I hope its ok to post here (Opossum NJ,Pa,NY area anyone have room release cages?)

[ShesASquirrelyGirl]

I know this is "The Squirrel Board" but does anyone have outdoor release cage room for a young opossum? I picked him up from the vet yesterday and he isn't tiny but still young and cute, I would hate to do a hard release into the cold and rainy weather without shelter etc.
We have no outdoor space available at the center. Does anyone have any release cages outside available right now or does anyone want to take him in until space frees up?

[Buddy'sMom]

SASG, many of the people that potentially could help you are at the NY wildlife conference this weekend -- if no one responds this weekend, *bump* this again on Monday so they are sure to see it. I hope you find a release place for him. :thumbsup

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[ShesASquirrelyGirl]

You mean you don't want him BM? *joke* Yea I know the one person who might be able to is not around, but I am hoping there are some. Worst comes to worst he gets a hard release in a week. He's old and big enough but I hate doing it.

[Buddy'sMom]

You mean you don't want him BM? *joke* Yea I know the one person who might be able to is not around, but I am hoping there are some. Worst comes to worst he gets a hard release in a week. He's old and big enough but I hate doing it.
:jump Long drive.

I DO have a release cage (if they use the same size/shape as for a sq.). But I have never actually seen a live opossum. We have lots around here, but I have only seen the ones that tried to cross a street :shakehead

:shakehead So I am wondering ('cause it's still a looong drive, and I've already done it once this week) -- would someone who is already set up with a squirrel release cage be able to do it? If they have possums in their area? That would expand the potential members that could help you, if it does not have to be a licensed rehabber. :dono :dono My only knowledge of possies is reading the few threads here --- and all those people were down south, I think.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[ShesASquirrelyGirl]

A squirrel release cage is fine as long as its semi wide . They just need a den box/ food /water and they will be fine. Doesn't have to be a rehabber. They can easily say they are volunteering for me and I can confirm if it got down to it. Its not like they are keeping them as a pet , they will be outside in a release cage so its fine =)

He could be released after a week. He has only been in capture for maybe a month, so he did learn most of what he needs to know from mom, He just needs time to adjust to the cold weather before he tries to make it on his own.
He is very cute and won't attack you or anything. They are actually more afraid of us. This one likes to play "possum" a lot.

You've never seen one? Man they are something cute. Well I guess most people don't think so but I do! =)

[Lucky's Mom]

Hello ShesASquirrelyGirl!

I may know someone who can help. She is a rehabber (currently under someone else's license) in NJ and my neighbor. I've emailed her to see if she can help. If I hear from her I will PM you immediately. Hopefully, she'll have some outdoor cage space. I know that she does "soft" releases with wildlife that she rehabs, so maybe there is a cage that is available.

If I don't get an email response from her by end of today, I will call her.

Whereabouts in NJ are you located? North, Central, South?

[Buddy'sMom]

:goodpost :thumbsup :thumbsup

[SASG is in the northeast part of the state -- hopefully close enough to work something out :) ]

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Lucky's Mom]

Great! That is very close.

I just left my friend a voicemail to see if she has a cage available. I could even keep him by me if she would be able to loan me a cage.

[ShesASquirrelyGirl]

I am in Kearny. Wondering if I know your friends lol. :thinking

[Lucky's Mom]

You probably do.

I'm so stupid though, I have a lot of different size cages in my shed that are not being used. So, as long as you guided me on how to set up the inside of the cage and where would be the best place to set it up outside, I could take him off of your hands.

I can even release him on my property if you like. I have 2 acres of woods, but I back up to probably 100 acres of undeveloped wooded property.

I've attached a pic of two of the cages that I have. I used to use them for my pet rats.

Let me know what you think. I have to be in Linden on Tuesday morning for a client meeting, I could meet you somewhere and pick him up.

[ShesASquirrelyGirl]

Thank you to Lucky's mom he will be going to a great place to be released. Her backyard! Hehe
She sounds like a wonderful home :thankyou

[Buddy'sMom]

:alright.gif :alright.gif :alright.gif Way to go, Lucky'sMom!! And SASG for finding him a soft release spot so he can get used to his surroundings (and hoping for slightly warmer weather next week)!! Glad you two were able to work it out. :alright.gif :alright.gif :alright.gif

I hope young possie enjoys his new home. :Love_Icon

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

:thumbsup