Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok,
I am fine now but it is that time of year when the power MAY go out. I would like to have a back up kit here ready incase of emergency. What will I need to gather and where can I get it?

I would rather be prepared now than when my sulcata gets cold.

Also on another note, how cold can he take with no side effects (if I am not home and the power goes out).

I would go to sporting goods store and buy a bunch of hand warmers for skiers. They are a little heat pak that you activate by shaking and they get warm. They are meant to put in your pocket to keep your hand warm. You can put then under your tort or even tape them to his back, but experiment with one first to see how warm it gets and for how long.
Wholesale pet dealers also use similar heat paks when shipping animals in cold weather. Sometimes they might sell you some (or alot). Those usualy put out heat for 12 to 48 hours depending on the brand. again, experiment first with one, so you will know if it gets to hot or not hot enough.
Good luck

That is a good one, anyone else have anything to add?

gas log fireplace will work just fine thank you! And it seems
to be a popular place for turtles/tortoises to hang out and bask.

don't tape those things (heatpacks) to his back, they get very hot. Also
be careful not to put them in with him in a container without
enough ventilation, as they use up oxygen, and I've heard of
people shipping with those that suffocated their torts because
they overlooked that fact.

Worst case, you could put your tort in a travel box and ride
around in the car with the heat on for a while - not in the
garage - duh! Then go over to somebody's house that has power.

when you think you may lose power, like if there's warning of
a severe ice storm coming or something - don't feed your animal
so it doesn't have a stomach full of cold food. That's just if
you expect it.