Feeding and Nutrition :: going on vacation....

[asdf0019]

I searched and couldn't find anything on the forums. I'm going on vacation from the 24th till the 29th, but have no one to take care of my RES. I want to know if anyone has went on vacation and leaving your turtles alone. What can I do about them getting enuff food? thanks

[jenaero]

How big are they? I suggest feeding them a bit extra the morning you leave and leave some edible plants in the tank. Feed them a bit extra when you get back and they'll be fine. Do you have your lamps on a timer?

[asdf0019]

they're baby res's about an Inch and a half. yes, i was going to go purchase a timer and get it going after work today.

[jenaero]

The only thing I'd be concerned about is if the filter or heater died. Do you have anyone that could stop in while you're gone?

[asdf0019]

well, the water temp i'm not worried about since i'll be turning off the air in the apartment. it stays right about 78-79 during the day when i'm gone. the filter is a new one, but i'm purchasing a new canister filter today as well. so, if i feed them a little more when i leave and get them some aquatic plants they should be okay?

[jenaero]

Yes, they'll be fine. You could throw in some feeder guppies if that'll make you feel better.

[asdf0019]

alright then thanks for the info.

[nianne]

hi there, can anyone tell me how long can I leave my RES without feeding him. I plan to go on vacation for 15 days, is that too long a time to leave him without food?

[steve]

It depends on the age and health of the turtle. 15 days is way too long.

www.redearslider.com/left_alone.html

[marisa]

How big is your turtle? Could anyone come and check on him once or twice while you're gone? If so, a cleaned tank and filter, lights (which should be newer to minimize chances of blowing out) on timers, some extra food like aquatic plants, guppies, snails, etc. and he should be OK. You might also look into an automatic feeder that distributes pellets (not just flakes)---make sure you know it's working correctly before you leave.

[industrial_girl_2000]

I searched and couldn't find anything on the forums. I'm going on vacation from the 24th till the 29th, but have no one to take care of my RES. I want to know if anyone has went on vacation and leaving your turtles alone. What can I do about them getting enuff food? thanks

I have several friends who I can trust to come & feed my turtle, frog, & fish when I am out of town. I give them a house-key, make up little plastic baggies with turtle pellets for my adult RES, and leave instructions to feed her once every 2 days with one little baggy of pellets. The frog & fish must be fed daily & I always leave instructions on the tank on how much to give them. I make sure that the water in all the tanks has been 100% changed before I leave so that the petsitter won't have to do it. When I am gone on vacation, I don't worry about feeding veggies during that time. I'm never gone for more than 2 weeks so the pellets work out just fine. Also, the UV lamp is on a timer so no one has to turn it on/off.

I always make sure to pay the petsitter, either in awesome souveniers or a nice gift card when I return. That always ensures that I have someone willing to feed my kids when I'm on vacation!! I also offer to pet-sit for my friends as well.