Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am shipping baby boxies for the first time (had way too many this year!). I need to know exactly how to package them; what kind of box? What kind of material to put in the box? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks. Annette.

Hello, I have been shipping babies for many years, and I always use the same method.

The babies will need to stay moist, so first get a small plastic container - size depends on the amount you are shipping. I usually ship four max in the sandwich size container. Drill small holes in the top and sides (midway up the side), put moist moss in, then the babies. You can put some of the babies underneth the moss to try and keep them separated. Make sure that you have some space for them to move around. Next place the plastic box into a cardboard box with you favorate packing material - ie. shredded newspaper, shipping popcorn, etc. This should be on all sides of the plastic box. The cardboard box will need to have holes on all sides and the top - not the bottom - do this before putting anything in the box - you can use a screw driver, or something sharp. Obviously you are going to need to mark the box. I ship via Airborne - have never had a problem, which I believe is to the fact that I drop it off at their shipping location.

Good Luck,

Bill

First, I've never shipped live animals, but have received two shipments of turtles recently. Please "buffer" the animals so that they cannot bounce about in the package!!!!!!!!!!! Damp, long-strand sphagnum moss would be an excellent material to use inside of an appropriately sized, secure deli-cup.

Given the "changeability" in weather now, I'd strongly suggest using a styrofoam inner box with a sturdy cardboard outer box to insure insulation during the shipment. Doubt that you'd need any heat blocks now though.
Turtle Homes (http://www.turtlehomes.org/usa/shipping.shtml) has some excellent, and successful, shipping instructions.
Kingsnake also has a forum specific for shipping; check it out concerning carriers, etc. See link below.

Best of luck with the shipping!!!

Link

OMG, almost forgot!

Only ship on a Monday, or at the latest, a Tuesday!
Do not want **any** possibility for a lost package over the weekend!
The carrier has NO liability if the package is lost or the animal arrives DOA.

In addition to the great info given above, I would also recommend dropping this off at the nearest facility that is closest to the airports (used by your carrier) in your area. The use of a styrofoam inside is also a must, I think.

The one time i shipped turtles i used the post office. The package was deliverd with out any problems and the turtles were in fine shape. Box turtles are very hardy and they survied shipping vere well.
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Jack