Questions about a devastating departure.

[SimplyLoving]

Hello,
I've had my darling Hammy for 3 years. She was discovered by my cat then rescued by me. I know it isn't recommended but she lived a good life. I received my rabies shot the same week I got her enclosure. Years later she's my sweethearted Hammy whose been through the ringer but she survived it all. Unfortunately, I had her outside in her usual hutch to enjoy the spring, it was almost dusk, going back and forth between the basement and house before I realized, she was gone. If she was a normal squirrel I would just stiffen my upper lip and pray she's safe, but she isn't. I believe she suffered from inner ear damage because she had terrible balance and seemed to have no sense of direction, she's been with me through a move and made friends with my cats. It's been two days and surely enough, I went scouting through a few neighbor's yards, they knew her and how she was, but alas she is still a squirrel. I can't help but wait for her because I worry. I'll be moving in a few days so the though of her returning when no one is here is just awful. I checked my cats for scratches or blood and they all seemed confused as me. I also walked around and dreaded checking the streets but didn't see anything, even if she didn't make it, i'd bring her home for a burial. She was truly my baby, I say was because she could be having the time of her life and i was preventing it. I've watched her get somewhat lost in the woods just behind my house and usually I can hear her running in circles, pausing and running again. I've been clicking and waiting and I don't hear a thing.. My room is quiet, no one jumps up to see me, and her cage stands as empty as I feel. With this post I hope to get peace of mind and maybe a better explanation on the aliment she had, and how it would effect her in the wild.

[DarkLies212]

I'm so so very sorry to hear she's missing While I don't have any comments on her condition, I do have some suggestions.

Have you tried putting a live trap (or several) out with her favorite foods out to see if she would come back to the smell of food when you aren't around? Have you thought of a motion sensing camera?

If you don't find her before you move, do you think your neighbors would be kind enough to help try to find her?

[SimplyLoving]

I thank you for your reply! I'm trying to stay positive, I did see a safe trap for sale for $20 I'm willing to get if it'll help. I have 4 of her cages with her used bedding set up around the wood, I check them often.
I have requested a few take a walk with me and I'd provide coffee and donuts and they kinda blew me off as crazy haha.. Said she's a needle in a hay stack, and maybe if she was purple it would help.
Well.. she runs in circles, that's all I've got.
It's so frustrating because if I can't hear her somewhat frantic movement, it leads me to believe she could be far.
I try to remind myself she could be up in the trees as well, I suppose.

[DarkLies212]

I would get a few (5 or so) traps and bait them with her favorite foods (but I'm a bit crazy like that I suppose). Makes the odds more in your favor with more possibilities. I'm honestly not surprised by your neighbor's reactions - most people don't get it! Maybe some of our NY rehabbers could help (but being in the middle of baby season up there, maybe not).

Stay positive and hope - you're doing all you can by holding yourself together. If she does go into one of her cages at night, do you have any ways to know she was there?

[kendradfw]

Def put out some traps, some with her blankets, and some with your stuff, so she can smell you on them. Good luck!

[SimplyLoving]

I'm contacting people about the traps but my biggest concern is cats going in there instead of Hammy.
I'm trying to stay close by and see if I could catch a glimpse of her, or any squirrel for that matter.
Not knowing what to do or where to look is just as difficult as climbing trees and spotting her.
Just can't help but worry about her and how she's doing.

I thank everyone for their replys and well wishes!

[Rexie]

Do you know how she escaped from her cage?
Is it possible someone took her out of her cage? Just as few thoughts

[SammysMom]

It is often difficult to catch a cat even with bait they love. I think that if you use things Hammy loves it is unlikely they will go in.

[SimplyLoving]

There was a traveling case right next to her outdoor enclosure which leads me to believe if they were going to take her, they'd probably use the case and be off.
Because I didn't see anyone or anything I can say what truly happened, but I do recall one of the neighbor kids hanging around then being gone the next moments.
Trust and believe I went over and asked her if anything happened, like trying to say hello and getting scared, Possible direction she went in, anything.
They wouldn't even open the door for the crazy squirrel girl.
Simply told them I'm just a mama looking for her baby.
I couldn't get ahold of any traps and don't wanna call anyone for they might think she's rabid and dispatch her.
6 am every morning I'm waiting by my window for signs of anything.
Sure I see squirrles but all moving a little too well to be hammy.
Even if I did see her and she had no interest of coming home, I'd accept that too.

I'm thankful for everyone's support and replys, they mean a lot.

[TubeDriver]

[lennysmom]

Many prayers that you will find her and that she's ok.

[SimplyLoving]

Update!

Going to fill a haveahart trap with the bedding from her indoor enclosure.
Unfortunately there are two other squirrels i hope not to trap. I don't mind feeding them, I just know, it's not her.
They're too quick and agile to be my little one.
Has anyone lost a baby to have it return? Is it likely?
I'm trying so very hard to stay positive but i feel like if she was closeby as I hope I would be able to see/hear her or something.
I've spoken to my landlord, who also has a soft spot for fur-babies and said I'd be welcome to come back and check for her.
Although emotional, being realistic and logical are also important.

Thank you TSB for an emotional outlet and a loving helpful community!

[lukaslolamaus]

Praying that she'll return safely

[Mel1959]

I hope you have good luck getting your little one back.

[Skippy12]

Hello,
I've had my darling Hammy for 3 years. She was discovered by my cat then rescued by me. I know it isn't recommended but she lived a good life. I received my rabies shot the same week I got her enclosure. Years later she's my sweethearted Hammy whose been through the ringer but she survived it all. Unfortunately, I had her outside in her usual hutch to enjoy the spring, it was almost dusk, going back and forth between the basement and house before I realized, she was gone. If she was a normal squirrel I would just stiffen my upper lip and pray she's safe, but she isn't. I believe she suffered from inner ear damage because she had terrible balance and seemed to have no sense of direction, she's been with me through a move and made friends with my cats. It's been two days and surely enough, I went scouting through a few neighbor's yards, they knew her and how she was, but alas she is still a squirrel. I can't help but wait for her because I worry. I'll be moving in a few days so the though of her returning when no one is here is just awful. I checked my cats for scratches or blood and they all seemed confused as me. I also walked around and dreaded checking the streets but didn't see anything, even if she didn't make it, i'd bring her home for a burial. She was truly my baby, I say was because she could be having the time of her life and i was preventing it. I've watched her get somewhat lost in the woods just behind my house and usually I can hear her running in circles, pausing and running again. I've been clicking and waiting and I don't hear a thing.. My room is quiet, no one jumps up to see me, and her cage stands as empty as I feel. With this post I hope to get peace of mind and maybe a better explanation on the aliment she had, and how it would effect her in the wild.

I am so sorry for your tragedy...I read your note and got chills. I can't imagine what you must be going through...I will pray for Hammy to find her way back to your loving arms. Please let us know if you find your sweet child.