Leaving for a trip

Pure Tortoise Power

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So in a few days I'm going on a trip. But what about my beloved tort? I have to leave it behind obviously. I know I need to soak it for a long time before I leave. But should I put tons of food on the food dish before leaving? I'm afraid the food will root which will attract a lot of unwanted bugs. My dad insists that the CHE and humidifier need to be turned off. It's that gonna be okay? The outside temps during those few days are at least 29c and at least 70 humidity.
 

jsheffield

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When I go away for up to a week, I feed and soak Darwin ahead of time, then just leave him with some greens, normal pothos leaves, to eat while I'm away.

His enclosure is a closed system on timers and thermostats, so it runs perfectly in my absence.

I worry less about him being a little hungry for a week than I would about boarding him somewhere, or having someone come in and possibly mess something up.

Jamie
 

Lyn W

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Is your che on a thermostat?
That way it will only come on when needed.
How long are you going for? I would be more worried about water if it's for a while. Is there someone who can pop in and make sure he has fresh water?
Maybe soak any food you leave for him in water to hydrate it.
 

Pure Tortoise Power

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Is your che on a thermostat?
That way it will only come on when needed.
How long are you going for? I would be more worried about water if it's for a while. Is there someone who can pop in and make sure he has fresh water?
Maybe soak any food you leave for him in water to hydrate it.
I don't have a thermostat. And yes, I am also concerned about the water bowl drying out from evaporation. I'll be going for 3 days. I guess I'll get someone to refill the water bowl and give some food on the second day.
 

Pure Tortoise Power

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When I go away for up to a week, I feed and soak Darwin ahead of time, then just leave him with some greens, normal pothos leaves, to eat while I'm away.

His enclosure is a closed system on timers and thermostats, so it runs perfectly in my absence.

I worry less about him being a little hungry for a week than I would about boarding him somewhere, or having someone come in and possibly mess something up.

Jamie
But if the food stays for too long, wouldnt it rot? BTW if the outside temp is at least 29c, it's it OK that I leave the CHE off since I don't have a thermostat?
 

Maro2Bear

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Thermostats and timers are your friends. Regardless of your upcoming trip, you should invest in these two devices. Your CHE, coupled with a thermostat will ensure 365 x 24 x 7 that the proper ambient temp is maintained. Putting your lights on a timer makes things judt so much better (and easier for you). The timer ensures your lights are clicking on and off after a given 12-14 hour period or so. Like Mother Nature.

Your tort can easily go without food for a day or two. I’m sure they do in the wild.

There are lots of posts on this issue. Soak well the day before you depart and again the day you get back. Not sure of your water bowl, but it’s usually recommended to remove so your tort doesnt flip over and drown while you are gone.

Timers - thermostats are your friends. They are well worth the expensive for proper care.

Good luck - relax.
 

Lyn W

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I don't have a thermostat. And yes, I am also concerned about the water bowl drying out from evaporation. I'll be going for 3 days. I guess I'll get someone to refill the water bowl and give some food on the second day.
If it is only for 3 days he should be OK if he is well soaked before you go and come back - he will only really miss one day.
As Mark said maybe better to not put water in in case he tips and drowns.
 

Pure Tortoise Power

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Thermostats and timers are your friends. Regardless of your upcoming trip, you should invest in these two devices. Your CHE, coupled with a thermostat will ensure 365 x 24 x 7 that the proper ambient temp is maintained. Putting your lights on a timer makes things judt so much better (and easier for you). The timer ensures your lights are clicking on and off after a given 12-14 hour period or so. Like Mother Nature.

Your tort can easily go without food for a day or two. I’m sure they do in the wild.

There are lots of posts on this issue. Soak well the day before you depart and again the day you get back. Not sure of your water bowl, but it’s usually recommended to remove so your tort doesnt flip over and drown while you are gone.

Timers - thermostats are your friends. They are well worth the expensive for proper care.

Good luck - relax.
I'll get a thermostat soon but I still need to look for a trustworthy source as using amazon isn't convenient due to my location. Timer? Mind showing examples?
OK then. I won't worry about it starving. So it should get well hydrated from the extra soaks right? And I'll make sure to remove the water bowl b4 I leave.

Thank you for your suggestions, appreciate it.
 

Maro2Bear

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I'll get a thermostat soon but I still need to look for a trustworthy source as using amazon isn't convenient due to my location. Timer? Mind showing examples?
OK then. I won't worry about it starving. So it should get well hydrated from the extra soaks right? And I'll make sure to remove the water bowl b4 I leave.

Thank you for your suggestions, appreciate it.

Timer - https://www.beeslighting.com/interm...yA9iDPumBdYzW7dzBsIdNtFVRf6pFjDBoC9igQAvD_BwE
 

William Lee Kohler

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So in a few days I'm going on a trip. But what about my beloved tort? I have to leave it behind obviously. I know I need to soak it for a long time before I leave. But should I put tons of food on the food dish before leaving? I'm afraid the food will root which will attract a lot of unwanted bugs. My dad insists that the CHE and humidifier need to be turned off. It's that gonna be okay? The outside temps during those few days are at least 29c and at least 70 humidity.

You need a trustworthy pet sitter to watch over him.
 

Pure Tortoise Power

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So I came back yesterday, everything seemed fine, it's just my little one didn't quite want to eat. But today is appetite is good as ever.
 

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