Grey Squirrels Age Estimate

[scarscarxo]

Hey! New to the squirrel community. Pest control found squirrel nest in our soffit and added a 1-way door. We quickly found mama desparately trying to get back inside while babies were unable to figure out the exit. Got PC back over to take the door off, while mama waited nearby to watch. She immediately came to grab the first baby that came out, and disappeared to a second nest on the other side of the roof.

I waited and watched for 3 hours (door removal around 2pm), mama did not come back for the remaining two babies. They hung out on the roof to wait and retreated back for the evening.

This was on Saturday (today is Tuesday 5pm). I've seen the two babies out for three days now, they don't move far beyond the entrance to the nest. One seems to grab some blossoming cherries off the nearby tree but they're just scavenging debris from the gutter and roof shingles. I am getting really worried about them and I don't understand why mama didn't come back. I've played an hour of "squirrel babies crying" on YouTube everyday near their nest, I know she's aware of the nest location, and I'm pretty sure I saw her in the back yard this morning (nest is on front side of attic).

I'm wondering if someone could guess the age of these sweethearts. Perhaps mama thinks they're OK on their own now? I don't know why she would've grabbed the one though and left the others. I am worried they aren't quite mature enough to fend on their own - they sit on the rooftop like sitting ducks so I've taken on the role of predator watcher, opening the window anytime I see a crow get too close. But I can't do this forever, and they must learn to squirrel on their own.

Anyways, does anyone have an opinion on the age range and if they're possibly OK on their own? Or should I call a rehabilitator first thing tomorrow. Thanks so much they've completely captured my heart. I have more photos of the grey one (we named Nuts) as it's more active, the black one (Bolts) looks a bit smaller and is more timid.

[scarscarxo]

Link to pics: https://imgur.com/a/DowxeQG

[scarscarxo]

And here's a photo of mama on her way to get the first one that emerged after taking the 1-way door off: https://imgur.com/a/DGktZXs

[scarscarxo]

I also want to add: we have not put the 1-way door back on, and we have not sealed any holes. I want to ensure they have access to their nest until we know they are safe.

[scarscarxo]

Another pic from today (Tuesday): https://imgur.com/a/sRSC2Qu
They are precious

[supersquirrelgirl]

So precious indeed. The 2 remaining look older than babies. Love that BIG tail! Was the 3rd about the same size ?? Momma looks about the same size from the picture.

My guess is Momma is very stressed with all the action. Was able to get one baby to backup nest. Now she is caught between nest with babies on both sides. Momma know where the original nest is located. And from your pictures, the 2 babies are outside on roof. Maybe backing away and stop playing the baby sounds so Momma can calm down and believe its safe to go get the other 2 babies ??

We had similar situation here where Momma has 3 babies in our attic. We let the whole family stay over the winter and evacuated them in the late spring. Momma and 2 babies stayed close but 3rd one traveled onward. Still today about 8 years later, one baby is here and I see her everyday. Its Ms. Mo (I post about her all the time!).

Curious to hear what other TSB people say......

Mr.SSG

[scarscarxo]

Yes third was about the same size. Mama was larger and actually carried baby #1 to the other nest. I actually got a video of the first one emerging, and mama grabbing it (of course, my video cuts off right when she grabs it). I also got a photo of her looking outside the nest she brought it to (immediately after), unfortunately its where our electrical box area is which is another layer of stress for me: https://imgur.com/a/qQLIaox

Thanks for your opinion, makes me feel so much better <3 I'll give the sounds a rest, they're clearly not helping anyways.

Awww I love that you still have them in your life 8 years later. I look forward to seeing some Ms. Mo posts what amazing creatures they are

[supersquirrelgirl]

If any way to remove the ladder ?? Momma will be stressed to any changes as she plans her rescue of the last 2 babies.

Figures, Momma picks another high risk nest area near the electrical box. I see in the video some really nice trees. What was Momma thinking ?? Trees are better! Must be the weather ?? Warmer in the house soffit space......good luck.

Please post updates.

Mr.SSG

[scarscarxo]

Ladder was only up there for about 30 mins on Saturday (was when pest control came back to take off the 1-way door).

Saw the sweeties outside their nest again this morning. Mostly waiting, a bit of scurrying. They stayed out quite late last night (close to 8pm) which was worrying me - it was just becoming dusk, but later than I typically see squirrels out. While they aren't suuuuuper young, I don't think they got educated on how to forage, when to go out, who to avoid, etc.

Yeah I am surprised mama chose these nests too, it hasn't been a cold spring in Vancouver, but to be fair we have many branches touching the house so it would've been pretty easy for her!

Thinking I might stuff some spinach and walnuts in the shingles/gutter for them to find outside their nest, they must be so hungry. Maybe that will be a mini lesson on how to gather food? Ugh, I am beside myself with worry about them.

Really appreciate your support Mr. SSG.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Give the situation a day or two. If no Momma coming, I'm sure babies will venture out for food. Suggest keep invisible so Momma feel safe going back to original nest. I know its so hard to sit on hands and wait.