HELP!! Man Down!!

[Jumpshot724]

When I woke up this morning I counted 3/4 toads in my tank, as of last night there were 4. I looked EVERYWHERE and underneath EVERYTHING but I still can't find him. THere is only a small gap in the screen hood but I thought they were too big to fit through it, plus he'd have to have climbed up the glass side, not the corner, to get out.

Do they have a tendancy to go someplace?? Like a cool moist area etc?? Like I said I've looked everywhere and can't find him. Help!!

 

[lazymut]

id guess theyd go somewhere darker i dont have any exprience with toads just newts and axies but one peice of advice i can give dogs and cats keep them away for a while!

all the best hope u find him!

 

[Jumpshot724]

Yea I put my cat in my room and shut the door and I just watched him, hoped he'd at least flush him out but no luck. I put a big bowl of water on the floor too, so I'm HOPING I'll wake up tommorrow and he'll be taking a swim, I don't know how they find water though so hopefully he can somehow sense it.

 

[lazymut]

i cant be of much more help i hope u get some more professional advice good luck!

 

[Slimy2]

They may have burrowed into the substrate.

 

[keechoo]

Prodigal (the name of my toad who vanished and returned 10 months later) was found in the basement next to my dryer. His 55 gallon tank is on the first floor and yes, I did have it covered. He did manage to climb up the side of the glass. I watched 2 of my other toads do it as well just to see how they get to the top. Now, every little opening is sealed and no one tries anymore.

Anyways, my basement is over 267 years old with original rock foundation, dirt floor, and dark lighting (it used to be a dungeon). I'm guessing he hid in the rocks and came out to the standing puddles in various places. There are plenty of spiders and the occasional cricket that makes its way in which I'm sure he ate. Like I said, he was missing for 10 months and showed up in pretty good condition. He had some dust on him and was a little thin but he had plenty of energy. When he was reunited with the family, they all started croaking. Whether it was good timing or they were happy to see him I don't know but I like to think it was the latter.

My avid hunter of a cat who frequently visits the basement never showed interest in any particular area. I'm thinking maybe they can smell the poisons on them so they stay away.

The bowl of water is a good idea. He might be tempted to go to it if he's still in the room.

 

[Jumpshot724]

Ok. My biggest problem is that I'm moving on Monday, so I can't wait 10 months lol. I guess he could've gotten under my door but our basement door is sealed almost solidly so I doubt he's in there. I left the bowls of water on the floor and a lamp on all night to see if he'd either go for a swim or get cold. No avail. I don't know where he would go....

Hopefully when I start moving stuff he'll appear.

 

[keechoo]

Don't forget, when they want to get somewhere they'll find a way. Any little crack or opening. Our basement door shuts pretty well where you have to give it a shove with the shoulder. I believe mine fell through one of many cracks and tiny holes in the floor. It would have been an approximately 5' 6" fall for him.

Coldness won't be a problem for him since mine survived in the non-heated basement all winter (and I live in New England).

Keep the water out and hopefully he'll show up.

Good luck!

 

[issac NEWTon]

it could be that the cat can see the bright colors of its belly if it flipped over or something.

 

[tylototriton]

Your best bet is to keep doing what you're doing and check any and all damp, dark corners in your house. Amphibians are master escape artists and can fit pretty much anywhere they want.

Best of luck
Alex

 

[Jumpshot724]

Thanks for all the advice guys and gals. Still no sign of him, hopefully when I start moving stuff out of my room he'll appear (just hope I find him before my parents come 'cause if my mom finds out one escaped she's gonna have some serious reservations about me bringing them home lol)

 

[Jumpshot724]

An update for all who are interested.

I officially moved out yesterday, and am now home 320 miles away still a man down. No sign of him anywhere, hopefully he can survive wherever he is.