Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I will be on vacation over the holidays for 8 days, and need some advice on what to do with my snake while I'm gone. I have a wild-caught Wandering Garter (T. elegans vagrans), ~ 13 in. long, who has been eating 2-3 goldfish and (sometimes) one pinky mouse per week. Unfortunately there will not be any way to feed him while I'm gone. Will my snake be OK going without food for that period of time, or should I plan to turn off the under-tank heater and let him go semi-dormant? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

In my opinion, he'll do just fine for 8 days without food and there's really no need to turn off the heat. One or two extra days without food - won't even notice it.

Getting his water changed will be trickier.

Thanks Stefan. It sounds like he should be just fine if I plan to feed him as much as he'll eat before I leave, and make sure he has extra water.

I appreciate the advice!