I am going to be taking a 6 day vacation and I am wondering if there is something I can leave for my Water Dragon so that he/she can eat while I am gone. My lites are on timers so I am not worried about heat and light...Do you think just leaving crickets will be okay? He/she is used to superworms so I am not sure that he/she will even eat the cricks. Any suggestions? Will it be okay if the water isn't changed for 6 days?

I always try to find a "sitter" while I'm away, where are you located maybe one of our members can help.

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Answers are great. But I prefer questions!

Visit me at www.jaysreptiles.com

I'm with Jay, you could possible get a sitter or someone to call in every onther day to check he/she is ok and to change water, feed ect, if I was near you I would watch him for you, i'm sure there will be someone near by willing to help you out,

Yep, I would agree with Jay and Donna - it would be preferable to have some look after the lizard while you are away. Snakes aren't as bad, and can be left for a couple of weeks, since they don't require as frequent feeding, the only thing to worry about being clean water, but lizards need feeding at least every other day, and could do with someone to check on the water and food. You can leave some mealworms, wax worms and crix in the enclosure, and perhaps provide some fruit and veg so that the crix don't disturb the lizard, but they will only last so long.

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"If you know everything you may as well blow your brains out because the reason for existence is to learn more everyday." - Mark O'Shea, 2004

I have to agree. Six days is a bit long to leave them unattended. In that time they will probably have fouled their water and it won't be fit to drink. however they will drink it if thirsty enough and that isn't healthy. Also any vegetable matter left in there for any length of time will mold. Live crickets may chew on the dragon. And if your heat lamp burns out the dragon is going to be cold for however long it takes you to get back. A sure ticket to respiratory infection.
If there is some one that could at least come by and change out the water ever couple of days you could pre package some bags of food so all they would have to do is toss them in a bowl. You might check with your vet and see if there is anyone in the area that does petsitting for reptiles.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Thanks for the coaching. I called my vet today and asked if any of the techs would be willing to stay at my house while I am away. I also have 3 cats and 2 dogs (beautiful huskies) and they were going to be either left alone (cats) or left at the kennsl (dogs...so sad). But - after your feedback I reconsidered. I now have a pet sitter - a much qualified young lady who is a vet tech agreed to stay with all my "friends". A much better solution all around. I have to take a moment to tell you that I don't often sign in but I do read all the new posts every night. I am a new herp fan and I find it fascinating. I've learned so much - but mostly how friendly you all seem to be, even on topics unrelated to our creatures. I like to end my day by signing in and reading through the new posts and just keeping up with my invisible friends (as my daughter calls you all). I live in the north suburbs of Chicago and I picked up a flier at the vet - there is a Reptile Fest in Chicago on April 2-3. For more info you can log onto www.chicagoherp.org. And again, thanks.

That's great, you'll be much happier while your away knowing they are all taken care of.

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Answers are great. But I prefer questions!

Visit me at www.jaysreptiles.com

Good deal! As Jay said you will enjoy your vacation so much more without having to worry about whats going on at home with the critters!
We're glad you like us!

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

"Invisible friends" I love it! We are as happy to have you here as you are to be here, and look forward to many more posts from you

So glad you have found someone to take care of your animals while you're away - as everyone said, you will be so much happier on your holidays if you know they are being well looked after. I am dreading my holidays this year, I stress when we leave the animals overnight, but we will have good friends taking care of them, and they will be fine.

Hope you enjoy your holiday!

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"If you know everything you may as well blow your brains out because the reason for existence is to learn more everyday." - Mark O'Shea, 2004

For future reference and an FYI to others:

There is a sitter's list available here: Herp Sitters' List

I have NO idea how up-to-date it is, though... I keep trying to get added but I'm STILL not there .