Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I live in Southern California and am facing the prospect of selling one of my babies to a couple who plan to drive it to Utah and give it to their grandson.

Right now, the lizard is almost 4 weeks old, about 6 1/2" in total length, and in robust good health. By the end of this month, when the transaction is due to take place, I imagine he will be almost an inch longer, and I am trying to determine the best way to get him through that long car ride.

Should I have him in one of those clear plastic "Kritter Keepers", so he will be easily visible and the grandparents can check on him frequently? I will add at this point that I don't really think they know anything about beardies, they are just the "delivery people". Or should I pack the baby up as if I were shipping him, in a muslin bag, nestled in shredded newspaper, inside a sturdy cardboard box?

Also, should I keep feeding him right up until I send him off, or would it be better to fast him for 24 hours and have him travel with an empty tummy?

Thanks. Cindy

How ever you do it, make sure there is plenty of ventilation wherever you put the dragon, and make sure the sun is not hitting whatever he is in through the window.......trust me on that! The sun going through the window and hitting a container for even just an hour or two can heat it up pretty quick even if it is not real hot out. I would use a cardboard box with plenty of holes in a shaded spot of the car. Make sure there is ventilation and no direct sun. Hydrate plenty before the trip and it is ok to feed before the shipping, just make sure there is an hour or two under the basking light before traveling to digest the food. Chris