General Care Discussion :: Moving in a month

[thegrandpoohbah]

I will be moving at the end of December from Vancouver to Calgary. Normally it would be an 11 hour drive but as we will be driving a U-Haul truck, it will probably take longer. We are going to transport our RES in a small rubbermaid tub with some air holes drilled into the lid. We're thinking of using some Carefresh bedding or shredded newspaper. Will he be OK being out of the water for that long? Should I maybe put a damp towel in there for humididty? Any other tips?

[SpotsMama]

Here are some pointers:

http://www.redearslider.com/transportation.html

Several people on here have moved long distances with their turtles - Megcornell has, for instance. Hopefully they will jump and and give you their perspective.

I'd hydrate the turtle at least once along the way. Maybe when you are stopped for lunch or to streach your legs you can let him soak in a bowl of water - warmed to an appropriate temperature, of course. When he's wet be sure he doesn't get a chill - I image your Canadian temperatures will be pretty fierce by then.

[thegrandpoohbah]

Thanks, already read that. The car will be warm enough but the outside air temperatures will be pretty darn cold. Not sure how I'll be able to let him soak since I won't have easy access to suitable water.

[RunninWideOpen]

you want to transport them in something very small, that they can't slide around in. i used shoe boxes when i moved this summer. also, something that's dark, so they just go to sleep and don't get stressed.

will you be going straight to your desitnation? or staying somewhere for the ngiht? if you stay somewhere for the night, that's great. you can soak them in a sink. if you don't, that will be okay too. either way, just make sure you keep a moist rag in their box. your drive is long enough that you'll probably need to stop at some point and moisten it again.

[megcornell]

IF you're driving straight through (with only minor bathroom and gas stops) I'd just mist him occasionally. I think taking him out for a brief dip in water would be more stressful than helpful.
If you're stopping overnight, what I did was set up a mini tank. I used a 10 gallon tank, put a few inches of water in- enough for Leo to swim and relax and set up her basking area and lights. I also used a water heater and water conditioner. I'd leave her for a few hours with the lights on to chill and rehydrate and she'd stay in the tank overnight.
In your case my main concern would be drafts. Just keep your turtle out of any cool breezes and hydrate him once in a while and he should be fine.
Naturally, once you get to your new house set him up as quickly as possible.