General Care Discussion :: Traveling with my turtles need ideas to keep them warm

[greerman29]

I am traveling with my turtles and they are going to be out of their tank for at least 12 hours, and alone in the car at night for at least 3.

reason is that I am coming home for spring break but on the way up I am going to basketball game with a friend. I really have no other options because there is going to be no one to take care of them so I have to bring them up with me.

The outside temperature at night is probably going to be around 55-60. What's the best way for me to keep them warm all the way up and especially during the game?

And I have read some threads on the subject but most of them were for shorter times when someone would be in the car to control temperature.

[missibsu]

You can fill water bottles with hot water and cover them with a towel so that they don't get to warm, or you can try using those handwarmers and sticking them in socks...those are my ideas.

[RunninWideOpen]

if you will have enough water in whatever you're transporting them, you might be able to get one of those adapters for your cars cigarette lighter that would allow you to plug in your water heater. just make sure that it is rated high enough for your water heater.

the water heater wouldn't be on for those 3 hours, but if it's kept at 78-80 until then it shouldn't drop into the "unsafe zone" before you are back to turn it back on.

[missibsu]

Whatever you do, don't transport your turtle in water.

[greerman29]

I know they're cold blooded but will wrapping them in towels make it any warmer?

Also, would 55 degrees kill them?

[RunninWideOpen]

no, towels and blankets won't do much. they don't produce any body heat.

for 3 hours probably not. i've read stories on here of turtles surviving cold temps for longer than that. just get your car as hot as possible on the inside before parking and turning off the heater. that will keep it warmer longer.

[PinkyTurtle]

Take a old sock, or two. Fill with cheap whit rice and seal off so the rice does not spill out. Heat in the microwave for about two mintues. Place in the bottom of a box and a old towel on top place turtles in box. Cover with another towel, close box. This is what I use when i transport Alpnose to and from school. I dont know how long the heat will last. Some of the hand warmers may last longer. may wanna test how long they stay warm. Hope I helped.

[missibsu]

Providing towels won't really add to the warmth, but it does give something for them to burrow in. Most likely they will sleep if you do this, and it may help reduce stress.

[steve]

www.redearslider.com/transportation.html

Also, search for a topic by Spookster. He did a great job traveling with his RES, there are some more good tips there.

[greerman29]

I think I am just going to get a couple of those hand warming packets and put them in a sock or something. They are supposed to last for over 7 hours so I think that'll be good.