We can't find Nugget!

[LadyV]

I haven't seen him for several hours. I'm so scared he slipped out the door with one of us and didn't see him! He has done this before but not for so long. We've done everything, we've called him, shook his nut box, played squirrel sounds on You Tube....We have put his main cage out back and his small carry cage out front. I'm SO worried.....it's quite cold here now at night.

[Nancy in New York]

Toilet? I only ask because Jeffrey fell in it once...Closets? Do you have any closet doors open and is there anyway that he could have eaten the wall board and gotten between the walls? Basement?:dono

Most squirrels will not come down from a tree at night, so no use trying to get him to come now. Try going out first thing in the morning when it just starts getting bright out and hopefully before the other squirrels get up...Check his cages too before you go to bed.

[Kristal]

Keeping fingers and toes crossed for little Nugget, LadyV :Love_Icon

[Scooterzmom]

I'm keeping my fingers cossed for you and little nugget too. And I'll pray for his safe return. Having lost my sweet Scooter yesterday to illness I can imagine just how sick with worry you must be.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND NUGGET! :grouphug

[LadyV]

Sassy, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss!!!!!!! Thank you for the input..I keep checking the cages. He's SO friendly and not afraid of dogs or cats or people. I am just beside myself and i have to work in the morning

[stosh2010]

Praying NUGGET shows up ---SOON. You don't need any "City Officials " hearing about a Loose Squirrel.( again) Is it possible he got under a sofa or bed and climbed up inside it? Get out your flashlight. Is there anything you do that makes Nugget squeak or alarm??? If he is hiding inside, maybe he will react and give away his secret hiding place.
What makes you think he is outside? Were the doors open for an extended time?
He will be home soon--I know it.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% %%%%%%%%%%
Stosh >>> Keeper of the KING ( of Costa Rica )

[mugzeezma]

Keep his cage door open and have food out. If he is in the house he will come back out to eat.
THIS IS THE REASON WE HAD A BELL COLLAR ON MUGZI
He would dash down the basement stairs and climb the pipes. He liked to hide up in the ductwork.
If the heat is on. he is hiding in the ductwork most likely.

hmm AZ do you even have a heatpump or furnace?

[gs1]

:grouphug

[LadyV]

It's VERY cold here...we're in "Northern" AZ, it snows! It's about 31 out right now. There are NO squirrels here in Winslow. My husband is in a depression, I woke up at 6 to find him just sitting on the couch in the dark :( I can't believe this! We are in a financial mess, because we moved when we couldn't afford it cause we were afraid of all the ordeal with animal control.........I feel as if we have been careless and it's our fault. I don't know how I'm going to work all day!

[gs1]

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug 10 mins at a time .... and try to have faith that things will get better :grouphug many of us are praying for you and i have been since i heard of nugget in the tub and your problems with the water company....

if he's escaped into the outside ... have faith that he's happy no matter how long he lives....

if he's inside and the unbearable/unmentionable happens ...as has happened to so many people already ... as a quick look at 'all squirrels go to heaven' will prove to you ... again ... he'll be in heaven ....

i think right now this is out of your hands....

you could take the day off work... and spend it looking for him inside/outside.... :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

but i also know that you need every cent you can earn....

it's an impossible decision and an impossible situation to be in....

i'll be praying for you today and again tomorrow etc.... and for your husband....:grouphug and nugget:grouphug

:grouphug

the squirrel call video on youtube that i sent you is because if (i'm assuming nugget is a grey squirrel ) he hears another grey squirrel sounding the alarm and he's inside he will feel compelled to echo it.... it's just part of their instinct....:thumbsup

[LadyV]

Yes, he's a Grey. We played all kinds of sounds yesterday. It's a small house. No basement, we have a gas burner for heating in the living room. The back has been squirrel proofed. I can't believe he got out without us seeing him. I feel horrible on so many levels

[stosh2010]

Still PRAYING & Hoping....
Are there a lot of trees in your yard..?. can you put up a temporary nest box in a near-by tree?

