Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I am shipping a snake next week and I have all of the info on packaging and sending, but I was wondering if there is anything I need to do to ensure she is happy and safe during shipment...like soaking or feeding before hand or not...etc.
Thanks!

Make sure its hydrated by letting it drink before shipping, but DO NOT FEED it for a week or at least several days before shipping to make sure its last meal is digested well. Shipping is stressful and the snake could regurgitate a meal in route leading to a very stinky package!! Also, check to see what the temps are going to be from where you are shipping from and what they are going to be where you are shipping to. Since it is summer, you can add a cold pack to the insulated box (wrapped in paper and not in contact with the snake or its container in the insulated box)to hopefully ensure the snake will not overheat during shipping. ONLY ship priority overnight and ONLY use a service that guarantees overnight shipping. A snake sitting in the mail for several days has a high chance of overheating in the summer sitting in an unairconditioned warehouse or in transit. Thats why fedex priority overnight or UPS is so popular to ship. Delta Dash or airline is the best, but obviously more expensive. You can actually receive the animal the day it ships when the airplane arrives.