Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been readying myself for getting my first snake, and will be going to the Captive Bred Expo in Puyallup. However, that means that on the return trip I will have a 5 hour drive ahead of me. Are there any concerns I should have about bringing my new snake home? Do I need to take precautions regarding his/her stress levels? I have considered purchasing two or three of those hand-warmer things to keep it warm. It this a good/bad idea? Also - should I watch for any specific behavior to show me which snakes might not be up to snuff? Thanks.
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~Candice

no problems at all...just make sure they dont escape and make sure they have air and if u happen to leave ur car....dont leave them in ur car...becoz heat gets trapped inside and they could coook.......just remember that
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"Isn't it funny you hear a phone ring and it could be anybody, but a ringing phone has to be answered doesn't it?"

First let me tell you that I've taken multiple snakes in my pocket on 12 hour airplane flights without problems. However regarding your specific situation I would suspect that the snakes you buy will have already travelled quite a distance just to get to the show. Then they will go home with you. It is therefor expected that they will need some "come-down" time before being handled or fed. I suspect that the vibrations of car travel will be of more discomfort than temperature fluctuations. Just keep them in the passenger cabin -- not the trunk; and protect them from direct sun rays. Get them home to a previously prepared terrarium with heat, hides,and water and let them chill out for a few days before checking in on them again. They're hardy creatures. Enjoy.

Where are you from?? I'm going to that show too, and I also have a 5 hour drive. If we're from the same place, maybe we could carpool?

~Kristine

Would it be safe if you put the snake in a cotton pillow case and hang it in the car to prevent the movement/vibrations in the car?

It's a good idea to put it in the pillowcase, so that it's not getting slammed around in a harder container. (Although if you buy it in a deli cup, it should be fine...they ship them in those and they don't have much room to move anyway) I definitely wouldn't hang it...because they won't get the vibrations *quite* as much, but every time you brake or hit a bump, they'll be swinging around...the last thing you need is a corn with a concussion because it hit the window on the off-ramp!

~Kristine

I'm at school in Pullman, WA. I'm going with several other people, though, and I'm not sure if we'll have a full car. But if you want, email me with your location and phone number, and I'll see what the driver says.
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~Candice