General Care Discussion :: Vacation Issue...

[Rush]

In a few months, I'm going on a two-week vacation. I got a timer for Rush's basking lamp, but will (s)he be okay alone for two weeks? There's no way I can avoid this trip. I really could use some tips.

[Andrew7769]

do u have some one to stop by and feed him? if not u could try an automatic feeder that they have for fish food which would work for repto-min sticks i suppose

[marisa]

If someone could stop in to check on him periodically and feed him, that would really be best. What is his set-up like--he is in the 10-gallon tank that's in your signature? If so, two weeks is a bit long to go without at least a partial water change, even with a filter. If he's in a bigger tank, does he have a good filter? Does he have a UVB light as well as the basking lamp? The UVB light should be on a timer as well (unless you're using a combination mercury vapor bulb).

[Rush]

I can't have anyone come by and feed him, because everyone I trust is going on the vacation with me! I have two small fitlers, one cleans the dirt that sinks to the bottem, one cleans the surface(ish) of the water. I guess dirty water isn't an issue, it's the feeding I'm worried about.

Andrew, you mentioned an automatic feeder... that sounds like it might work. Where could I get one?

[Jessica313]

also make sure that his tank has some sort of cover on it.... my turtle escaped once when i left him alone for just a few days... it was like he knew i wasnt coming back and had time to make a run for it..lol

[Andrew7769]

http://www.petsmart.com/global/search/s ... 9212595266

try this link it has a bunch from petsmart also your local petstore might have them

[birdlady]

Stock it well with guppies (or whichever fish your turt prefers..NO goldfish though) and alot of green plants. Get rooted plants and put them down on the bottom of the tank with rocks to prevent them from ripping them up and chowing down on them at once.
Anacharis is an excellent plant..the more it gets chewed on, the faster it grows. Cheap too...you can pick them up at a good fish store for about $1 - $1.50 a bunch (usually about 6 stems). Watercress is another good option to plant if you have a good dependable food store around you. Just make sure you wash it real good in case they spray it before you buy it. Will grow roots in water and keep them occupied for a bit.
2 weeks isn't really a long time for a turt to be without food...just not a wise thing.

[fishandcandy]

Is it possible to take the turtle to someone else's house? Or hire a petsitter to check in on him a few times?
I would be too worried about escaping and power outtages. Or what if a lightbulb burns out... or explodes (I'm a little paranoid about exploding lightbulbs). The filter could burn out, shut off, overflow...
... Not trying to freak you out.
I recently went on vacation for 7 days. There was no way I could've left Petri with no one to check on him. My father in law came over to feed him almost everyday. They both loved it. FIL because Petri grabbed the food out of his finger, Petri because he got a little more food, more often that usual.

[Rush]

Exploding lightbulbs.... power outtages... failing filters.... Oh noo!!! :'(

[KellyP]

I really woudln't feel comfortable leaving my turtle's alone for any extended period of time without someone to check in on them. Like everyone said any number of things could go wrong, and no one would be there to fix it. Really try to find someone to check in on him at least a couple times during your vacation.