Getting C&R ferals back out in the world

Hello, I have 2 rescues for 1 month in a cat play room in my house.  I would like to introduce them to the rest of the house and eventually outside to control our chipmuck population.  One is very friendly, he sits on me and I have placed a collar on him for future use...I thought chaining him to go out may be a better first time as we live in a large wooded area.  The other still hisses at me but has started the circling act, plus she had to be caged for 2 weeks as she had a temp. with no other symptoms when I received her. Previous experience with a girl took many months, just mho. Thanks for any suggestions you may have.  We need our garden and flowers back as well as ALL the love these siblings can offer.  We were told they were kittens in the ad, but they weight 8 lbs and I believe, are 9months to a year? THANK YOU 

Beautiful cats!  They should be given plenty of time (at least four weeks) to get used to their new house.  Then you can start the process of allowing them outside.

I have to say here that I am not a fan of inside-outside cats because there are so many dangers out there for them.  But I understand your need for rodent control.

So when you are ready to introduce them to the great outdoors, confine them for a few weeks outside first.   A screen porch or other enclosure is ideal.  I built a large enclosure for my cats outside - they were safe yet outside.

In my case, we were pretty surprised when other cats, raccoons, most of the squirrels and other rodents started avoiding our yard.  They apparently smelled the cats and decided not to take the chance.  That may very well happen with you.

In any case, confining them will help them learn their new territory and they will be less likely to wander.

BTW - they are fixed, right?  That will definitely help keep them close to home.

Yes, they are fixed.   And we have had a dog and 4 cats for the last 20 years so we haven't ever had rodents like now.   All of our beloved pets have passed and this is a new beginning.  We never had indoor cats!   Cats were always dropped off and became our family members as well as our hunters. They have been in our house for 1 month, so I thought it was time to move them along. Again, thank you.

Good - thanks.  Sounds like you've had experience.  When I was a kid, we never thought twice about letting the cats out - we never had a litter box.  But we also lost a lot of pets to cars (cats and dogs), so I am hesitant about letting them out now without precautions.

Keep us posted - especially about the rodent control.  Hopefully, these two get rid of that problem soon.