Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Okay, as I recently told everyone, 2 of my geckos I shipped out were lost in the mail for over 2 weeks but still managed to come through it all alive. These guys didn't have any cool packs with them because the nights were cool enough at the time I sent them out. However, temps went up later that same week again. Now I don't know, but from what I've seen most people ship their geckos dry..Otherwise known as they have no water sources available.. Now that was my question.. Has anyone else ever tried shipping them with moisture available?

The lady I sent them to, earlier that same week, had recieved a gecko sent through UPS that was shipping dry and it died in 2 days in the mail. I, personally believe, that my geckos survived because I moistened the paper towels in their deli cups before I shipped them out. Which provided water.. which we all know, liquids serve to decrease the effects of stress on any animal, including us. Its why they give you fluids when you go into shock. I also believe, it probably prevented heat exhaustion from the cooling, evaporating effects of the water. I'd just like to see some other people's thoughts on this possible conclusion, because, by all rights, those juvenile leos shouldn't have survived that long in the mail.
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Lucien

1.0 Columbian Redtail Boa (BCI)
3.1 Leopard geckos (2 Blizzard and 2 het Blizzard)
0.1 Savannah Monitor
13 rats
12 Gerbils
2 Dogs
3 cats
1 Albino Corey (fish)

Wow, there are just so many factors that could have affected each shipment that was made. Too many to really even start to guess why one made it and the other did not. Mostly I think it has to do with the health and vigor of the animals themselves as well as the age. You did not mention that, I don't think.

As far as moistening the towels, that may have helped, but I am sort of doubtful. These guys, although humidity does help them survive, should be able to go a couple of weeks (months?) without water or humidity and survive. THat is what the big fat tail is for!

The main reason for shipping overnight, as far as I can tell, is just to minimize things happening in transit. If one could guarantee perfect conditions I am sure that priority mail would be more than adequate.
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Steven
Royal Gold Reptiles
Specializing in LV Patternless Albinos for '03 and '04.
Working towards Bell Patternless Albinos for '05.

We did actually send them overnight... but the package in transit got lost.. only to be found 2 weeks later and finally shipped through. The geckos were about 3 months old.. 26 and 27 grams respectively. The girl who got them weighed them when they got there... She recieved other juveniles of the same age that were only 12 grams apiece which surprised me. The geckos I sent were definately in good health... eating very well.. etc. I know there are alot of factors.. but more or less my idea that they survived due to the water content is more related to the cooling issue than really their need for water.... I'm not sure exactly... I was just wondering what others thought. I can only say those 2 geckos will probably be the most pampered geckos in the world now *L*
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Lucien

1.0 Columbian Redtail Boa (BCI)
3.1 Leopard geckos (2 Blizzard and 2 het Blizzard)
0.1 Savannah Monitor
13 rats
12 Gerbils
2 Dogs
3 cats
1 Albino Corey (fish)

Yeah, that is a tough call. Could have gone either way, that is why I ship dry. I got some leos one time and they were on wet towels. It was all compacted and did not provide any cush at all. That pretty much turned me off to the idea.

One thing that might work is a separate small container with gel or wet towels and then put it in the box along side the shipped leo? Just an idea that popped into my head.
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Steven
Royal Gold Reptiles
Offspring available now from LV Patternless Albino stock for '03 and '04.
Working towards Bell Patternless Albinos for '05.