Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well due to a couple of life changes that are likely for the best my family and I have begun planning two vacations for next summer, each about a week long, each at opposite ends of summer. Usually if I'm going to be away for an extended period of time my mother is nice enough to feed the livestock for me, but she will be going on both of these vacations as well.

What do you do? The only thing I could think of is hiring an outsider that I could trust fully (which would be a tough task) to come in and feed the herbivores every couple of days, and maybe toss a few crickets to some of the carnivores, and of course check water dishes. I have one reptile with pressing needs, and that's a tree frog that needs to be kept at the appropriate humidity and such, so I was thinking that he would be easy enough to move and I should find someone willing to take him in for a week. The snake is no problem. Just fill up the water dish and he should be fine for a week. The tortoises and lizards are what I'm worried about.

What do you do in this situation? I know this sounds like a question I've asked before, but that was for vacations when my parents would be able and willing to do the daily chores.

If I can find an outsider to keep everyone fed, how should I make it easiest for them? I was figuring making up a big bunch of greens that are all ready to be served, and leaving paper plates (to avoid having to wash dishes). Should I change the schedule? I suppose for a week they could get along just fine if someone came over twice to feed them and make sure they are doing alright. The only other thing is that they are spread around the house. There's some upstairs some downstairs and some in the basement, so I would almost need to draw a map.

I'm sure many of you have dealt with similar situations, so just give me what advice you may have. Thanks.

Here's what I currently have in the collection:

1.2.1 Russian tortoises (plus eggs all year round)
1.0 Red-footed tortoise
1.0 Bearded Dragon
0.1.1 Mali Uromastyx
1.0 Leopard Gecko
1.0 Ball Python
1.0 White's tree frog

SKIP VACATION,save money,buy tortoises,stay home build your own personal rainforest.You'll be on vacation all year.HUN-GAU-WA Vic

I have actually considered that, but now we have decided that we will likely not be gone more than 4-5 days, so that makes my predicament a lot easier to manage. Still could use some advice on making this easier though for anyone who has it. Thanks

I make a mixture of 50 % protein in the form of mazuri and Turtle Brittle. The other 50% is made up of 30% vegetables (shredded butternut squash, peas in the pod, sweet potato carrots, etc. 10% dark leafy greens (finely chopped collard and dandelion greens, escarole, and some grape leaves) and 10% fruits (grapes, apples, cantaloupe, assorted berries, etc.) I chop everything up and mix it and use my ice cream scoop and make little balls. I freeze them and wrap them in a baggie. When I am away, my friend who minds mine, just takes on of the balls out and defrosts it and puts it in for each of them. I do this with my Cherry Head, and my Three Toed.

I think I'll have to put that one to use for the tortoises... my herbivorous and omnivorous lizards would probably go for that too. How do you have your friend defrost them? just take them out and let them warm to room temperature? About how long does that take. I suppose the best idea might also be to give it a trial run before actually leaving.

I think I'll actually give that a show this fall/winter when I'll be away playing out of town gigs.

Once a year I take my father to the casinos in Biloxi, Mississippi, and we're usually there for over a week. The tortoises will do just fine without someone feeding them. I have an 11 year old 63 pound male sulcata tortoise that does just fine, and has since I got him several years ago. I also have different tortoises that I have to move inside while I'm gone(Russians), and they do fine. Just feed everyone a little extra, and put hay in the tortoise enclosure, and it should go just fine.

I'm thinking that, since we are now just planning on going on 4 day trips that's a good possibility. It is likely though that I could find someone to come over once while we're gone to toss in some food... I would just have to make sure that it's someone I really trust.

Thanks for all the input guys.

If you can find cactus pads (you would have to de-spine of course) in your grocery store, these are great to throw in because the stay fresh for several days. They are juicy and will provide hydration as well. You can order cactus (opuntia) online from several places also. All my tortoises and my uromastyx enjoy cactus. Here is a link from Kingsnake that sells cactus. http://market.kingsnake.com//detail.php?cat=28&de=410489

In the past, we have chopped all greens and put into a giant zip lock bag. Then squash and mushrooms and carrots are bagged separately since they spoil quicker. We also have purchased organic wheat grass from the store, planted it in a shallow cat food dish (so its low enough torts can get to it) and it will stay fresh for several days in the cage. They nibble at it whenever they like.

We just ask someone to come in every 3rd day or so and refresh the water and replace the food. We also leave our veterinarian's phone number and address on the fridge (just in case). Plus we are never out of cell phone range. Then we always make sure to bring a gift back (or just pay $) to our friend who cares for our pets while we are vacationing.

Hope this helps.