Musk missing
 

Hi all, We got two hatchings back in April, they seem happy and are growing nicely, but on Monday I discovered the smaller one had completely vanished!
He/she often buries himself in the gravel, so upon a water change on Tuesday I took the water right down to about an inch and half, removed EVERYTHING from the tank, and ran my hands through every inch of gravel - nothing. My partner found somewhere saying they're excellent climbers, so I guess we have an escapee, where should I look? Is there somewhere they'd prefer to be - dark/damp, or whatever? Oh, and how long can the little dude go without food/water?

Thanks for any advice offered

Hello,

You dont say how bug they are but if really small check any nooks and crannies in the decor in their tank first. They are good climbers though if it has got out you are just going to have to check everything at ground level. Finger tip search. As the weather cools down, it wont go far. Dehydration is the real concern rather than not eating. Really go through the tank again, then search outward from the tank. Ive gad a few mud turtles escape but they seldom go far. Its usually broody females with mine.

I'd say a little larger than a ping-pong ball, so not very big, but there was definitely nothing in the tank, I stripped it bare and checked EVERYTHING. We keep fish and frogs too so we're used to thorough checks of decor etc.
I read somewhere that they can hibernate for four months...is there much likelihood that this could be a reason too?

Woohooooooo! One turtle found, and renamed... Houdini!
:-D

Brilliant news! Where was the little escape artist hiding?

I'm so relieved for you. I too would love to know where you found Houdini.
Jan

love to see a picky of Houdini ! one lucky little musky ! CB