Release 7month old

[Stacyd77]

Hello I posted prior in emergency because one of my squirrels woke up paralyzed about a month ago slow healing but getting better. Her sister is big and strong and ready. I don't know how to release a squirrel. I live in Apopka fl,I appreciate any help with instruction or rehab numbers thank u

[olorin19]

Thee is a process referred to as 'soft release' where the squirrel spends some time (several weeks or longer) in a release cage before the cage is left open.

Here is a link that should direct you to various threads here at TSB with 'soft release' in their titles -

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...archid=2522747

If this link does not work, just go to Advanced Search near upper right, type in 'soft release' in Key Words, then toggle to 'Search Titles Only'.

This will give you a huge amount of good information.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hi Stacy,

If I can jump-in here. I do remember your 2 female squirrels where one was diagnosed with MBD by a Vet. I'm very glad she is improving. If you don't mind, could you give an update on the original thread ?? We always like to hear updates when working a case on TSB. Thanks in advance!

On my 2nd point, I remember you said both squirrels were fed the same diet. However, only one squirrel showed symptoms of MBD. As mentioned in the Emergency thread, please treat both squirrels for MBD if eating same diet. My concern is releasing the strong squirrel with any risk of MBD would not be a good idea right now. The wild world is different than house living with a cage. Any chance you can delay this release ??

Mr.SSG

[Stacyd77]

Thanks for the thread link. Yes were going on a month now. The paralyzed one is still dragging. She has reflex movements when you pour water over her or pet her. But it sorta looks like she stopped growing the min she became paralyzed. Since separated her sister has grown in the last month to almost twice the size of her.I have been treating both for MBD. Prior to release I was going to get her tested. I've also taken all suggestions for this last month treating both with calcium and the Henry's healthy blocks . She doesn't act like she is paralyzed though I take her out of the box to play a little I know she is bored and she goes all over the room. But like I said she is smaller than her sister her tail is skinny her sisters is big and bushy. On occasion she starts shivering all over. I'm praying she gets better. My husband said at least she's still alive but I am not sure if she stays that way I'm equipped to care long term or give her the life she needs. Any suggestions on cage or toys she is in huge box a microwave came in and I have an extra large tote I use when transferring and cleaning

[supersquirrelgirl]

Thank you for the update. Sounds like your little one is no longer paralyzed like before and is slowly moving around the room. Just be careful with big/high jumps are her bones are still recovering. This is good progress from a month ago! Nice job.

I'm surprised her sister is 2X in size in just a month. That's good growth.

If you don't already have a digital scale, I would suggest you get one; around $15 on Amazon or Walmart.

[Stacyd77]

I still have them both any suggestions on bathing the one with dragging legs she bites really hard when I try so I don't lol I have moved her sister to the back porch and I took her out some I'm nervous about releasing her I'm afraid she won't know how to get back.

[olorin19]

I have moved her sister to the back porch and I took her out some I'm nervous about releasing her I'm afraid she won't know how to get back.

There is a process referred to as 'soft release' where the squirrel spends some time (several weeks or longer) in a release cage before the cage is left open.

Here is a link that should direct you to various threads here at TSB with 'soft release' in their titles -

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...archid=2522747

If this link does not work, just go to Advanced Search near upper right, type in 'soft release' in Key Words, then toggle to 'Search Titles Only'.

This will give you a huge amount of good information.

The time in the release cage accomplishes quite a few things -
Your squirrel gets used to being outdoors

Your squirrel gets used to the environment where they will be released, and will generally have no trouble returning to their release cage to sleep. etc. after relase fro as long as they need/choose

The squirrels already present get used to your squirrel and begin to accept them as belonging. This helps reduce (but not enitrely eliminate) yuor squirrel getting picked on and/or driven away. While your squirrel will still need to find their place in the local dominance hierarchy, this is better than being seen as an invader and being driven away by all the local squirrels.

Perhaps one of our Florida TSB members might comment on whether or not releasing a squirrel at this time of year is recommended or whether it is better to wait until it is a bit warmer.

[Stacyd77]

Yeah I wondered with the weather but I have taken her out and let her play around the yard some but I stopped doing it because it's super hard to get her back in her cage and I am positive she's not ready to be on her own She's almost a yr old I've had her since she was a few weeks old along with her sister I keep separate because she had MBD and still drags her legs some but I feel this one needs to be free I just want to do it right so she doesn't expirence any harm.So do u think I should keep her in the cage minimal handling for a few months and then release her or bring her cage back in the house until spring

[olorin19]

Yeah I wondered with the weather but I have taken her out and let her play around the yard some but I stopped doing it because it's super hard to get her back in her cage and I am positive she's not ready to be on her own She's almost a yr old I've had her since she was a few weeks old along with her sister I keep separate because she had MBD and still drags her legs some but I feel this one needs to be free I just want to do it right so she doesn't expirence any harm.So do u think I should keep her in the cage minimal handling for a few months and then release her or bring her cage back in the house until spring

I usually have them in the release cage 2-4 weeks. Some here may recommend longer or shorter than that range.

But I would wait to get a recommendation from one of our Florida TSBers as to when to release and then plan around that.

It probably matters somewhat where you are in Florida, as I imagine winter temperatures, etc. vary a fair bit,