We're going away for five nights, and I'm a little worried about leaving the snakes. I know they'll be fine as far as eating is concerned because they only eat once a week anyway. They should also be ok with regard to heating because we can leave the AC on about 75 and their lamps are on thermostats. However, I'm worried about their water...What can I do to make sure that the water doesn't evaporate out too quickly because of the lamps and stays clean enough? I don't want it to grow bacteria...is 5 nights without a water change long enough to cause serious bacterial growth? I don't want anyone to get sick from drinking unsafe water...

I don't know anyone at all who would be willing to check on snakes, and the Herp Sitter's web site doesn't list anyone in my area. Should I just put in the biggest bowls of water I can and hope for the best? (Snakes can't drown in a bowl of water, can they? )

One more thing...What about cleaning?...I use paper towels, and the corns poo at least two or three times a week...will it be ok until we get back, or is it going to cause serious salmonella growth?

__________________
~Juliane~

Juliane,, for 5 nights I think the water would be fine. I use a large shallow bowl for when we go away and it has never evaporated completely. When I do return I do a major cleaning of the tank,,,my corns also poo 2 or 3 times a week so it usually is messy without us there to spot clean,.

__________________
Ken
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." -- Ronald Reagan

Juliane just fill their water bowls, put them on the cool end of the tank and don't worry! Of course make sure the cage is secure! If you are concerned about the waste don't feed them the week before you leave. They will be fine.

__________________
Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

I agree with Ken and Merlin -- don't worry. You can put an extra waterbowl in if you think that's a problem... just keep it on the cool side of the tanks.
The temps shouldn't be a problem now that it's spring/summer... just make sure the tanks are not exposed to any direct sunlight or the temps could go through the roof!
Temps that are too high are far more dangerous to snakes than temps that are too low.

The other major thing to triple-check is what Merlin mentioned -- secure enclosures!!! With all of the "escapees" we've heard about lately, it's best to make absolutely sure there is no way for your babies to get out for their own vacation!!!

__________________
Andrea

Thank you ! I feel better now.

......as far as escapees go, all the tanks are All-Glass Critter Cages with locking lids...I've either got them tied shut or locked with a piece of bent metal tubing. I don't think they'll get out.

__________________
~Juliane~

one large water bowl will be fine. I do the same thing EVERY two weeks, when I spend the weekend with my dad. I have also been away for a week a few times before. All of my animals are fine. the water is ok.

__________________
-Adam

"Help Protect our Planet from Overcollection, Purchase Aquacultured Livestock and Captive Bred Herps"

Thats whats nice about snakes...you CAN leave them....I have the iguanas, Leopard Geckos, Bearded Dragon and uro...so I need a petsitter when and IF (and its a big IF) I go away...Lyn

__________________
Warmest Regards from Lyn

If you're really concerned about the water evaporating, why not try a drip system similar to what we would use for Chameleons only with a bigger container. Position it so it will drip into the water dish. Just a thought.

__________________
Val
www.reptilerescuerichmond.org

good idea esbat. Or you could just poke a hole in the lid of a large water bottle and put it over the bowl

__________________
-Adam

"Help Protect our Planet from Overcollection, Purchase Aquacultured Livestock and Captive Bred Herps"

i went away for 7 days before when my family and I went to texas. i put larger water dishes in with my snakes and when I came back everyone was perfectly fine. i'm sure your snakes will be fine as well don't worry.

__________________

yes i am a she ^_^

~My Babies~

1 Rosy Boa (male) Chaos
1 Snow Corn (male) Blizzard
1 Anertherystic Corn (male) Bullet
1 Senegal Parrot (male) Shadow
2 dogs (male) Spot and Bear