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A couple of days ago I went out to run some errands
for a couple of hours. When my gf and I got back I
noticed Tommy was MISSING. I couldn't believe it,
I kept looking around the tank trying to find reason,
but, no doubt he was gone. We searched every back
wall, box, and crevice we found nothing. I was starting
to get really scared and images of turts I had seen on the
net with cracked shells and blood everywhere came to my
mind. After 15 long minutes of searching I found him
behind a bookcase (I had to move) sleeping, safe, and with no
cracks in his shell. --sigh--

Now, I really thought Tommy had not survived his escape
cuz where i have my tank set up. My tank is at the edge and
elevated on top of a large "shelving area." Here's how I think
his escape route was:



Since the water was too high at the time, he was able to climb
out to the back of the tank.



Then move left, thank goodness because to the right looks no bueno.



He probably proceeded to the end of the "shelving area," then jumped
off. Moving towards the back of my dresser and bed where's its darker.





Then finally making it to underneath the bookshelf where its dark and
enclosed.



Its really a blessing Tommy wasn't hurt or anything, I mean the drop
is at least 4 feet with hardly any cushion. --Sigh-- First Candy now this
I dont think i can take anymore yo.

Peace.

Wow looks like he had an adventure

Keep a very close eye on him, watch for any signs of internal injury, such as lopsided swimming, blood in the seams of the plastron, or fluid from the nose or mouth. Also give his limbs a check, often when they fall like that they get injured by their own shells.

Yup, I already did a thorough check, thanks.
Thats why Im SURPRISED.

My turtle went through a similar expedition. You really need to find a way to secure the tank so this can't happen again.

Congrats on finding the little one

I recommend some mesh wiring on the top of the tank or some kind of barrier around the tank.

Mesh wiring (like the kinds you find on screen tops) actually filter out UVB, so don't use that. And if you build a barrier, make sure the turt can't climb up it and that you can still reach into the tank.

Well I recommend mesh wiring to many of my patients and they say it works great.

I was just curious, but where did you get your degree from? It doesn't say on your profile.

California State University UC Davis.

Oh, wow cool, thanks

You're welcome.

You should also consider moving the tank away from the window... the sunlight can really affect water temps and quickly make the tank too hot. It also causes a lot of extra algae growth.

You could very easily just rearrange the pictures so he is in the middle of the shelf (not in front of the windows) instead of on the side.

When there's more than one turtle in a tank they will sometimes "stack" one on top of the other, and use the added height to escape. Your little ones may be working as a team.