Reptile & Amphibian Forums

During hurricane Charlie I lost power for 4 days. During Frances, three days. But no problems! Living in florida and having pet beardie(s) I feel it is *ESSENTIAL* to have a power generator. Needless to say-with much common sense-operate the generator outside and run extention cords inside the house!

I have my beardie's lights/heat attached to a computer battery backup system-it will keep the computer on for 100 minutes, but with just the UV and incondescent lamps and under-the-tank heater (THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED!!! UTH only) it will stay on for hours.

If the power is not up by then simply crank up the power generator. My beardie was completely unaffected by our hurricanes. In fact, I bought the power generator EVEN BEFORE charlie formed, being afraid of a possible power outage during the winter time (hurricanes never even entered my mind). Since my beardie never brumates (she has no desire to) I keep her terrarium (100 gallon tank) perfect summer conditions year round. (she loves to be held all the time and not miss out on that while brumating).

**A BEARDIE WITHOUT ESSENTIAL LIGHTS/HEAT WILL GET SICK**. Personally especially in florida I feel a battery backup system and generator is essential for beardies. I cannot imagine allowing my beardie to be deprived of light/heat for a single day so I'm well prepared. If you love your beardie, as I do mine, with all my heart, a battery backup system and generator is not extravagant for her comfort!

Besides, you may need the generator for yourself as well
I bought it for her, but I sure did use it too

JadeFox

hello,

I lost power for 5 days after frances and had no backup so my beardie went without for the entire time. believe it or not my fish survived too!

It's a good idea, though. I would have loved it if we had one during those grueling 5 days, but for the beardie another option you can consider is to get a screaned in enclosure and take your beardie out to bask in the sun every day you go without power after a hurricane.

Another idea is to buy some 40 hour heat packs and have them on hand in case of emergency. Just cover them over with a paper towel and the beadies find them and settle around them. We also use these for vet visits or other times they need to travel away from their lights and heat
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www.reptilerooms.com

What is sunshine? I forgot how it looks like. I haven't seen it in days...been cloudy and rainy just about every day....I hate florida.

A screen in porch is not enough heat for a beardie, and with daily rains-not enough sun. High risk for respiratory infections.

Since it looks like we are going to have weekly hurricanes--get a power generator. Since there are virtually none in the stores in florida, you most certainly CAN order them online. In fact, I found out ordering them online--even with postage costs--is a whole lot cheaper than the local stores!

Just like cricket supplies--a whole lot cheaper ordering them online even with overnight delivery!

JadeFox

can you post some sites that sell them? We've been talking about getting one since Frances (for us and the baby but i'm sure the animals will benefit too).. With soon to be hurricanes Jeanne and Karl on the horizon, I would like to check it out.

I heard on the news last week that we can expect this kind of activity over the next 10 to 40 years because of climate changes.. joy.

They are *everywhere* on the internet--it is impossible to post "some" sites because you have to know how much you are willing to spend, and how many watts you plan to use.

Ebay is one place. Honda generators are the best because they produce absolutely clean energy that you can run computers off of. But they cost about twice as much if not more than ordinary ones.

Ordinary generators certainly you can run lights, heating, etc no problem and you can't tell the difference.

I saw a 1,000 maximum watt generator at kmart (kmart.com) for $200. $20 for postage. It's a two cycle engine which means you mix the oil and gasoline together 50:1 ratio. This will take about 2-1/2 gallons of gas a day. It won't run a large refrigerator but will provide lights/heating for your beardie, run household lights and a television. (you can adapt and purchase a very small refrigerator for your own needs.)

Most larger generators have the oil and gas at separate places. But you MUST change the oil every 2 days (every 50 hours) and keep in mind THE LARGER THE GENERATOR THE LARGER THE GAS CONSUMPTION. A 2,000 watt generator runs about 5-6 gallons of gasoline a day. A 5,000 watt generator takes about 11-12 gallons A DAY. Sure it's great to have a 5,000 watt generator but you are going to SUFFER a LOT filling it with gas and sometimes have to go out of town for it. During hurricane charlie i had to drive all the way to another city and wait in line for over an hour...just to get gasoline.

And during massive lights out it's hard to get gas so I say get the smaller ones like a 1,000 or 2,000 watt one.

JadeFox