Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
I'm going to be moving from Chicago to Las Cruces, NM in August and I'm a little nervous about my herps. I've never moved with them before and am unsure how to handle the 2 day drive it takes to get there. They will be in the car with me (I have 1 corn snake that will be 1 year old and a leopard gecko). I was thinking of having my snake in his old small plastic cage with a tube to hide in and no water so it doesn't spill everywhere. THe same for the gecko (separate cage of course ) Do I let them drink water when we stop for the night and take it away again in the morning for the second day of driving. How long should I withhold food before the drive? How long should I wait to feed after the move? Should I be worried about temperature regulation during the 2 days of driving?
Thanks!

Hi, I only moved three hours away but this may help some. All we did was purchase some little sterlite containers and put paper towels in them. No hide or water. If you can find a soid color one they should feel secure enough. I wouldnt even worry about giving water when you stop unless you just want to. My main concern would be the heat. But if you have AC that shouldnt be a problem. Just dont leave them in the car while you eat or anything. I dont think it will be that big a deal though once your done. I probably wouldnt feed them for a week before and maybe a few days after, but if youve had these guys for a while it should be ok. The only other concern is if you are using a Uhaul which Im pretty sure is Swahili for "really terrible moving truck company". Thats a whole other story though. Good luck.

EP
-----
Occupants not paying rent:
7 balls
2 corns(normal, candy cane)
1 pueblan milk
1 everglades rat
1 cal. king
1 gray band king
1 w. hognose
1 bearded dragon
2 fish
1 rat
5 cats

I would simply place them in either separate pillow cases or separate small Rubbermaid or Sterilite containers. Whatever you decide, keep in mind the fact that they need shade from the sun while in the car. You can accomplish this by placing the bag or container inside of a paper grocery bag with the top open. I would not keep anything (like water bowls) in with them b/c it could bounce around and hurt them.

They should be fine for the 2 days without water. When you get them in their new location, I would provide them with water immediately and wait 5 days before feeding them after the move. I would withhold food 3 days prior to your trip. Also, you may want to consider a TempGun from ProExotics to monitor their temps and move them within the car according to temps in certain spots. Slightly Lower than usual temps may be better than worrying about maintaining regular temps….Cars can reach high ambient and surface temps/heat fairly quick…just be aware when you make stops…try to park in the shade at rest stops.
GOOD LUCK!
~Jason
-----
www.members.aol.com/northeastsnakes
-
0.2 Green Tree Pythons
2.2 Ringed Pythons
2.3 Ball Pythons
1.2 Hog Island Boas
1.1 Argentine Boas
0.1 Solomon Island Ground Boa
1.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boas
7.8 Corns (various morphs)
1.1 N. Pines (Pituophis)
0.0.1 N.Diamondback Terrapin

also put the animals in a styrofoam box or cooler to protect them from the heat...especially once you get farther south.

good luck, chris
-----
www.chrisolsonreptiles.com