Moving across the country

[mjdoodlez]

Hello!
I'm new to this site but I've had a bearded dragon for almost 2 years now. His name is Cleo and he's the coolest. I adopted him from an older gentleman who didn't really know how to care for him (his son had him in high school and then went away to college). Anyways, I love him dearly! However, I currently live in Indianapolis but am planning to move to Austin, Texas this summer and I'm worried about moving Cleo! Does any one have suggestions on how to safely move him? I would feel so terrible if something happened to him during the move. I've read about heat packs I can get and what not but honestly, because it will be in the summer, I'm not as worried about him staying warm as I am about it being too stressful on him. Any suggestions or advice is appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Canicke]

Welcome. How long are you planning to be on the road? You're right that he probably wont need heat to stay warm, but they do need heat to help digest food. I would recommend "feeding him up" a few days before you leave, then not feeding him during the trip - unless you will be somewhere where you can provide adequate heating for digestion. Cleo should be good without food for a few days. Do you have a pet carrier? you can use any kind of box with ventilation holes, but ---. I got a small pet carrier for about $25.00. it's got a zipper top and mesh on 3 sides. wear a t-shirt for a few days to get your smell on it (no perfume, please) and put that in his viv now for him to get used to it. Then, put the t-shirt in the pet carrier with Cleo and take him for a drive. I would start with just around the block - until you know how he will react. Both of mine LOVE car rides! ABSOLUTELY DO NOT let him out in your car without at the very very least a harness. get a harness. if he jumped off your shoulder and scrambled around inside the car you would probably be worried about him and not paying attention to your driving. So - put your t shirt and Cleo in the carrier and enjoy Texas !! (like any animal - don't leave him unattended in a hot car - they do overheat) Let us know how ya both fare

 

[Hdrydr31]

I ditto Canicke's suggestions..yes no wandering dragons in the car way too many dangers.. if your going to spend time in hotels you can always get a big rubbermade tote that you could put a few of her items and clip lamp for basking/UVB needs..