How do people transport their snakes?

[Aayrick]

I was just curious how people transport their snakes if they need to go to a vet or show or something.

For me, I use the Ziploc brand latching totes with some foam cut to fit along the bottom and sides for insulation as well as holes drilled in the top for air. I'll also usually throw a towel in or use an old pillow case to cover the snake. When it's cold, I use re-heatable heat packs so my snakes don't get cold.

Since I live in Alaska, I have to be very careful about temperature differences. Also don't want one getting loose in my truck while driving. :P

Here's a link to Office Depot's site, hopefully showing the totes I use.

http://www.officedepot.com/compare/compareEmail.do?skus=721949_581853_581929_581915&privateBrandComparision=false (http://www.officedepot.com/compare/compareEmail.do?skus=721949_581853_581929_581915&privateBrandComparision=false)

[Andy_G]

Insulated box or a cooler with some warm water bottles or 1 heat pack with the snake in either a deli cup or a pillow case that's been tied properly depending on the size of the snake. Holes in the top of any container will let any heat escape immediately. Better to put 1 or 2 small holes in the side or none at all since respiration rates are so slow with these animals.

[Aayrick]

Insulated box or a cooler with some warm water bottles or 1 heat pack with the snake in either a deli cup or a pillow case that's been tied properly depending on the size of the snake. Holes in the top of any container will let any heat escape immediately. Better to put 1 or 2 small holes in the side or none at all since respiration rates are so slow with these animals.

Looks like I may have to re-drill the holes on the side and seal the ones I put in the lid. I didn't really think of the heat escaping until after I'd set the totes up. I was concerned the snakes wouldn't have enough air since the totes have a gasket. I did put towels over the snakes last trip for more insulation and was thinking of gluing some of the foam used on the bottom and sides to the top as well.

[Andy_G]

It would be a good choice to do that.

Even when shipping reptiles they need very little air exchange.

[Jim Smith]

Since I have only transported one of my snakes a couple of times and always in temperate weather, this has not presented any problems for me (yet). That said, this is an interesting subject and has made me think of a solution to this problem when it does arise. My neighbor gave me 3 or 4 large very dense styrofoam coolers that his diet program meals were delivered in. They are large enough to hold any snake 8 feet or less in size and the foam is 3 inches thick on the top, bottom and sides, so they are well insulated. I will prepare two of them by drilling breather air holes in the top and sides and adding a bungee cord for making sure that the lid is not pushed off. I have a bag of rice sewed into a cloth that I can place in the microwave oven to heat up and wrap in in a towel to include in very cold weather. This will provide gentle heat that will last an hour or so. Your thoughts...

[Andy_G]

I would once again only put a hole or two in a couple of the sides and not the top. The rice bags will work but so would water in a bottle(s) as hot as it can possibly come out of your faucets with towels wrapped around. I'm not sure which would stay warm longer whether it be the rice or the water. I would also always advise a snake bag of suitable size to secure the snake(s) within the box but that's probably just mostly out of habit with shipping so that they can't come into contact with any heat packs. It'd work, Jim.

[jossh27]

I use the same bins for caging my baby boas, just not ziplock brand they're great.

Andy do you breed and sell herps? If so mind messaging me your website/ page to check out

[Andy_G]

Pmed you, Josh