Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 1.5 yr old male Jacksons in excellent (finally) health, and my vet said he has excellent body weight (she's a herp vet). This is my dilemna: I am having to leave town for 7 days coming up soon, and I was wondering - is it ok to feed him heavily for the period leading up to my trip, and let him go without eating for a week? Sadly there is no one I have available or can trust to feed him properly while I'm gone. He's not a picky eater at all, so I know I could fatten him up just fine. I use an auto-mister, so watering is not an issue. Any thoughts?

thanks

Leaving it alone for 7 days could be a disaster. What if the dripper malfuntions? What if your light blows?
You might as well chance leaving it with a friend. What worse could happen? You must have one freind that is responsible.

I think at the least I would ask a friend to come in mid week and put some insects in and check to make sure things are OK (temp, humidity, lights and timers working, fill the mister or whatever). They could give you a call if anything seems off.

where do you live? if your near me id come and help

have you asked your vet if she knows of someone who can care for him? Or, can you "board" him at your vets? Another option might be a local pre-vet student if you are near a college. I know it is hard to find someone - not like cat care! I am fortunate to have ONE friend, whom I trust with my home and with my critters, who came thru for me when I was gone for a week - couldn't have made the trip otherwise!

Anyway, ask your vet and see if she can recommend someone...just a thought otherwise I would agree with Carlton and see if you can get someone to at least stop in a couple times. One more thought...do you have a local herp society?

lele
herp societies

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0.1 veiled - Luna
0.2 green anoles Jaida & Jetta
0.1 brown anole - Jamaica
0.2 house geckos - Gaia & Tia
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm hesitant to let a stranger in my home while I'm gone, whether they're a Herp expert, vet, whatever. That's just me I guess.

I think I'll see if I can give a buddy DETAILED instructions and have him come by a couple times. If anything just to drop some crickets in and check everything.

Just a theory, but I would think a Cham's metabolism could handle a week-long fast. I mean, most reptiles can go extended periods without eating, right? I read once where a python went two years. Couldn't a Cham go one week? Is their metabolism really that high?

thanks all

I hear ya on the stranger in the house thing! You really need to have someone you trust all the way around. I suggsted it in case you got desperate.

As for the food, well, maybe they could go that long with no food but they will be in a weakened state and more susceptible to problems. But more importantly is that he absolutely could not go without water for week.

even if your friend came in every other day or so and made sure the water, temps, lights are ok and throw some crix in a cup. When I went away I put everything I could on timers so Deb only had to worry about feeding and misting. Not sure where you live, but I had a backup heating device in case we had a power outage.

One last suggestion for your friend. Try to have him come over so you can show him what to do and not just leave a note - detailed or not. it may also give him a little soft spot and he might find himself checking in everyday. Oh, and DON'T FORGET to leave a number where you can be reached as well as your vet't number.

OK, "mother" lele is done

have a good trip!
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0.1 veiled - Luna
0.2 green anoles Jaida & Jetta
0.1 brown anole - Jamaica
0.2 house geckos - Gaia & Tia
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta