when the power goes out

[Deviant]

I live in Va and we are getting ready to get snow and ice. When the power goes out what is the best way to keep our dragons warm and not to freeze to death?

 

[Ralis]

Hiya, I'm in NJ. I've stocked up on the air activated hand warmers. If we lose power I plan to put Gorbash in a shoebox with some small towels and hand warmers. It should keep him warm enough. If you have a gas stove then you could also heat a hot water bottle, wrap it in a towel and put it in with your beardies.

Does anyone know what to do about feeding during a power outtage? Gorbash is a juvie/sub adult (12.5 inches long) and eats like a horse twice a day but I know they need high temperatures in order to digest their food.

 

[Taterbug]

Be careful with the hand warmers. They can heat up pretty hot (150degrees).

 

[Ralis]

Thanks for the heads up! I've not had to use them before.

 

[sirenique]

I live in the northeast and have dealt with ice and cold related power failures a few times now. The best advice is to get a generator so you can still run the lamps, but let's face it, they're expensive for many of us to invest in for an event that may happen only once a year.

If the power loss is temporary (say 4-6 hours), grab some cozy heat-trapping blankets, lay your beardie on your sternum, and get those covers snuggled up around the both of you to maintain heat. There's nothing you can really do about the UVA/UVB bulb at this point, so focus on keeping him warm. Your body is an excellent heat source! If you can't use your own body, I've placed some chemical hand warmers in a small cardboard box before, covered the warmers with a few layers of sheets or blankets so that the heat is radiating, but not direct and placed my beardie in there. This will prevent your beardie from getting any burns, but will allow him to still keep warm.

If you're looking a sustained power loss of more than 24 hours -- and judging on the traffic issues I saw in the south the last time you guys had harsh weather -- a generator is the way to go. Get one before the nasty weather moves in, since you know traffic is going to be impossible during the weather. This article has some other great suggestions you can consider. I am lucky enough to have an exotic vet nearby (20 min drive) that I can go to in the event of a sustained power failure, even if the drive is long and difficult to make. I've also gone to friends or family that live in safer areas or have a generator prior to bad storms to avoid this issue; my neighbor is even great about calling me when I'm gone for the night and we experience power outages at my apartment complex so I can come home and keep my beardie warm. A support system is a great thing!