Going on a longer vacation?

[michifreimann]

Context: I'm a college student in a (apartment-style) dorm, and I have a Russian tortoise.

I'm going home for winter break, so a little less than three weeks. Because it's winter break, there will literally be nobody here, and I can't take my tortoise home with me on the plane. I have the lights set to a timer, but what should I do about food? Would he be okay for that long without food, or is trying to find someone to take care of him my only option?
Thanks!!

 

[Jacqui]

Really if you can find somebody to check on him daily would be best. I have saw too many bad things happen like heat go off, timers or lamps burn out/malfunction, ect when folks leave animals alone. Three weeks is a long time. If you must leave him alone, the good news is he will not starve in three weeks. Does he like cactus? Cactus has a long life (if the tortoise does not eat it first ). Also you might try planting some of those living lettuces or other plants.

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He is of good weight correct? Another idea, but it is a bit late at this point, might have been to put him into a short hibernation/brumation.

 

[bobbymoore]

3 weeks is long but in going from Canada to st.louis mo for 2 months but I have someone lined up to take care of all my friends

 

[Momof4]

I recommend you find a friend to look after him during your break. Three weeks is a very long time. I was nervous when I left mine for 3 nights. Good luck.

 

[Laura]

you can cool him off, stop feeding and let him go 'dormant'.... or plant things in the enclosure.. Pansies, cactus, . or just get a person to come by and chek on things..OR take him to a home of a friend.. maybe someone here can assist?

 

[cherylim]

I would agree with others here. The longest I'll leave Emrys is three nights, but I spend a lot of time worrying even when I do that! Before I got Emrys, I researched the different ways I could have someone take care of him if I needed to go away for longer, and not only do I have the option to ask friends I also found a trusted local pet care service that will visit your house once or twice a day and do what you tell them to, and also found three local reptile boarding centres that I could take Emrys to.

I don't know if these are common where you are, but do have a search for reptile boarding in your local area, and for pet care services if you're happy to let someone into your house. Though I included that on my list, I consider it my last option because I'm not comfortable with a stranger having a key to my home.