Urgent Care :: Lost Turtle

[Jason Musselman]

I just got two red ear sliders. When I came home to day one was miss out of it's tank. Somehow one crawled out. I've fixed the problem, so it won't happen again. I've been loking for the turtle for about 6 hours now. I've looked everywhere for the little thing. Could anyone give me a suggestion to help me find the little guy before it's too late.

[missibsu]

Look under blankets or clothing that may be on the floor. Look behind furniture, look in shoes. He will most likely go for a dark place to hide until all of the lights go out. If you haven't found him before bed, put out a shallow pan of water and place some tuna near by. The smell will attract him.

[steve]

Close doors, set up barriers and restrain any large pets - search from room to room and area to area - they are easy to overlook, do not assume that they will not be in a room you have already searched.

Look under and behind everything. They can often squeeze horizontally or vertically into crevices and under furniture. Look in tight areas such as between a dresser and the wall. You can be certain they are not somewhere only if you check. If possible, clear the floor as best as you can by stacking your belongings onto chairs and tables to provide you with the clearest possible view of the floor.

Listen for movement. If you have a hard floor, you may be able to hear your turtle crawl around. If your turtle is between furniture or in a tight spot, you may also hear faint scratching sounds. Listening for sounds is particularly effective if your turtle is missing a short while and in your general area.

[Jason Musselman]

I don't know how i could of missed him, but thanks for the ideas.

[Shavannah]

They can get up inside furniture too, like couches or apholstered chairs, etc. Get a flashlight and lay on your stomach to look under for any openings. They do like to bury themselves in clothing, blankets, towels, etc. to hide if they get loose, as Missibsu stated. They can wedge themselves between bookshelves, tables, dressers, etc. too. Picture the turtle standing and imagine how small a space it could wedge into. Look in those places too. I hope you find him/her soon. Keep us posted, good luck!

[Jason Musselman]

I found Murtle. After looking for 10 hrs. Thanks for all the ideas. I found her under the dog bed in the kitchen. I know we checked there a couple of times. I tried the tuna in water while I was at work. So I don't know if that help or not. She looked pretty dry, but she swim agian in her tank. Thanks agian to everyone who e-mailed to help.

Thanks, Ernesto and Murtle and Family

[missibsu]

Glad you found her. You might want to bump the water temp up a few degrees for a couple of days. If she was exposed to any drafts it could help fight off potential sickness.

[Shavannah]

I'm happy and relieved you found her, as I'm sure you are too! Keep us updated on her progress and post any questions you might have.