[CritterMom]

Hon, you need to tear that place apart and drag his cage outside so he has someplace to come back to. Take the day off from work. He will be the only eastern gray squirrel in the state of Arizona, so I don't want to sugar coat this for you. You need to pull out all the stops to get him back.

Was the door left ajar? If not, I would be looking under cabinets to see if there are small crawl spaces under them, digging through closets, turning the furniture over - they can crawl up inside the box spring of the bed - you can't believe where they can hide. Nancy in New York had to cut a hole in the wall of her closet to retrieve Jeffrey once.

[LadyV]

We've done all of that..Pulled out the frig, went through closets (we only have two) went through drawers, moved furniture. We put his main cage out back last night and his smaller carry cage in the front. Not only would he be the only Grey, he'd be the only squirrel!!! I have seen a single one since we've been here...they are up in Flagstaff where I work but not here. I can't take the day off as I just took over this Salon (Petsmart) and I have dogs coming in plus it really wouldn't look good to my new girls if I take the day off after only three weeks. I wish I could!!!!!!! It will warm into the low 70's today.....I'm so worried about him. I will be home around 6 or 6:30

[Nancy in New York]

Please remember too that if he is scared, you may actually be going by him outside and not seeing him. He may be held up somewhere watching you, and just waiting for his opportunity to make a break for his cage.
Sorry if I am repeating, do you have trees nearby the house?
Sending many good vibes and prayers to Arizona...:grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

Hope he is home sooon!

[JLM27]

My wild guys do OK in 31 degrees. He needs to get on home, but it is not like he isn't equipped through 5 million years of squirrel ancestors to survive for a little while. Put some hidey places out there for him off the ground, like 20 feet up, with some of his stuffies and blankies and some smelly peanuts, almonds, pecans.

[Alcippe]

:grouphug Praying for y'all and nugget!

[LadyV]

I couldn't work...went in and come home a few hours later. My husband is just absolutely beside himself. Worse then I am.I was hoping when I got home I would see signs of him in his food but nothing. I have talked to my neighbors and we have walked the block....I'm heartbroken!

[pappy1264]

Praying he will come home soon. I can only imagine how hard this has to be on you both.

[CritterMom]

Again, how could he have gotten out? Did you leave the door open for some time? I just don't see a grown squirrel scooting out when you walk in and out - they aren't that subtle. If the answer to the door question is no, I would go through the house again. There are places you haven't thought of. Many cabinets have open spaces above the kick plate in front that a squirrel could get into. They can chew their way INSIDE furniture cushions. Drawers and cabinets again - there are often open spaces at the top where a squirrel could get into and not get out of. If he is afraid, he may not be making noise, especially if he is in the dark. You may have to actually pull the cabinets out (hubby is a carpenter, right?) Bathroom cabinets are the same. Years ago I had to remove the bathroom cabinets to retrieve a swamp bunny I raised.

[LadyV]

Hubby just pulled out the stove and frig .......again....nothing

[virgo062]

Nugget show yourself...You making us all crazy:grouphug

Are there really no squirrels in Arizona???

[Kristal]

Oh dear... I am saying a prayer for little Nugget :/

[stosh2010]

Hubby just pulled out the stove and frig .......again....nothing
Get a ladder...most kitchen cabinets are open above and DO have voids between cabinets that you don't see from the front. Toe kicks can be replaced , try to remove one ,and use a flashlight, a scared squirrel-freezes up .Please turn your bedroom box springs up on end and look for even just a small rip-they don't need a hole to get inside a box spring Do you have any storage boxes- from your move-that he might have slipped into and can't get out??
I wish I was there to help you search....
I am so upset...and PRAYING hard...

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&---
Stosh >>> Keeper of the KING ( of Costa Rica )

[mugzeezma]

Hubby just pulled out the stove and frig .......again....nothing
Flip the couches over and check the insides. There is a light fabric cover that they can squeeze in and hide in.

[virgo062]

He is there I can feel it don't give up:grouphug Oh Lord I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight I just knew you would find him:grouphug :grouphug

[JLM27]

I remember that Ahrlan got stuck behind the cabinets. The lower ones often have a space behind.

[JLM27]

Are you alone in this house or in a unit where there are other units? Walls are hollow and there are openings for plumbing, heating, etc. Is there an attic?

