Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know how to properly ship amphibians, but I figured Chameleon would be different. When packing him, do you leave him some room to walk around or should he have limited space so he doesn't get knocked around. I already have the insulated boxes. Thanks in advance.
Kevin Hoff

You can use a deli cup, zip lock container, or brown lunch bag.
Brown lunch bag works well for smaller ones.

check it out and ask some "experts"

>>I know how to properly ship amphibians, but I figured Chameleon would be different. When packing him, do you leave him some room to walk around or should he have limited space so he doesn't get knocked around. I already have the insulated boxes. Thanks in advance.
>>Kevin Hoff
Shipping herps

Hello,

First off do not use Deli containers for shipping Chameleons. I use brown paper sacks and this is usually the best method for safe transport. You have to think of it this way. None of the carriers handle the packages like we all wish they would. In a deli container if the box is jostled (to put it nicely) the animal can and will strike the side of the container. The sides of Deli containers are a hard non budging material. In a paper sack if they do strike the side it is softer, and will give way. When I pack them, I put shredded paper in the bag, place the chameleon in the bag (correctly sized for the Chameleon) and roll the top down and staple it shut. Then the paper back is placed in the center of the box and is surrounded by shredded newspaper. This will create an even more cushioned impact area if the box is jostled. Depending on the temperatures I place the Heat or cold pack on the bottom of the box wrapped in a paper sack as well. Then the newspaper and packing materials and then the animal. Once the animal is placed in the box cover it with shredded newspaper as well. Also ensure that your box is styro-foam lined always. I never ship without a styro lined box as it insulates the inside from the weather. I ship Chameleons year round so if you have any other questions please feel free to contact me off list if you would like.
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Rob Trenor
RK Reptiles
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Those containers can be used and placing cushining for them is what counts. It doesn't matter if you ship 11 months out of the year on 2 times a year. It only takes a few times to know what works not a lifetime. If you put the right material they will be fine. I have recieved chameleons from the best and not the best in different containers (deli, tupperware,cloth sack, and brown bag) and as long as you package right they will arrive fine.

Hi Joel,

We have to agree with Rob... the paper sacks are "the cat's meow" for non-injurious easy shipping.

We use the paper punch and place a few holes along the folds; place a handful of shredded paper inside (for a nest); and place the cham in. The top is folded and stapled or taped. These can be nestled into more shredded paper for a cushy ride!

Yes, we have received and shipped using deli cups and other hard containers too. But if one doesn't have all those fancy things, the paper sack is the best alternative. When we use deli cups we place paper towels or even soft foam pads inside. If it is a montane species, a moist paper towel (in warm weather) is used to keep them comfy. In cool weather - no moist towels are used.

Rob uses cloth sacks too - and these are great for the larger chams (melleri, adult panthers). These are also nestled into shredded paper for comfort.

As the boxes are destined to get bounced around - it is a good idea to try to give the chams as much soft cushioning as possible.

Morgana - Reptayls, Ltd.