It's true. We are moving from sunny California to a place that has four seasons. I have scoured this site and think I have everything figured out. Am I missing anything?
How do I Find a New Vet?As I probably mentioned in a post millions of years ago, I learned that vets aren't trained in exotic animal and reptile care during vet school. They learn from like-minded peers. I was a bit surprised when my vet said that she would likely have better luck finding me a referral for Penelope than my dog. Why? My vet is an awesome RES vet because she goes to symposiums, conferences and self study. She has memberships and networks to rely upon. She will give me some names and provide a "meet Penelope" letter (health history with a personalized touch). I am going to miss my vet soooooooooooooooo much!
Where to Set Up Penelope's Tank at the New Home?
This sounds silly, but is the one I worry about the most. Right now Penelope is in the hub of the house. She sees everyone who walks in the front door and sees everyone moving from one end of the house to another (more coffee, bathroom, wake up, go to bed, etc.). She can see me in my office area when she is basking and if she swims to the other side of the tank she can see what is going on in the kitchen. She also sees us as we move about during the evening. This isn't the case at the new house. We don't have a main entry - we will be using the mud room
If I put her in my office she will see me all day, but will in essence be alone in the evening and on weekends
If I put her in the living room she will only see us pass by in the morning, see us when we are in the kitchen and when we pass by to go to bed at night
If she is in the family room (basement) she will only see us in the evening
I just don't know what to do.
Ideas??
How to Get Her Across Country in a Car?Thanks to the search function of this oh so powerful site, I did some research and decided I would transport Penelope by car with us. Now, the dog can't stand Penelope and Penelope could care less about the dog. Penelope was here first, so the dog will just have to live with it.
I bought a kitty carrier and will put towels on the bottom. It is just big enough for Penelope to turn around. That way she can hide because I am sure it will be stressful. Walmart has a portable "Car Cozy" that I can put under the towel (a heating pad that plugs in to the car lighter socket). Hey! It's summer and I will need A/C. This will keep Penelope warm while I remain cool. To be safe, I also bought a digital thermometer - the kind that has a lead on it, so I can put it in the carrier and check the temp while up front. That ought to help me avoid temp fluctuations and/or prevent things from getting too hot or too cold.
I am not a marathon driver so we will be stopping at a hotel every night. I am sure future hotel guests won't want to bathe in turtle poop so I have a Rubbermaid tote for swimming / eating. A cheap heater will keep it warm overnight. As for filtration...well...ummm...one night in poop won't kill her. I will scoop the poop if she doesn't get to it first, but won't sit up all night waiting for it.
No FencesI am going to a place where good neighbors don't have fences. No more allowing her stroll under a watchful eye. Now it requires a hawk eye. Plus, it is riverfront on the Shenandoah River - that is an accident waiting to happen. I found some no-dig fencing at Lowe's. I can put it up on sunny days or when she is gravid, and take it down at other times (
https://www.lowes.com/pd/No-Dig-Grand-E ... el/3028522) It is vertical so she can't climb up it (as she is prone to do otherwise).
Gravid in February
In California, I can take her outside regardless of the time of year. I hear that February is snow season so not sure what I will do. Maybe build her an indoor play yard on the back forty...not sure. I am deferring that for now
So...as mentioned up front, is there something I haven't thought of yet?