Hoard of seven- next steps

[semensinger]

Hello all,
I have several questions for the group as to how to move toward transitioning toward release. I have read numerous articles/posts ect. that explain moving them to an outside environment but still protected so they can learn their surroundings, avoid human contact during this time... My questions are related to where we are now and getting to this point.
If you have not seen my intro here are our stats- live in rural central PA, the hoard was found 4/1 guessing their age to be 3-4 weeks (pics in my profile) putting them at 11-12 weeks today. They current live on my sun porch. Yes, they "own" the sun porch. There is not a cage large enough for 7 juvenile squirrels LOL.
They have built a nest inside their box, hiding food EVERYWHERE, they have branches and logs to chew on and now pine cones.
Here are the basics in their current care routine.
**The do have access to a rodent block but they really don't care much for them.
**The are eating or have been offered the following: kale, spinach, mix baby lettuce, carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, snap peas, green/red peppers, zucchini, strawberries, blueberries, apple; Almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, sunflower seed, pumpkin seeds. And this week they learned what pine cones are..... what a mess!
**They do drink water from a bowl. Can not be 100% positive they are all doing this. I know how to check skin turgor for hydration, they have been good.
**Formula: we are all over the place with this. They are offered formula once a day (morning) after they have been given fresh veggies, nuts, fruit. Some times they take 30+ mls other times they take 10. Some will not take formula at all when offered, the next day they all do. This is the one subject I need help with. They are getting Esbilac puppy. I know this is not recommended! I started to transition them to Fox Valley 20/50 when we got to 75/25(Fox Valley/Esbilac) some had "full" bellies. I felt it was much more bubbly when mixed then Esbilac so we stayed with Esbilac and they have done fine. Not to mention the second bag of Fox Valley I bought had dead bugs in it :/

Exotic Nutrition states formula twice a day at 9-10 weeks, CAN release at 12 weeks. Henry's states formula 14-16 weeks and release at 6months. When a company selling a produce makes a recommendation, I take into consideration the possible motivation behind it. This is why I would appreciate input from the board please!!

[Charley Chuckles]

Healthy Henry's pets was created by a couple members here years ago when they realized we did not have the best food for our baby squirrels and for our non releasables. They went to great lengths to make quality products 👍
Also much research went into the proper way and when to release. I do trust the info as so many of us through the years have had great success.

I understand sometimes it's too hard to keep them that long but I always let them wean themselves.

Good luck, your group is so cute I saw their pics from the other thread🥰

[Spanky]

I suggest not feeding the peppers.

Wait until 14 to start the release, they will be much better prepared and a much higher chance of success.

Continue the formula as long as they will take it.

[semensinger]

Thank you for a more specific age, 14 weeks. Of course my estimate on their age is a guess, but I will be sure they are all weaned from formula before I consider release. They don't eat the peppers. It is something I offered but stopped because they were wasting them.

It's not that its hard to keep them but they are starting to destroy things. I do offer new sticks and logs regularly to keep them busy. I also read they like rhododendrons and azaleas. I have both around my house and offer them large branches to explore. I even bought an extra small plastic baby pool I want to put some dirt in so they can practice/learn to hide food in the dirt rather then the couch cushions or window sills...lol

At this point, there are only two males that even bother with me. The rest of them run and hide when I enter the sunporch, which is good.
As for the formula, last night again only three showed interest one took 20mls the other two less then 10. I even went to the nesting box an held the syringe out, none of the others were interested.

Thank you for your advice!!

[Tashahaven]

I think the baby pool with sanitized soil is a GREAT idea! They will LOVE it! They will make a giant mess, but to see the pleasure as they do so, will be TOTALLY worth it! Congrats on how amazing of a job you have done with SEVEN…I repeat SEVEN babies, as a new squama!!! Stand up ovation! You deserve it! Great job!