Hello,
I have got a question about the heat packs I am currently using. They are 40 hour heat packs. How many should I use to ship 2 AZ. MTN KINGS to an area with lows in the 20's and highs in the 30's? The box I am using is 11"x8"x8" and also has 1.5" thick styro on the bottom/top and all four sides. Any ideas would be helpful. Thanks
Reptile & Amphibian Forums
Welcome to kingsnake.com's message board system. Here you may share and discuss information with others about your favorite reptile and amphibian related topics such as care and feeding, caging requirements, permits and licenses, and more. Launched in 1997, the kingsnake.com message board system is one of the oldest and largest systems on the internet.
Using heat packs the proper way. Please respond to ASAP!!!
mountainpimp
Feb 10, 2005 12:57 PM
Replies (2)
beau
Feb 17, 2005 11:12 PM
2 should be enough. They over heat much easier than they will freeze to death.
Delta wont let you ship when its that cold. So Im guessing you are using ups/fedex/dhl. Just hope it doesnt get lost for a day or more.
But use 2 heat packs and make sure they warm up before putting them in the box so you know you didnt use duds.
hope that helps
Beau
streamwalker
May 23, 2005 07:08 AM
Two 40 hour heat packs are fine. However the heat packs release heat as a chemical reaction with the oxygen in air...So you can slow the quick burst of heat by simply wrapping each heat pack in 2 layers of bubble wrap. Then it will partly slow up the contact with the air making the heat more gentle and even. The bubble wrap also holds the heat around the pack a bit longer due to increased insulation. Also make sure that your heat pack has been activated.. Position the heat packs at opposite ends of the parcel and tape them so they can't move and put too much heat in one area.
The way described will result in much more even heat. I have checked this procedure using remote thermometers during several times of the day in temperature ranges from 40-78 degrees. You will also need or are advised to increase your styrofoam liner to at least 1 inch. You can buy the pink or blue 2x4 sheets at Home Depot.. Cut them easily with multiple cuts using a box razor. The "r" factor; or resistance to heat and and cold is much higher than white half inch styrofoam.
Make your air holes only in the four corners of the box; so as to not draw attention. Holes should be no larger than 1/8 inch. Smaller is OK.
I have shipped over 700 animals this way in the last two years... never a loss. When it get colder I use heavier 1 1/2 insuation. I never ship close to a weekend as the shippers use temps and that's when they have the largest number of misplaced articles. Ship Mon., Tues., and Wed., for no problems. Good Luck.
Ric