[Kristal]

I would suggest you look up, first. My kits always go up when they feel scared. They seem to know, instinctively, that few things can get to them up in the trees. Is there anything he could have eaten that made him sick or would knock him out? Has he ever hidden before? I don't know if they are like other animals this way, but other animals often hide and stay very quiet if they are hurt somehow. My childhood cat hid in the roof frame for a week when she was hurt. I called to her every day before she finally came to me. Look up for any tiny openings that would lead into the open spaces in the ceiling and walls... it does not take much for them to fit through.

[stosh2010]

. Look up for any tiny openings that would lead into the open spaces in the ceiling and walls... it does not take much for them to fit through.
Do you possibly have drop ceilings ,with drop in panels? or flourescent fixtures with those plastic covers.My Rama lifted a piece of plywood with a 2 pound hammer sitting on it- to get into his nest box "early"
Don't discount their strength.

[mugzeezma]

I would suggest you look up, first.
Look for any openings, pipe chases, gaps he could travel through.
The cabinets, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer dryer vent. I had a hamster as a child that escaped through the dryer vent.

[stosh2010]

If it is quiet around your place..take a piece of PVC pipe (1 1/2 inch) and place it to your ear and to the walls--start down low...listen inside your walls -like a stethescope. You might hear his scratching if he found a way in...

[Kristal]

Don't discount their strength.

Oh, here here. I think mine can lift their own weight, at least, as I have seen them do it. They are wiry, muscular creatures under that fur. All ceilings are drop ceilings insofar as there is a frame and braces and then the drywall. It is very rare for indoor walls and ceilings to be insulated. They are all hollow, and there is at least 4 inches of open space between the drywall sheets. That's modern homes, at least. Really old homes have plaster and wood slat walls that are solid.

[Nancy in New York]

Forgive me is I am repeating. Take everything out of the closets and look at your wall board/dry wall and look for holes. Look at ALL of your walls close, behind pictures, behind the sofa behind the bed, you name it....look at every inch of your walls and behind anything that is on your walls. Move anything in the way of the walls, carefully to look for holes. There are many squirrels that have chewed on the wall board, he may have started a hole that you are unaware of and yesterday made it large enough to get through...:dono

[stosh2010]

Please KEEP in MIND...a ONE INCH to I 1/2 inch space is SQUEEZABLE...they are able to get into very small spaces... Re think the SMALL spaces in you cabinets and closets...LOOK in unused SHOES-a perfect CAVE.

[LadyV]

Have flipped the furniture...it's a very mall hose, no drop ceilings, no basement. Living room small dinning, kitchen bedroom and bath. HUGE back yard with barn and good sized front. We have torn this house to pieces. He HAD to scooted out between someones feet.....there's no other thing to think. I keep hoping he'll pop his little head up from anywhere

[mugzeezma]

Have flipped the furniture...it's a very mall hose, no drop ceilings, no basement. Living room small dinning, kitchen bedroom and bath. HUGE back yard with barn and good sized front. We have torn this house to pieces. He HAD to scooted out between someones feet.....there's no other thing to think. I keep hoping he'll pop his little head up from anywhere
SET GOODIES OUT EVERYWHERE!!!

[Alcippe]

I have a sleeper sofa that my first two girls learned how to get into. They nested inside the hollow arm rests. To lure them out I would do the running man motion with my first and middle finger along the fabric to that is made a scratchy noise like another critter running along the couch. It worked everytime! If I wasn't sure that they were in there, that would be how I would find out. ALso check near any plumbing pipes where they go into the wall. There is often spaces around those that might allow a squirrel to pass through.

[JLM27]

Barn? Is it possible he found a hole to get in there?

[JLM27]

Many houses without a basement have a crawl space underneath. Our summer place has air vents that open into this crawl space with bars. My Dad's house had a crawl space under the living room. . .

