Raising one abandoned baby quail to release it… Have questions!

[LizW]

In early July a 1-2 day old baby California quail came wobbling up to me. After a few hours trying to leave it alone to see if he’d go back to family, I started worrying about predators so I gave in. I scooped it up. I’ve been raising it to release as soon as it’s big enough. It’s just about 5 weeks old now. Seems super healthy and is very active. I’ve had some suggest I wait till fall to release it (that would be another 7 weeks away). My concern is that although it’s doing well, it’s not around any other quail to learn from. I started with zero experience with baby birds but read up on this quail a lot. He’s in a large tote with a brooder most of the day … I have mirrors all around it and used dirt, branches and rocks to make it more like outdoors…. It has a small outdoor enclosure that I set him in for a few hours a day….hes able to eat dandelions and bugs and has a dust bathtub… its enough room to hop around comfortably. I’m wondering if it would be better for him if I let him go a little sooner… Half of me thinks he’d benefit from learning to protect himself with his instincts…. The other half fears the worst… I let him go and a hawk swoops down and snatched him up
I’ve gotten so attached, I’m screwed. But I know I can’t keep him. I feel guilty for how lonely he must be. I guess I’m curious if anyone has any advice… how long to keep him and where to let him go. I’m going to have a hard time if I release him and he doesn’t quickly run or fly away… I’m afraid he’ll stay close to me and I won’t be able to walk away and I realize I sound like a crazy person right now … but I love this bird.
Any pointers???