out of the RC that she was released from last year, knew that was her chosen nest box. We had no idea how many or what age, just keeping our distance. We haven't seen her though for 2 days now and were getting worried. Last night i was woken up by a squealing about 2am. Go out to find one baby at bottom of the RC squealing and another in the corner not moving (She was cold and stiff but looked perfect, must have passed away to the RB the day before). I bring him in to Lisa, go back out to find 4 more huddled and warm in the nest box blanket. No sign of mama Bella. We can't see how Bella could still be alive and leave them like that. All 5 are in perfect health, we guess about 3-4 weeks old (eyes should open soon), 4 boys 1 girl. Bella had 6 babies, 4 boys 2 girls. Isn't that a lot for a first litter ? We brought them inside, Lisa fed them right way, they're in a bin with fleece blanket.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/pbFYWjmMPK7eCSoi6

We're so sad for Bella and her little girl that didn't make it, and Barry we haven't seen since January. Barry was the only one around with tinge of gray/brown fur, and all 5 of Bella's babies have his same fur color. Does it happen sometime that siblings mate ?

There's more.... 2 weeks ago a tree cutter brought 2 newborns to Lisa, a boy and girl black squirrel, from a felled tree, mama did not make it. She's been raising them, they are doing fine.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/g5frDmgQpXpVi7oBA

So now we're caring for a litter of 2(2.5 week old) and of 5(3-4 week olds).
Does anyone have an opinion if we should put all 7 of the 2 litters together, or we should keep them apart ? We're thinking it would more fun for them to grow up and release together.