General Care Discussion :: Travelling

[jens985]

Hello Everyone! I've actually been a lurker her for quite some time, but I think I finally have a question that has note quite been answered already. This summer I recently adopted a baby RES (sadly, from China Town) and he is really doing great so far. I have a 10 gallon tank for him (I know I will need bigger soon, but he's still tiny) and have all of the necessities (UV light, basking light, water heater, basking dock, etc.) Although Gertie is a great traveller, I would really like to leave him at home as I go to my parents house for Thanksgiving (a total of 4 days).

I have timers for the basking lamp and UV lamp. but I was wondering about the food issue. I know that I can't just put a whole bunch of pellets to last him that time, so do you have any other suggestions? Thank you!!

[SpotsMama]

Do you know someone that could look in on him - maybe at the half way point - and feed him?

If that won't work, your turtle will survive. Does he eat feeder fish? You can put several in the tank just before you leave and hopefully they will last a few days.

Or, you can give him a few more pellets than usual just before you leave then feed him well when you get back.

Be sure he has some green leafy things to munch on if he gets hungry. Also, be sure there's a piece of cuttlebone for him to snack on.

[FLhaven4strays]

I'd suggest a clump of anacharis - it's only a couple dollars at my local petstore. Ditto spotsmama - lettuce, cuttlebone, feeder fish. Even if he's never eater feeders before I bet he'd chase some down if he got hungry enough! If he's really tiny just ask for the smallest feeders @ the petstore - they'll do that for me for my son's 1.5" hatchling. Happy Thanksgiving!

[industrial_girl_2000]

I agree with what people already said. Toss in some anacharis & feeder fish & have a wonderful visit with your parents!

[mikee]

jens985 -- If the water is clean and he is fed well, leaving him for 4 day is no big deal. Now if you feel guilty about leaving him, you can find an automatic fish feeder. They are designed for flakes, but you can adjust them for pellets. It will take a little practice. They are battery operated and work well. I purchased mine at Wal-Mart. Again you will have to adjust the opening for pellets. -- Good Luck!!