Ever wonder about shipping of geckos. It is quite a simple process if you have all the correct materials avialable when you are ready to do it.
First, one thing about shipping animals. Yes, it can be stressful to them. Yes, we can reduce that stress to a minimum by taking some precautions. I am seriously knocking on wood here but I have never shipped a gecko that did not arrive in perfect health. I have never received a gecko that was not alive. I am realistic enough to know that if enough animals are shipped that there will be accidents and problems. I just hope it does not catch up with me!!!!
The first thing you need before you can ship a gecko is a gecko!!! DUH! But you also need a small container to put it in. It should be sized so that the animal has some room to move a little, but not so large that it gets shaken like a martini.
This is a commercially available deli cup with pre-installed holes. Paper towel cushion. If you don't have a commercially made container you can use a margarine container and poke a few holes in it. Do this from the inside out to reduce the sharp edges.
Next you need a gecko. Isn't she sweet? This one went to Nadia in Canada via the Dayton show in Florida.
Here she is all packed in her temporary house.
Next you need a shipping container. I have used styrofoam lined cardboard boxes and ones without the lining. When it is really cold or really hot the styrofoam is more critical. You can also see the small cool pack that will be shipped with this animal since has been quite warm and it is going to its first stop in Florida. This will go into the upper part of the box. This time of year you may need a heat pack. This would go into the bottom of the container.
One word about air. Reptiles can get by on surprisingly little air. You will want to make sure that there are a couple of holes to allow a small amount of air and pressure changes to occur. Don't get carried away as you my jeopardize the integrity of the box. Be sure the holes do not get covered by the packing tape!!
Loosely line the bottom of the box with newsprint. I have found that to work best. It provides the right ammount of cush and does not break down during shipping. This is important as it cushions the deli container and provides some buffer between it and any denting the box may incur. Nestle the deli cup in the middle of the newspaper nest.
Lightly layer some more newsprint over the deli cup and if you are using styrofoam lay that over the top of that. I also tape the address of the destination to top of the shipping area, but inside with the gecko.
Tape it up good, take it to your chosen shipping company (I have used and received from nearly all of them) and away she goes. This animal will be going USPS Express mail.
I hope this has helped answer any questions you may have had about packing up an animal for shipping. We can make it a safe and comfortable journey with just a little thought and action.
Steven-RGR
