Here in this video you'll see the pre-release cages at Chris's Squirrels and More. It has taken me many years to learn to master the proper release of young squirrels in a rehab situation. I do feel that the acclimating and release process is the most critical part of proper squirrel rehabiliation. Most injuries and deaths that I have experienced has been during trying to release properly. I release my squirrels at the 16-18 week range. I feel that releasing younger than that age leaves them to vulnerable. The mother squirrel generally moves her young on to their own at about 12 weeks of age, though they have been known to stay with mom through the winter with the fall litters. We have to keep in mind that when squirrels are raised by their mother their natural instincts kick in at a much younger age than they do in a rehabilitation situation, therefore keeping them for a few extra weeks will help them to  naturally learn their instincts. Having children myself I feel that these squirrels at 12 weeks of age and releasing them would be like sending my children out to live on their own at 15 years old and we all know that wouldn't work out to well. Enjoy the video.  Chris