Leaving For Two Weeks

[hops523]

In about a week Ill be leaving for 2 and half weeks. I've read that when people go out of town they stop feeding a week before they leave so the snakes don't poop while they're gone. But that would mean my snakes wouldn't eat for 3 and a half weeks which sounds like a long time. I have 1 bp around 350 grams, 2 around 450-500 grams, and 1 in the 1500 gram range. I have someone to check on their water and temps, but no way they would feel comfortable feeding them. Any thoughts if I should stop feeding now?

Also, would there be a problem with putting larger water bowls in the tubs while I'm gone? Im thinking the size of a medium-larger cat bowl/smaller dog bowl.
Thanks

[babyknees]

Would the person checking on them be willing to clean the cages if you fed them before you leave and they happen to poo?

[SRMD]

don't feed 11/7days before feeding, so you could feed them now if you leave in 2 and a half weeks

[hops523]

Unfortunately probably not. They are actually afraid of snakes but are willing to change the water. Im trying to think of other options, but this is the best one so far.

SRMD94, I leave in 8 days

[Crazy4Herps]

If they're all healthy, you don't need to worry about not feeding for 3 weeks. Also nothing wrong with larger water bowls, but they'll still need to be changed.

[hops523]

Sounds good. I will definitely still have him change the water.

[Kaorte]

Will they live? Yes. But I would tell your friend to be careful changing the water for a bunch of hungry snakes

It would be helpful if your friend knew how to clean out the enclosure. Laying off feeding doesn't mean the snake won't take an enormous poo the day after you leave. Buy some gloves or something. Teach your friend how to pick up the snake and transport it to a holding tub. If they are confident they should have no problems doing this. Ball pythons are so not scary!

[SRMD]

SRMD94, I leave in 8 days

oh my mistake I misread the post.

[Annarose15]

The concern about feeding right before leaving is not defecation, it's regurgitation.

[Kaorte]

The concern about feeding right before leaving is not defecation, it's regurgitation.

Honestly, what is the difference? Worse case scenario the snake regurgitates and the friend comes and cleans the cage (hopefully). He will be gone for a while anyway so it's not like it will get fed in the 2 weeks following a regurgitation. If he feeds tomorrow then he should be in the clear.