Other Turtle Discussion

I know this isn't the case for most of you, who keep very large aquarium and complicated setup at home, but my life being what it is, I might have to start traveling. A lot. And for many months at a time.

Now then, I love my turtle and taking care of it and I've even built most of the components myself, but I don't think any member of my family would like to adopt it or take care of it while I'm gone. I mean, I'm sure they like it, but they don't know how to properly take care of it. This would require reading a bit on the net and accomplish related steps, which I'm not sure they're willing to. Same goes for friends of mine - I don't know of anyone who would like to get invested in such a hobby.

Last time I left for a month and my family took care of it (feeding and a couple of water change) but I'm afraid if anything else happens it will get quite complex to get involved with and I'm afraid they won't want to.

I could possibly give it away, although it would sadden me because, knowing how much you have to get involved with it I'm not sure anyone would accept and thus offer it the care it needs.

I have to leave in 3 months, for 3 months, for my next travel and I'm kinda torn apart with what to do. Suggestions?

PS: I know traveling and keeping a pet isn't a good idea. I can't help it - I got this turtle 2 years ago and now my life being what it is today, I will travel for extended periods.

I have someone check in to clean, feed and add some water. Do you rent or own your own place? The best thing is to keep things as simple as possible for other people and be aware they will never do exactly as you instruct them.

I live in a rented apartment, for now. The last time I was gone for only a week and a friend came by almost every day for feeding. Although this worked well for that week, I highly doubt someone will want to come over and take care of my pet almost daily...

It might be best to set up his tank and equipment at a family or friends place for the 3 months.

I talked to my parents and they agreed that I set it up at their place for while I'm gone. I use a weird setup along with a homemade filter and the way it works is kinda sketchy, so I'll probably go buy a real canister filter just for the sake of convenience for my parents.

Agreed.. and if you get a real good one, then they might not have to change or clean it at all.

You could also check into hiring someone to check on your pet - check with the local vet/rescue areas - a lot of techs are willing to help out when people are in a bind plus earn a little cash for themselves.

I live alone and travel quite a bit too. Whenever I've left my turtle in the care of a roommate or family member I think he gets fed, but I've never had them do a satisfactory job cleaning the tank. I still don't have a solution to that problem. I bought an automatic timer that my lights are plugged into and an automatic feeder for about $40 at PetSmart, now he's fine in his own for a week or so. I don't know what I'd do if I were gone for months.

If u have an automatic feeder and a canister. Filter then just get someone to check the temperatures and so on once in a while. If u set it up at our parents they can check it everyday

Re-locating a turtle setup might require the most work, but it's a good idea if you can manage it.

Other Turtle Discussion :: What do you do when you're away? For months?

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