What to do during multi-day power outage?

[PogoSyd]

We had a huge storm in north Texas the other day and my place lost power. I wasn't worried about my beardie since I know she can go a day without her lights, but the outage looks like it might last into the weekend. I've relocated to a family member's house since I need wifi for work, but I wasn't able to move her (very heavy) enclosure with me.

Will my beardie be alright without her lights for up to 5 days? I'm trying to take her outside periodically for some natural sunlight, but clouds/rain are expected to come again tomorrow so I won't be able to keep that up.

 

[CooperDragon]

Outside time is good when the weather cooperates. For the longer term, I would get a small pet carrier and set up a tote bin or similar with an adjustable lamp stand, dome fixture, and a heat lamp or mercury vapor bulb so you can have something that is relatively portable ready to go. Having battery backups on hand for lights can be helpful, but typically only provide enough power to last for hours rather than days unless you spend a ton on them. The technology is slowly getting better and more affordable though. Dragons are pretty tough and adaptable so they can get through even several days without lights, even if it isn't ideal. It's good to have things like the uniheat shipping warmers on hand for emergencies in winter or when it gets really cold (well below typical room temps). In the more immediate case you're running into now, I think she will be OK if you focus on keeping her secure and comfortable. If she has a relatively safe and enclosed area to be in and can go outside for some natural sunlight at times, she'll get through the outage.

 

[PogoSyd]

Outside time is good when the weather cooperates. For the longer term, I would get a small pet carrier and set up a tote bin or similar with an adjustable lamp stand, dome fixture, and a heat lamp or mercury vapor bulb so you can have something that is relatively portable ready to go. Having battery backups on hand for lights can be helpful, but typically only provide enough power to last for hours rather than days unless you spend a ton on them. The technology is slowly getting better and more affordable though. Dragons are pretty tough and adaptable so they can get through even several days without lights, even if it isn't ideal. It's good to have things like the uniheat shipping warmers on hand for emergencies in winter or when it gets really cold (well below typical room temps). In the more immediate case you're running into now, I think she will be OK if you focus on keeping her secure and comfortable. If she has a relatively safe and enclosed area to be in and can go outside for some natural sunlight at times, she'll get through the outage.

That's good to hear! I'll look into getting a portable setup for future emergencies. Should I refrain from feeding her when she doesn't have access to light, sunlight or otherwise?

 

[ChileanTaco]

In most cases your dragon won't eat anything if it's not warm enough.
(Mine also behaves like that: Just that I offer a bowl of something he generally likes doesn't mean he takes it. Power outage, a just a bit colder day, him starting brumation: He won't take it and he takes very well care of himself by not eating when he cannot digest it. If he's full: same, I could come with the best treat ever, he won't take it.)
If in doubt, and your dragon is more of the type "eats all the time, wolfs it down" I would rather not feed her.