How long would you leave your snake alone?

[Emily Hubbard]

My spring break is coming up and I will be staying at my mom's house, a total of nine days. To me, that feels like a little too long to leave my snake in my apartment, especially with the weather in transition. (I use a bulb to keep up ambient temps up on cold nights/ days, but if the weather turned 75 and balmy, which is does here, that would over heat her.

However, transporting her twice in a 10 day period sounds really stressful for the poor thing. Sadly, I don't know anyone close by my apartment who would be able to check on her a couple times and change her water. I'm just not sure what the best option is.

Any advice appreciated. Would any of you leave your babies for nine to ten days? Or risk the stress to bring them along?

[Royal Hijinx]

Transport stress is better than temperature change death.

[RobNJ]

I would leave my snakes alone for 9 days, but I have their temps and my room temps well regulated. When I go away for a week or so, I don't feed the week before I leave. I'd rather them miss a meal or two than have them make a big mess and be stuck laying in it for a few days to a week.

As far as the travel being too much stress for the snake, I wouldn't worry about it that much. Balls are much tougher and more resilient than most give them credit for. Vendors bring them to and from shows, sometimes traveling long distances, and they seem to do fine.

[abrunsen]

Im in the same situation. Im at college and I have to head home soon. For me that means moving 2 20 gallon tanks. I know if I let them here alone I would be stressed the entire time.

[Emily Hubbard]

Thanks! I know I personally would feel so much better if she was with me and I could check on her and do my routine every day. Do you think it would be too much stress if I bought a "travel tub" and rather than dismantling my whole vision enclosure set up for nine days just took a tub, the hides, a spare water bowl, heat pad, and the thermostat? Or do you think that would completely stress her out, the environment changing and then changing back? Maybe I am way over thinking ball python psychology, but I'm just trying to do what is best for her.

[WingedWolfPsion]

I'd say 9 days is too long--too much risk of them running out of water, and if the temperature isn't thermostat-regulated, definitely not good.
Better to take her along.

[Emily Hubbard]

I'd say 9 days is too long--too much risk of them running out of water, and if the temperature isn't thermostat-regulated, definitely not good.
Better to take her along.

Thanks. Yeah, my room temp fluctuates a lot because my windows are single pane and the weather has been all over the place lately, 75 and sunny like spring is happening one day, and mid 50s the next. I turn my heater on when it's cold out, just not all night, and the thermostat on my UTH does pretty good, I just have to supplement heat with a bulb on cold nights. And, I obviously need to be here in order to do that.

I'll take her with me, I really appreciate everyone's input. I agree with your opinions that some car ride stress is worth it for a week and a half of proper care in-between. I love this forum, just the help and outside opinions in making decisions like this is wonderful.

[Royal Hijinx]

I would just set up a tub of appropriate size and use that.

[satomi325]

The longest I've left my snakes is about a week or a week and a half.
I'm a university student, so my snakes had to stay in my apartment while I went to my parents' house for winter break. Winter break was about 4 weeks long, but I was close enough to take day trips once a week to feed and check up on my animals.

The snakes were fine. But let me tell you...I was constantly worrying over them while I was gone.

If I were in your situation I would set up a temporary tub and take your snake with you.
It will be easy since you only have one. It'll save you from worrying and potential risks from leaving your snake.
Good luck on your trip.

[Mike41793]

I would just set up a tub of appropriate size and use that.

x2. I would setup the tub for her and maybe even put her in it a few days before you leave so she has a bit of an adjustment period. Also when you transport her make sure you empty out the water bowl beforehand so it doesnt spill all over her. If youre worried about humidity for the car ride a lite misting beforehand will suffice. Good luck, let us know how it goes