MY FIRST SQUIRREL AND THE COMING WINTER

[Aroley24]

I am currently caring for my first squirrel. When I got her, her eyes were still closed but full fur. Her eyes opened 8/23/24 so she is almost 16 or 17 weeks (all the info I've found is 50/50 if eyes open at 4 or 5 weeks). Also in all that reading and research it says that if a baby is not old enough to be released by September then you need to keep them through the winter. Is this correct? I live in Virginia, coastal area, if location/climate matters. If I do need to keep her through the winter I have a couple more questions... She has a basic wood nesting box, do I need to insulate it for the winter? She is alone so no friend to cuddle with for warmth. I built her an outdoor enclosure (see picture) can she be let out to roam and explore leaving the door open so she can go back home whenever she wants? Just trying to get this right so any info you have to share would be appreciated! Also if I left out any important information please let me know! Thank you in advance for all your help.

[Charley Chuckles]

Wow that's a beautiful release cage 👏

I'm guessing VA winters are harsh, I'd be inclined to over winter.
I'll let others answer the cage material questions.

[island rehabber]

Abby, Charley Chuckles, I love you dearly but you think anything below 80* is Arctic ...🤣
Aroley 24, your coastal Virginia is a bit warmer than my coastal southeastern New York. I release right up until early November and in fact just released my last five. There are plenty of leaves still on some of the trees and our Norway maples are even still green. So long as there's leaf cover there's no reason why your squirrel can't start running free. Leave the release pen door open so she can come and go at will and if she wants to stay in her next box all winter, even better. There's nothing she will learn being locked up for 7 months in the chilly, wet Mid-Atlantic winter. I've actually released up until mid December when necessary. Overwintering is very hard on squirrels and almost as hard on people.

[island rehabber]

Oh, and that release pen is gorgeous!