Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Augh! Two days ago my boyfriend (who should be glad he is still alive and unharmed) left the cage to my little dragon OPEN before going to work, and so of course she has disappeared. She't still a juvenile, beautiful pastel, 15 inches total(don't know SVL, don't care right now). Her cage is on a 3rd floor near a patio/balcony, the door to which was was open all day. I live in Southern California so it's been relatively warm, although last night here it got down to the low 40's.

I've looked everywhere that I possibly can, even places only a snake could go; nothing. I've left a couple plates of veggies out, but we have 2 cats that wouldn't kill her but would definitely chase her, might injure her (out of their own curiousness), if she ran from them. There is space between the railing and the floor of the balcony, would she have jumped if chased? I even looked outside.

What else could I possibly do to entice her out if she's alive? Any hope she'll show up from hunger, cold? It's the end of day 3 she's been AWOL. How long could she last? Do they have any favorite hiding places, like snakes? Sigh.

Renee

You could let lose about 50 crickets and see if she comes out at night. Of course if she does not you have a bunch of crickets in your house?

I'd imagine she should be fine for quite a while. You may even want to dim the room (or rooms) and put out some nice bright basking lights, they may attract her attention. She's probably just sleeping away somewhere. Last time I lost mine, I found her between the fridge and the cabinets. If she had gone any further she could have gone BEHIND the cabinets and I really would have lost her. Sooner or later she'll be hungry and come out. As long as she's inside and it doesn't get below 68 degrees or so, the temp shouldn't be a problem. BTW look for a tail, beardies have a habbit of thinking they're hidden when their tail is still sticking out. Also they like to burrow themselves (or cuddle if you will), look for nice tight hidden spots. Behind bookshelves, under couches, under cushions, in blankets etc. I would also make sure you WATCH were you are walking and pay attention to where you are sitting (before you sit that is). It would probably be a good idea to leave the cage open so she can get back in if she so chooses (but be careful, cats, curious as they are, may go in to).

As long as the cat's didn't get her or she got outside and fell of the balcony, then i would say her chances are good so far. They can get into small spaces that you wouldn't think of and can camoflage really well against things like carpet. I lost my 17in beardie for an hour and a half one night who went under the bed and went to sleep. Funny thing is I looked under the bed twice before I actually noticed him so check everywhere multiple times (amazing camoflage).

I would suggest putting some crickets in a glass jar in the middle of the room along with a basking light. If she is an aggressive eater and can see them she will probably go after them. Brighten every thing up as much as possible, because once their in a shaded or dark area they like to go to sleep. I've also heard about lightly sprinkling powder (not sure what kind, maybe baking soda) on the floor, so that she will leave little footprints and you can get an idea of what way she went. Also if you can remove the cats out of the equation by taking them to a friends or putting in a confined area, it may help. I'm sure that your dragon will find a secure tiny spot to hide in if she feels threatened by the presensce of cats, who happen to be pray on small lizards in the wild. Hope this helps and you find your baby. Make sure to keep us updated.

Good idea on the powder it is used when snakes get out I know. Flour would be the best bet especially if you can sift it as I did in olden times when I use to bake cakes from scratch.

nt
-----
1.0.0 Bearded Dragon (Zeo)
0.2.0 Leopard Geckos (Vienna, Chomps)
1.0.0 Golden Retriever (Rocky, 11 y.o.)

You forgot the hip deep snow

I have never lost my Beardie, Stubbs, but, a couple of years ago one of my leopards climbed out of the tank, not sure how but she did. I looked everywhere for her and finally found her in with all the dirty laundry a couple days later, lucky that she didn't get washed. I would guess that if she didn't jump off the balcony she is somewhere in the house still. I would try checking every part of a room and closing the door afterwards to know that it isn't there and to limit the house for where she could be. Hope you find her. I would keep putting food out where the cats can't get it and I am sure that she will find it and eat it. even if you cannot find her for a while atlease she will be eating.

I have had a corn snake that was lost in the house for 3 weeks so do not panic yet, but keep us informed. We all hope you find your Beardie soon. Check under the frig. or anything else that gives off heat. Also around any water source or House Plants

Don't forget bearded dragons can climb. If you have curtains that reach to the floor or a couch backed against the wall, check to make sure he isn't clinging to the sides. I would deffinitely isolate the cats in the bathroom or somewhere (cat kennels are great hehe) then search everywhere.