Urgent Care :: Missing RES

[k9ck024]

I need urgent help! I had both of my RES in my backyard for them to get a fresh air. Meanwhile I had to clean the tank and sometimes I check the RES once in a while. When I was looking at one RES I noticed other one is missing! I checked everywhere including small holes but I have no luck. I did noticed that there is quite a big hole underneath the gate between my backyard and my neighbor's slope backyard. I went and check my neighbor's backyard and couldn't find it

What are the chances that RES will turn back and go through the hole? If it's healthy will it survive 1-2 weeks? How far do you think it will travel in 1 day? Besides tuna what other food should I attract the RES? What about pellets? Anything that will only attract my RES not other animals? RES aren't able to eat outside of water because they don't have saliva so how does it able to swallow? If it does see the food what should I do for RES stay near the food area without going to different places for couple hours if I'm away? Anything else I should do? I have read the Locating a Missing Turtle guideline

I'm very sad that I have lost my RES and this isn't my first time.

Thanks for your help

[marisa]

The chances that you RES will intentionally turn around and go back through the hole? Zero. It would only be by coincidence---if he wandered around and happened upon the hole.

A healthy RES could survive 1 - 2 weeks outside assuming nothing gets at him.

How much it will travel in one day depends on the turtle. He may find a dark place and stay there for a while.

Smelly foods might attract him if he's in the area. You could also try bits of sardines. You could also leave a shallow container of water out, one that he could easily get into.

I don't know where you're located. If it's hot or warm where you are, you could hose down the yard/area to provide moisture (this could help bring him out if he's nearby) If it is hot were you are, you'd have a better chance of seeing in the early morning or late afternoon, when he would be more active. If it's cool where you are, midday warmth would help bring him out of hiding.

Check everywhere, even places you don't think he possibly could be.

[AllTheCandies]

D: This is so sad!!! Good luck

[kellycraig125]

I know how this can be. I had mine out getting some sun and fresh air (the sun mainly to help his poor shedding) and I was checking on him every couple of minutes. After a while of this, I went out there and could NOT find him anywhere. We have a privacy fence that is very low to the ground- he's have to dig to get under it. I searched and searched and was beginning to panic but then finally found him under a pile of leaves under a tree. I sincerely hope yours comes home or you find him.