Urgent Care :: turtle ran away! where can i find him?

[casual_insanity]

ok so apparently my mom put my two turtles (RES) approximately 2 1/2 - 3 inches in a bowl while she was cleaning the tank. while she wasn't looking the turtles knocked over the bowl and escaped. one was found before she got away, but the other one disappeared!:(

the tank is located in an atrium that is about 15 by 12 feet and at least a foot lowered into the ground. i dont think he could have climbed the stairs to get out. so obviously he has to be in it somewhere. the atrium is filled with plants, and rocks and small trees. some of it is dirt and mulch and other part is small stones to step on. we have searched what seems like the entire room. we moved rocks and have moved around the mulch. i know they like to dig but how deep would or could he go? do they prefer different environments to dig in then others? can he move stones the size of himself and bury under them? could he be hibernating? (i thought they only did that in water). any ideas on how to find him would be great. thought about putting my dog in there and maybe he would find him by scent though there is lava rock in there and he could get hurt or try to eat the turtle if he did find him. i dont know what else to do or if it is too late. i was away when my mom lost him (it was about 2-3 weeks ago. i'm hoping he's hibernating...

[marisa]

He's been missing for 2-3 weeks? Put out some shallow pans with water, perhaps he'll be attracted to it. If you can do it, I'd wet down the whole area to provide moisture. You could put out some dishes with tuna near the water, perhaps he'd be attracted to the smell. Some people have left a light on at night near the water as well.

What's the air temp in the atrium?

Before I did any of the above, I would systematically go through every inch of the atrium again, including digging in the mulch and any pots that are there.. He may be hiding in a place you overlooked. Really, look everywhere, even in places you don't think he could possibly be. Don't just give up.

Good luck. I hope you find him soon.

[DavidY]

When I originally picked up my turtles from the previous owner, one of them had climbed out of the container I was going to bring him home in while we weren't looking. Somehow he managed to crawl to the other end of the house and had wedged himself tightly under their TV stand. You should make sure to check under everything.

[steve]

Here are some more tips: www.redearslider.com/lost_turtle.html

Good luck!

[casual_insanity]

well my mom had set out a water pool area and fish for him earlier. we tried again with tuna fish near the water area. i dug around and moved everything. maybe i didn't dig deep enough:( the air in the atrium is fairly moist and humid. not sure about the temp but i would say 80ish. i can't see how he could have gotten out since there are 2 or 3 steps about a foot each and he is barely 3 inches. i had to return back to LA for school so i can't continue the search:( my mom said she would keep looking. i'll let you know if he resurfaces. thanks for the support

[DavidY]

Are there any other animals in the house (cat or dog)?

[casual_insanity]

i have a dog but he is not really allowed in the house and has never been in the atrium. the atrium door is always shut and people would always stay with the dog. i dont think he has been inside since the turtle escaped.

[marisa]

I hope your mom keeps looking.