SunnShadow

My ex-husband saw a cat "playing" with a baby fox squirrel. I guess he really does have a heart, because he chased the cat away and took the baby home. My daughter is now a devoted Mom to the little boy she named Lucky. If no one here has ever had this experiance before, it is so endearing! The squirrel knows my daughter's smell and her voice, and, while he will tolerate being held by others (me), he is onstantly searching for his "Mom"....... Even after having a pet skunk raised from a baby, I couldn't believe how sweet and adorable this little guy is! I'm proud of her for taking on this challenge, as Lucky needs to be fed every four to six hours by syringe and she holds him almost constantly so that he feels safe and warm. I only dread the day when Lucky can no longer live happily in his little cage and can't be let loose in the house but has to be acclimated to the outdoors so he can join his wild brothers and sisters. I know that it will be difficult for my daughter, but my sister did the same thing a few years ago, and the squirrel she raised and released is doing fine and still remembers his "Mom."
Anyway, I know this is an experiance my daughter won't forget.

S.

chickadee

That is wonderful.

Rose

Butterfly

We raised baby squirrels when our children were small, they are very endearing creatures. It doesn't take long for tehm to learn to eat raw fruits and vegetables. I will never forget one of ours ran up the Christmas tree(he had never seen a tree as his eyes weren't open when we got him), the tree fell over, he fell out of the tree and just laid there ,limp and panting. He never went close to the christmas tree again. LOL He eventually free went outside but stayed close to the house and visited often.
I hope your daughter enjoys the experience, it's a once in a life time chance. You may also need to see if your vet will give it a rabies shot.
Carol

Isabella

Awww ... that's so sweet! I'd LOVE TO raise a baby squirrel too! I know it will be hard, SunnShadow, for your daughter to let the squirrel go, but it will have a better life in nature being free, rather than being in a cage all his/her life. Besides, I am sure the squirrel will remember your daughter and will keep coming back to your house. That's so wonderful - having a tamed squirrel, lol I'd love to have some squirrel coming over my house! So don't be sad. I am sure the squirrel won't forget you!

One question though: a squirrel raised in captivity WILL be able to fend for itself, once released into the wild, RIGHT?

Butterfly

Depends on how long it's kept captive. Ours were found(their mother had been killed) in the fall and kept until spring when there was plenty of food.
Carol

Isabella

SunnShadow, make sure you release the squirrel during a season that ensures lots of food in the wild! Oh, and if you can, please post some pictures of the squirrel! I'd love to see it!