Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I pretty much use Delta Dash exclusivly, and have never lost a snake. I always pack the same way, insulated box, snake in a bag or deli cup, newspaper, and heat pack. The heat pack, from what I have been led to believe, is for the flight, since it can get cold on the plane. However, the cargo hold has to be somewhat climate controlled, with Oxygen, for live animals. I am sure they do not want dogs shivering their butts off. SO, I plan on shipping tonight to NY from San Diego area, but it is like 106 degrees. It will be significantly cooler tonight, when I actually take the snake to the airport, but I am still stressing about what to use...heat pack, cool pack, nothing....Any ideas?

Dave

I would not use a heat pack at all this time of year. Delta claims that their cargo holds are the same temps as their passenger seating areas, and even if the temps drop slightly, the insulated box will prevent the temps within your container to change. I spoke with them last week and even if there is a long layover on the flight, any live animals are taken to a temperature controlled room to await their flight.
A snake which is slightly chilled is better than one which is exposed to overheating. Hope this helps.
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0.0.1 Green tree python (Aru LT)
0.0.1 Green tree python (Wamena LT)
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0.6 100% het Albino ball python
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Dave,
I wouldn't use a heat pack, but if it helps you could use a hot cold pack that has been warmed up, and by doing that it would give off some heat during the early stages of the trip. Just keep the pack at the opposite end of the shipping container. Mike Derks

I use FedEx and they are climate controlled. I would not use a heat pack. Reptiles can handle extreme colds much better than extreme hots. Just get the animal to its destination quickly and then setup properly.
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Jay A. Martin
Jay Martin Reptiles