Winter release?

by VeggieMom Sun 31 Oct 2021, 10:34 am

I have questions about releasing a young wild mouse that I raised after we found her abandoned in our basement. We made it through the night feedings and all that and I'm happy to say that she seems quite healthy and is doing well. From what I've read, by the time she is old enough to be released, it'll be winterish here in the Midwest. Can I release her at that time of year (late November) or would it be best to keep her until the weather is a little nicer?

When I first found her (approx 5-7 days old), she bonded to me and seemed to enjoy my company, was very active and curious in her little house, etc. A few days ago, shortly after she opened her eyes, she changed a bit. She seems much more anxious/nervous with me, only seems to be active at night or when people aren't around, and won't take any food from me. Luckily, she is eating well on her own foraging for the food I scatter and drinking formula from a little dish. Anyway, the reason I mention all this is that prior to the personality change, I wouldn't have worried as much about keeping her over winter if needed. But with her behaving the way she is now, I am concerned that being here is making her unhappy or stressing her out and she would do best joining the wild mice as soon as possible.

Thanks in advance!

by Nestmouse222 Thu 04 Nov 2021, 1:34 pm

https://mouseranch.com/FYI/wildRelease.shtml

I've not been in that situation but maybe this can help?

Winter release?

Winter release?

Re: Winter release?