How do you ship snakes?

[xoxocammyxoxo]

I tried to do a forum search for information but I kept coming up with sales ads that included the word shipping in them... so...

I've talked to a handful of people in regards to their snakes which would require shipping. A couple of them I've decided on but have wanted to put off shipping because we are getting into Winter now, frost was on my window this morning and it was icy enough to freak me out when I drove my fiance to work. I'm just super worried that they will freeze to death and I don't want that to happen to my soon to be snake babies.

How safe is it to ship this time of the year when the temperatures are still over 38 degrees? I've been reading the info on the Ship Your Reptile site because, ya know, research is a thing. I would like to just hear some personal experiences from people who do ship this time of year. Maybe to put my mind at rest because I'd love to have my snake babies sooner than Spring but I'm so worried.

:bounce:

 

[Lt. Dan]

I've never shipped and not a breeder but I believe they use heat packs depending on weather. You can also see on YouTube how they are package with heat packs and styrofoam. I received my buckskin within 48 hrs of shipping safe and sound. Just look up "corn snake unboxing" on you tube. But breeders I'm sure can weigh in and give you more info.

 

[Nanci]

Here's a sticky down in my personal forum about how to pack them. Technology has improved, though, with the availability of phase change material panels which hold a steady temp of about 70F, no matter what the outside temps are. I'm comfortable in the 25-95 range. I'll even do two-stage temp control where the snake leaves with a small frozen pack to get out of Florida, which warms up to 72F by the time it gets to Memphis overnight, and a heat pack which doesn't really get going for a few hours, and by that time the snake is out of Florida, and more big PCM panels to just stabilize everything.

There _have been_ a couple shipping temperature accidents this year, including one where the heat pack came undone from the lid of the box and got down right on top of the deli. A total accident, which I've never heard of happening before, but both parties were devastated. There are a number of ways to prevent this type of mishap. I like to put the heat pack in a deli cup by itself, and then either use peanuts to position it far from the snakes in delis or stack it with an empty spacer deli. You can also wrap it in paper and use a rubberband to hold it against one of the sides, away from the delis. Most people try to avoid heat if at all possible- better for the snakes to be a bit cool than too hot. Shipping safety depends on the experience of the shipper, or on the shipper following the recommendations of an experienced adviser. I relied heavily on input from John Finsterwald, Kathy Love and Carol Huddleston in the beginning.

I pack my snakes so they will have the correct temps for a couple days, in case of delays, and also so they can withstand the box being thrown or kicked or crushed. I also make sure there is a phone number, highlighted, on the outside of the box so FedEx can contact me if there is any kind of problem.

 

[Buzzard]

We use Reptiles Express for shipping - Debbie is wonderful and can answer any questions that you may have - most shipping websites have detailed instructions and shipping guidelines. If in doubt, don't ship & make sure to pack properly - as mentioned above, things can go wrong when you least expect it. You can do a "test package" through FedEx to get certified if you have any doubts - here is the link to the question & answer page of Reptiles Express which gives a detailed list and specific instructions regarding shipping. We always check the temperatures in both locations prior to shipping - we do not recommend shipping if below/near freezing in an area or above 85-90 degrees during warm months. We shipped last week from AL to PA and the snakes got there fine with a heat pack on the inside of the box and holes for ventilation.

http://www.reptilesexpress.com/packing_guidelines.aspx

 

[MysticExotics]

I got FedEx certified, which takes a little bit of time for the whole process.
Nanci has a great step by step information on how to do it.

I currently use Ship Your Reptiles to ship, using the FedEx guidelines.

IMO, the key temp locations are the hub that they go through, and the destination temps. I will ship above 40 degress, with a heat pack. I know breeders that will ship w/ heat packs in mid-high 30's.
Another key thing is any storms, particularly at the hub. Even if it's a CA to WA shipping, storms on the east coast can and do affect shipping. I found this out the hard way.

As mentioned, pack to protect from falls, crushing, etc.

 

[kathylove]

One of the most important things that the buyer can do is to go to the FedEx office to pick them up. And I mean a REAL FedEx office, not some authorized pack and ship place. That is because shipments will usually arrive before the main office even opens, thus less time in a truck. And most FedEx offices will hold the packages to be picked up in a climate controlled office - good in summer or winter! Be sure the seller marks them as "hold for pickup".

Other than that, as already mentioned, check temps at both origination and destination as well as the hub, both for highs and lows. And especially, for any bad weather that could cause delays at airports. Worry more about overheating than over chilling - unless they get REALLY cold. If temps everywhere along the route won't drop below 40F or so, corns should be fine. If lower, careful use of heat packs should keep them warm enough. I always put LOTS of crumpled newspaper between the snake deli cups and a heat pack that is securely taped to the box. Be sure to allow some airflow to the heat pack - they do use oxygen, so keep that in mind!

 

[chris68]

With Fedex there are two hubs they may go thru, Memphis and Indianapolis, and there is no guarantee as to which will be used so it's good to track weather at both the hubs as well as the origin and destination. When possible I ship out right from Fedex's BWI Airport cargo station. It cuts off one truck ride. As Kathy mentioned picking them up at a Fedex station also reduces one extra truck ride, but when packed right that is generally not an issue. I definitely prefer colder months to ship vs hot ones. I had to delay shipping to AZ this year two, maybe three weeks during summer, as it was just ridiculously hot there.

I need that website again for the phase panels btw Nanci

 

[Nanci]

Josh's Frogs has them very reasonably priced, now, if you don't want to buy a whole case.

My contact at the manufacturer is Donna Swisher, dswisher at tcpreliable.com

The company is TCP Reliable and Cryopak.

 

[zorro]

I always pack my boxes like they were going to be delayed for 48 hours instead of the 24 hour overnight. I have only had that happen 3 times in FedEx's history with me but it is well worth considering.
My secret to shipping year round (except for stormy weather that could ground or delay planes) is using room temp. ice packs in addition to the hot or cold pack. I do use 3/4 inch foam in my boxes instead of the 1/2 inch.
(Knock on wood) I have never lost or even come close to losing any snakes. But everyone else here has some great points such as not only watching the weather at home and the destination but also the hubs.
Just my two cents
John