Help needed for soft release in Maryland

[EllaJay]

Hi!
This is my first post and I hope I’m doing it in the right place. Forgive me if not.

I found a baby grey who was approximately 5wks old at the time with his dead mama nearby. No nests or siblings and I watched him from a distance until sundown which just so happened to be the first frost of the season that night. This was in late Sept.

He is healthy and roughly 6-7 mos old. He’s never been around other squirrels or humans.

I have been planning to keep him over the winter and release in Spring. Trouble is, I had to take an assignment (I’m a traveling nurse) and where I was going to release him (soft/slow) is no longer an option.

I’m in desperate need to find someone reputable/safe/reliable who is willing and able to release him properly for me (him).
I’m heartbroken that I can’t do it myself.

Before I ramble on too much crying without knowing if I’m even posting in the correct place or if there is anyone who might be able to help or point us in the best direction, I will wait for instruction or response.

Thank you in advance.

[Mel1959]

We have members in various parts of the US. Where are you located and we’ll try to help?

[EllaJay]

We have members in various parts of the US. Where are you located and we’ll try to help?

Thank you, thank you for reply!!
I’m currently in Columbia, MD.

[island rehabber]

Shout out to Team Maryland -- can anyone help??

[TubeDriver]

It is best to wait for leaves to start growing in the trees before releasing if possible. What is your timeline, how much longer can you keep him?

[stepnstone]

Shout out to Team Maryland -- can anyone help??

We can make it happen....

It is best to wait for leaves to start growing in the trees before releasing if possible. What is your timeline, how much longer can you keep him?

...............

For a squirrel that's been kept inside it is not ideal weather wise to start a soft release yet but we can get him placed for a future release.
How soon would you need to place him?

[EllaJay]

We can make it happen....


...............

For a squirrel that's been kept inside it is not ideal weather wise to start a soft release yet but we can get him placed for a future release.
How soon would you need to place him?

Oh my gosh. Thank you all so much! My heart...!
I totally understand and agree with the timing. I can get away with hiding him as long as you all think is best and until whenever there is suitable placement.

I’ll be in Maryland until the end of April/beginning of May.

My biggest worry until then is that I’m moving from hotel to hotel and I had to leave behind a “room” of his own as well as his somewhat decent sized cage a few weeks ago. I hate that he’s so confined right now with such little space. His cage is just way too small. He’s going crazy and it’s breaking my heart. I’m doing what I can with the space that I have while trying to hide him.
It’s terrible. I feel awful.

So, I can technically keep him until whenever necessary or advised, but I feel like a monster keeping him in this chinchilla/ferret cage. It’s the biggest I could fit under these circumstances that I couldn’t have predicted.

[Mel1959]

It sounds like placement sooner rather than later would be best for him.

[TubeDriver]

Hi, just to be clear, he is in a small cage and traveling from hotel to hotel room? Yikes, that has to be tough on both of you and I worry that he will be found. I think we can get him to a good squirrel person.

Oh my gosh. Thank you all so much! My heart...!
I totally understand and agree with the timing. I can get away with hiding him as long as you all think is best and until whenever there is suitable placement.

I’ll be in Maryland until the end of April/beginning of May.

My biggest worry until then is that I’m moving from hotel to hotel and I had to leave behind a “room” of his own as well as his somewhat decent sized cage a few weeks ago. I hate that he’s so confined right now with such little space. His cage is just way too small. He’s going crazy and it’s breaking my heart. I’m doing what I can with the space that I have while trying to hide him.
It’s terrible. I feel awful.

So, I can technically keep him until whenever necessary or advised, but I feel like a monster keeping him in this chinchilla/ferret cage. It’s the biggest I could fit under these circumstances that I couldn’t have predicted.

[EllaJay]

It sounds like placement sooner rather than later would be best for him.

Yes. Sadly, I agree completely.

[EllaJay]

Hi, just to be clear, he is in a small cage and traveling from hotel to hotel room? Yikes, that has to be tough on both of you and I worry that he will be found. I think we can get him to a good squirrel person.

As of this past month, yes, that’s been the case. And I cannot see a better scenario or situation for him any time soon under my care alone, unfortunately.

I love him. But, this is not what’s best for him. I hurt so badly.

[stepnstone]

EllaJay I am prepared to get this baby asap with everything he could possibly need
and the perfect site for the soft release and release when the time is right.
I will send you my phone number in a pm so we can make the arrangements.

[Mel1959]

EllaJay your baby will be in the best hands possible with Stepnstone taking him! Everything will be done correctly and your little guy will be safe. It doesn’t get any better than that!

[island rehabber]

It certainly doesn't get any better than this. I know it hurts to hand your precious squirrel to another, but THESE are the hands you want to be putting him in. Trust us ... we know this guy a looong time

[stepnstone]

EllaJay and I have spoken and are making arrangements to transfer asap.
Thank you EllaJay for wanting what's best for your baby and making his welfare a priority.

[island rehabber]

great news, step!