2 rehabilitated squirrels keep coming back

[Thewaters7]

My question is how can I get these 2 precious squirrels to stay released.
They keep coming back. I rescued them and raised them from little babies. They are about 13-14 weeks old

[Milo's Mom]

My first guess would be that they are trying to tell you they aren't ready or they are having problems and still need some additional help. Would it be a problem for them to hang out a bit longer...winter is coming and they may be having problems finding a territory of their own that has everything they need.

[Nancy in New York]

My question is how can I get these 2 precious squirrels to stay released.
They keep coming back. I rescued them and raised them from little babies. They are about 13-14 weeks old

How long have they been "released"?
I think they are too young to be on their own.
Do they go back into the release cage when they come
home?
I think they are trying to tell you something, please listen.
We have seen too many sad stories on the board with members
who don't listen to their squirrels, when the message is loud and clear.
They obviously don't feel equipped for this yet.

[lilidukes]

Just want to add I don't even think about going
to the release cage before 16 weeks then they
stay in the release cage at least 4 weeks.
Your releasing way to early. JMO

[Shewhosweptforest]

Also...there is no problem keeping them in the release cage longer....I kept a squirrel in my release cage from November till May.....she did great and she's doing well now....I also kept a baby I overwintered (in the house) in her release cage for 2 mos this summer....she's doing amazing these little ones would be hanging with their momma still....and I guess you're momma I would keep them in the cage for at least a month....and even longer....that would assure that they may still use the release cage for the rest of the winter....which would be perfect. Also, both my girls still come to me twice, daily...for nuts....and I still put food in their cages I think it's perfect

[island rehabber]

My question is how can I get these 2 precious squirrels to stay released.
They keep coming back. I rescued them and raised them from little babies. They are about 13-14 weeks old

A lot depends upon where you are located (can't tell from your profile above) and how much natural food exists in your area. For example, one of my release sites is in an area loaded with black walnut and hickory nut trees, as well as oaks with acorns. There is a nature center that puts seeds and sometimes nuts out for them. I have released at 12-13 weeks there, and the babies had no problem at all; eventually all disappeared into the woods and didn't hang around. However, at a previous release site there were only oaks and as you know, oak trees don't have acorns every year. More like every 2nd or 3rd year. So, during those lean acorn years my squirrels were making pests of themselves, trying to get into the house on premises and the garden sheds, looking for food. If there isn't enough natural food easily available to your guys, you will have to supplement their feedings indefinitely.

[Nancy in New York]

With all due respect, I'm not sure what the rush is to get babies out at such a young age.
In order to give them the best possible chance at survival, keep them longer.
Food is not the only issue with early release.
They aren't mentally mature, they don't have
the speed or instincts that come with age.
Soon there will be no coverage from leaves.
These little ones are already at a huge disadvantage by not having learned from their mother.
The longer they are kept, the better their chance in my opinion.

[Coralreefer]

What everyone else said....

If they keep coming back there is some issue making them not ready.
Not mature yet, havent fully wilded up in the release cage, lack of food for them to find, etc.
Forcing it will lead to their death likely.
Take them back in the release cage. Maybe limit your interaction with them to the bare minimum so this time around they get the chance to really wild up. Depending on where you are with winter coming there may be a need to over winter.

If for some reason you are not able to continue maybe we can find a rehabber that can take over for you.
What part of the country are you in?