[stosh2010]

Try to get some rest...( TRY...) and ....
I Hope the Morning brings You a Reunion with Nugget.....

mugzeezma wrote:
SET GOODIES OUT EVERYWHERE!!!

set identical food piles, or groups of treat items...If Nugget is hiding and goes to one in the night--you will see the difference in "That" pile, in the Morning

[Best Life]

I don't think? anyone has mentioned the downspouts that come from the gutters on the roof? We only have one small section of gutter on our roof, and a downspout at each end of it, and where do you think we found a little foster that got outside? Yup, she managed to get out of the house, up onto the roof, and apparently slid down the gutter downspout. The bottom exit was smaller than the top, so she couldn't get out the bottom and was unable to climb up the slick pipe to the top. I did eventually hear the scratching and took the spout apart and she was okay. AND it's altered now so no other unsuspecting critter will ever get trapped in there.
Also, I found out (via another rescue) that my refrigerator has openings in the bottom that are big enough to squeeze into, and there is some insulation type stuff up in there. Makes a cozy little home until mommy finds you and you get into big trouble. I know you've looked in every nook and cranny a million times...perhaps if you just sit very still, Nugget will come to see why you've stopped tearing the house apart. Have faith in Nugget's ingenuity. We're praying for all of you. :Love_Icon

[LadyV]

Thank you everyone....I just don't really know how to get through this. My husband has been crying...I'm trying to be stronger for him but it's not going well. He has no bed, will he know how to make a nest for himself, how to get warm...where to find water. We still have his cages out with food and water...but nothing. The house has been gone over inch by inch, there's simply no place else to look. I keep telling H that he is a squirrel and is probably happy...he's free, running around...but is this true? He is all alone

[Nancy in New York]

I am so sorry that you are gong through this...:grouphug :grouphug
Did you look under your car, up in the engine. What do you have outside that he could have gotten up and under that is close by to the house?
You looked at every inch of your wall for holes right? Even the size smaller than a baseball they can get through...Just trying to wrack my brain too....:shakehead

[LadyV]

Yes...we have investigated everything...I don't think he is even near us....hubby says he doesn't "feel" him. The whole house has an odd, alone feel to it. I have to work today, it's only my Tuesday

[Pnerissa]

Yes...we have investigated everything...I don't think he is even near us....hubby says he doesn't "feel" him. The whole house has an odd, alone feel to it. I have to work today, it's only my Tuesday

Maybe your husband should take a walk around the neighborhood just to see what he can see. Couldn't hurt at this point.

[Baxied]

:grouphug I am so hoping and praying for reunion today!!!:grouphug

[LadyV]

Maybe your husband should take a walk around the neighborhood just to see what he can see. Couldn't hurt at this point.

We have. I went to neighbors and he walked several blocks around with his but can shaking it. Will he be able to stay worm at night? Here he was on the floor a lot of the time, I'm praying that out free his wild will come out and he'll stay in the trees where it's safe. I have to work today without busting out in tears all day

[Nancy in New York]

We have. I went to neighbors and he walked several blocks around with his but can shaking it. Will he be able to stay worm at night? Here he was on the floor a lot of the time, I'm praying that out free his wild will come out and he'll stay in the trees where it's safe. I have to work today without busting out in tears all day

These little ones are so much smarter than we give them credit for. And he certainly is old enough. They definitely know how to get back home, so if he is hungry, he will figure that out. I had one that I had to overwinter, and when release came, he was out of that cage so fast, without looking back. He came back about a week later looking for nuts, but after he got what he wanted, took off again...:)

[Kristal]

Maybe your husband should take a walk around the neighborhood just to see what he can see. Couldn't hurt at this point.
I think so, too. The wilds around here seem to be out at the peak of the day now that it is cooling off. We have no snow on the ground or frost yet. It is just a few degrees above freezing. It's probably similar to your climate atm. Ask him to go out between 10 and 2 shaking his goody tin. I remember it from your video :) He *could* be lost since he has never been outside or rarely has. I'd really keep doing that until I gave up all hope... and try searching a wider or different area ever day. If your daytimes are still warm or even hot, then midmorning and late afternoon/early evening is peak squirrel time. You could even do that yourself when you get home from work.

[Kristal]

How about putting up posters around your neighbourhood? It is getting to be about the time to do that, and given that there are no other squirrels around, it is likely that someone would remember him if they saw him. Maybe even offer a reward if it leads to finding him?

