Vacation?

[frogman]

What do you fellow amphibian keeper's do when you go on a vacation to keep you amphibians alive when you leave for a long time? Please respond soon!

 

[Greatwtehunter]

I over feed them for a few weeks ahead of time and do extensive water changes the day before I leave. I go on vacation every August for 10 days and I have yet to come home to a loss. Salamanders can easily go 2 or 3 weeks without food if they are well fed ahead of time.

 

[Jennewt]

I agree. The key to success is to make preparations for a couple of weeks before you go. Extra feedings and extra cleanings ahead of time. If you have a tank where the water level (or anything else) needs frequent tending, find a way to arrange things so that it doesn't need that tending.

 

[frogman]

Ok thanks. Any more replies or PM's would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Bellabelloo]

I do the same as the others. Feed well a week or so before you go, a careful clean/ and water change or top up. Any lights that aren't on timers are put on timers. I close all curtains and windows and switch off any thing that may create a heat source. Any juveniles that generally require more frequent feeding are left with a reasonable supply of live food.
When you return, carry out your usual water changes if required. Do a general clean up and resume feeding as you would normally.
How long are you expecting to be away for and what species will be left alone?

 

[Jennewt]

I have a long litany of advice and cautions regarding newt-sitters. Will you be having anyone else care for the animals?

 

[frogman]

I have a neighbor that loves to take care of them but she is $20. I could use a more reasonable way and cheaper way. The ones that require the most food are very young dart frogs.

 

[Jennewt]

You didn't answer how long you'll be gone. This makes a lot of difference. Would your neighbor cost less if she only had to take care of the young darts and nothing else?

 

[frogman]

Sorry for personal reasons only.

 

[frogman]

Not personal safety reasons really.