Meet Bailey and Jameson! They came into my care on St. Patrick's Day this year (hence the Irish names recognized by those of you who may have partaken in the Irish "spirits"). Bailey is a girl and Jameson is a boy (he is recognizable by the mole on the side of his face, in addition to the obvious difference in genitalia). They are both about 3 weeks old at the time of their arrival to me. The first picture shows a normal size ruler in the cage, to help give perspective to how small they are. At this age their eyes are still closed and they must be bottle fed multiple times a day a specialized formula replicating the mother's milk.
My son Adam holds a wildlife rehabilitation permit as well, and participates in the care and raising of all the critters that come into my care. It is a journey Adam and I are taking together of learning about, taking care of, and having compassion for our wildlife friends with which we share this world.
Feeding these babies is a delicate balancing act, as you want to make sure they get enough formula for their growing bodies, yet it isn't recommended to over feed either. In the wild, the momma has a limited milk supply at any given time to share for all her babies. In the world of wildlife rehabilitation, we have learned that is it more beneficial for the critters in our care to be slightly hungry than it is for them to be over fed. A hungry animal in the wild will be more active and alert looking for food and on the lookout for predators.
By March 29th, both babies had their eyes open. At this time, small amounts of fruit and nuts are offered in addition to the continued formula feedings. They are very inquisitive and begin in earnest to explore their surroundings. The feet at the end of those long legs are highly specialized and adapted for tree climbing. They have sharp claws, and instead of having backward-pointing toes like the climbing birds, squirrels can swivel the whole back foot round at the ankle so that it points backwards. Squirrels can hang from an almost vertical surface provided there is enough irregularity on the tree trunk to hook their claws. 
Their tails are just starting to fill out now. In addition to many other functions, the tails are an essential tool for temperature control. In summer, the tail will help shade them from the sun, and in winter, the tail provides insulation.
It is entertaining to watch them learn their balance. First attempts at walking are awkward and wobbly, and it is hilarious to watch them try and learn to balance on their rear haunches and hold food in their front paws to eat, as we see all adult squirrels do. They get the hang of it in no time though.
By this time they are beginning to lose interest in the bottled formula feedings. Just as well, because they become much harder to handle now! Formula is still offered, but diet now additionally consists of fruits, vegetables, nuts and rodent chow. They have many enrichment items in their cage. Tree branches, logs, stones and pine cones are among the items rotated around the cage to keep them interested and inquisitive while becoming accustomed to the smells and textures of what they will encounter tin the wild soon. Just a few days after the above picture was taken, they were moved to their outside pre-release enclosure.
You'll notice the enclosure is quite roomy and has a partial covering on the top for protection against the elements. Also, it still has the comforts they are used to - the soft red fabric pouch that they have been sleeping in since their arrival. Many more branches, and larger logs are added. In addition, there is now a large wooden box in the enclosure on the first floor. This will be their home in the wild. It is a specially constructed squirrel box. Made following certain specifications to allow for cleanliness, protection from the elements and designed to prevent predators with long arms and nimble hands from reaching in and grabbing the squirrels. Obviously, not all squirrels have the luxury of these high end accommodations, but research shows that squirrels released to the wild in one of these ready built homes live longer lives. So, their new home is placed inside their current home for them to get used to. Before long, they leave the comforts of the red pouch and move into the wooden box. I provide nesting material for them to bring into the box, as they would be foraging for in the wild.
After a few weeks of acclimating to the sights and sounds of the world they are meant to be in, I determined it was time for them to release them. I have a wooded area adjacent to my yard with an abundance of brush for ground cover for them, and nut bearing trees for their favorite food preference. I ensured they were in the wooden squirrel box and then taped the box closed for their security while the box was being transported to the tree for installation. Thank you to my wonderful husband, and favorite Virginia Beach veterinarian Wayne Johnson, for the successful, albeit awkward installation of this box high up in the safety of the tree.
Once securely installed on the tree, the tape is removed, the hole opened back up, and we then just wait and watch this joyous moment every wildlife rehabilitator anticipates: the release of your babies to their intended wide wild world.
The following pictures are in sequence. Bailey was the first to stick her head out of the box. After just a few minutes of hesitation, she is out exploring the closest branches. Never to go too far though, she continues to go back into the box and come back out. After some time Jameson warily pokes his nose out. He is very hesitant. Bailey continues to go back to the box and back out to the branches. We are convinced that she is trying to show Jameson what to do, and that the coast is clear. Eventually Jameson does step out of the box and Bailey then promptly heads right back into the box, blocking Jameson's premature retreat back to home. For the longest time this activity continues as they explore the closest branches and then return to the safety they know.
I leave the large pre-release enclosure they were just removed from opened at all times for the next week. I supply food and fresh water daily in this enclosure, as to ensure their nutritional needs are met while they are learning to forage on their own. Their reliance on this handout weans as I lessen the amount of food I provide and they begin do what comes natural and forage on their own. 
The last picture below is of Lola. My blog from November 2013 documents her time with me. Lola still visits me for a handout. 
If you should encounter baby wildlife, please do not offer it food or water. The wrong food can cause serious digestive problems and a hungry baby is more apt to cry for it's mother and she will be able to find it more easily. Please call the organization which I am associated with for immediate advice:
Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge (757) 430-2886
Thank you for taking the time to read about another of my successful rehabilitation and release stories. I welcome your comments!
Saving wildlife one tail at a time ~ Kim Johnson