Redd,

Feral cats are very difficult to place in good homes because they do not trust humans. And like you said, some of them won't let you near them. If a feral cat has kittens, she passes onto them her distrust of humans. I have heard of older feral cats being socialized, but it is rare and takes ALOT of patience and time.

In order for feral kittens to become sociable enough to be placed in homes, they need to be taken away from their mother at 6-8 weeks of age. I've rescued feral kittens who were 12 weeks old and it took a while for them to come around. It was very challenging and well worth it!!

I wish you luck in finding them homes. You are a special person for wanting to try.