Missing Russian Tort

[bat]

My russian tort has been missing for over a week. My partner built an outdoor enclosure so she could have lots of space and depth to dig in. While we were away our dog got into the enclosure and tort went missing, but was found a few days later by dog. Bought a lock for the enclosure door to prevent dog from breaking in. A few days after that, tort is nowhere to be seen in the enclosure, even with digging around, and some rocks to prevent under-the-door escapes are pushed aside. My yard is fully fenced, but there are a few tiny gaps in a wooden section, and I'm also not sure how deep that part of the fence goes (could potentially be dug under).

I've made lost tortoise posts, asked neighbors, and am keeping an eye out - but I'm worried about my tort's survival and how far she may wander. She's 18-20 years old, and while it's still warm here in New Mexico, I worry about predators. Does anyone have advice for searching for a lost tortoise, or just ways to keep me from losing my mind with worry?

 

[SinLA]

Here is a thread I recommend people loo at for missing tortoises.

Unfortunately after a week they could be long gone by now, but you can still give this a shot in case she's around: https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/little-stumpy-escaped.207509/#post-2076156

 

[tortturt]

I hope you find her

 

[bat]

Here is a thread I recommend people loo at for missing tortoises.

Unfortunately after a week they could be long gone by now, but you can still give this a shot in case she's around: https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/little-stumpy-escaped.207509/#post-2076156

Thank you for sharing! I will ask around about thermal imaging, I unfortunately don't have the budget to buy one for myself so will need to find one to borrow.

I will also have to look into the transmitter suggestion in this thread when (not if) my tort comes home.

 

[Cathie G]

I have a Russian also and you can't believe what he can hide in. His outdoor enclosure is escape proof but some days It's darn near impossible to find him. I've found him wedged sideways in an English plantain and under a clump of grass etc.I know he has to be in there somewhere because he can't dig out. But he's still hard to find. They are a creature of habit though so don't give up. Are there any areas that she used to frequent certain times of the day? Start there and feel under everything and in the plant too. Best wishes

 

[Cathie G]

I have a Russian also and you can't believe what he can hide in. His outdoor enclosure is escape proof but some days It's darn near impossible to find him. I've found him wedged sideways in an English plantain and under a clump of grass etc.I know he has to be in there somewhere because he can't dig out. But he's still hard to find. They are a creature of habit though so don't give up. Are there any areas that she used to frequent certain times of the day? Start there and feel under everything and in the plant too. Best wishes

Also in the evening they will hide in a way to face the morning sun. At least that's what Sapphire does.