[Skul]

There is a high probability, the squirrel is still in there, with you.
My rotten monsters can disappear for a couple days, only to pop out of no-where.
If you have vases or other such open containers, please check them, regardless of where they are.

[mugzeezma]

How about putting up posters around your neighbourhood? It is getting to be about the time to do that, and given that there are no other squirrels around, it is likely that someone would remember him if they saw him. Maybe even offer a reward if it leads to finding him?
Except that he was supposed to have run away months ago.
He is wanted by Animal Control for biting the cable guy.

[virgo062]

I feel so bad for you and your husband I know what your going through. The little fawn we had took off and spent ther night outside we were frantic but he came home when he got hungry....Are there other squirrels in your area????

[Tomo]

Except that he was supposed to have run away months ago.
He is wanted by Animal Control for biting the cable guy.

Sorry your little one got away. I'd still put up posters without his name on them and if anyone asks, say it's another squirrel, not the little fugitive wanted by Animal Control.

Is there any chance that he got into a neighbor's house or crawl space or garage? I think if the neighbors knew, then there would be more eyes out for him.

There is a big barn on the property, so maybe he's made a new home in there and when anyone goes around he hides?

I do hope he shows up soon! :)

[Kristal]

Sorry your little one got away. I'd still put up posters without his name on them and if anyone asks, say it's another squirrel, not the little fugitive wanted by Animal Control.

Is there any chance that he got into a neighbor's house or crawl space or garage? I think if the neighbors knew, then there would be more eyes out for him.

There is a big barn on the property, so maybe he's made a new home in there and when anyone goes around he hides?

I do hope he shows up soon! :)

Yes, that. And, even with the bite, unless the cable guy is a gossipy neighbour, I doubt anyone actually knows.

[LadyV]

Still no Nuggy butt...no food touched at all, no sightings. Very depressed.off to work

[JLM27]

what about the barn?

[rusty's mom]

how many people knew about him, was anyone particular that showed an interest
in him could he have been slipped under someones jacket or someone come in when you were asleep or away I was once offered $for one of my babes I told them not even if it snowed in hell. but people aren't always nice when they see something they want especially if they think you will never suspect them

[mpetys]

Been away from TSB for a day, was hoping to come back and find good news about Nugget. LadyV, I am praying for Nugget and you and your husband. I hope Nugget comes out from hiding, covered in dust and cobwebs and spends a week getting spoiled by his worried mom and dad.

Michele

[Scooterzmom]

I pray that little Nugget finds his way home and points his little nose out at you as soon as can be. I try to imagine how you'll feel like wringing his little neck for scaring you so and how, instead, you'll spoil him like there's no tomorrow because youll be so glad he is back.

I try to play that little scenario over and over in my head for you, trying to make it become reality.

Be safe, little Nugget. I pray that you come home soon and well.

[gs1]

:grouphug

how are you guys doing today????

it is an awful time.....nothing much that we can do ...but you are in our prayers....

:grouphug

[rusty's mom]

Has anyone heard anything.

[LadyV]

No one here in our new place knew of him...he is gone. Hadn't seen him at all. It's 18 here this morning. I think of him constantly and H is still depressed. I pray that god watches out over him and keeps him safe!

[Jackie in Tampa]

:grouphug hoping for the best....

[stosh2010]

Hoping & Praying... are there many trees around your house...? Are there any forested areas close by?

[Kristal]

You and hubby both get 1 000 000 internet hugs from me. :grouphug

I pray that Nugget is well, wherever he is. http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy151/msj1997tx/emoticon-0106-crying-1.gif

[gs1]

:grouphug

you're in our thoughts and prayers.....:grouphug

[Ronda]

I have been away for a bit and just caught up on this thread...I am so sorry-Hugs for you both,..and prayers for Nugget

[Fireweed]

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[SquirrelsinSingapore]

Maybe Nugget is pursuing a love interest..
I am sure Nugget be well and back in few days or weeks
Just be sure to place enough squirrel food outdoors so it can find the way home

:grouphug :grouphug Squirrels r smart animals, they'll do fine