Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We are moving from Connecticut to California (LA) this summer. We are driving a pickup truck with a small trailer, and are taking a dog, 2 quails, my cornsnake and tegu and of course BT Monitor in the truck.

Any tips on how to do this?

I am planning on getting health certificates for everybody..my vet said she'd put all the small animals on one for free! While I may not NEED this,I think its a good idea just in case someone gives us a hard time.

As of now, We are planning to black out a small tank or rubbermaid container for the lizards during the daytime driving (for their "night" and give them UV, heat, and food at night (for their daytime cycle). Is this schedule change too drastic even if we switch them over, over the course of 3-4 weeks? Will they be able to get sleep in the car?

Will Ice bought at gas stations/mcdonalds be enough to keep a 7-10 days supply of frozen food be suffiecient.

I know there was talk of BT monitors being made illegal in NYC. Does anyone know if BTs, Argentine B&W tegus or corn snakes are illegal in any states? I tried to search online, but theres not a lot of comprehensive lists of illegal animals for states.

Any info or suggestions on the logistics for taking a monitor on a 7-10 day roadtrip are much appreciated!
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Zsa-Zsu and Corny the Corn Snake
and Monaco the Argentine B&W Tegu
and Meanie the Black Throat Monitor

>>Any tips on how to do this?

Put the reptiles in a dark box. Keep them cool. Make sure the box is humid, but not damp. Firmly affix the lid, and don't bother them for the duration of the trip.

>>As of now, We are planning to black out a small tank or
>>rubbermaid container for the lizards during the daytime driving
>>(for their "night" and give them UV, heat, and food at night
>>(for their daytime cycle). Is this schedule change too drastic
>>even if we switch them over, over the course of 3-4 weeks? Will
>>they be able to get sleep in the car?

No heat, no food. If you give them heat and food, they'll be active and get stressed. Reptiles shut down in times of adverse environmental conditions, and then "wake up" again when things get better. Use this to your advantage. The most important thing is to make sure the reptile does not get dehydrated, hence the suggestion to keep them in a humid box.

>>I know there was talk of BT monitors being made illegal in NYC.
>>Does anyone know if BTs, Argentine B&W tegus or corn snakes are
>>illegal in any states? I tried to search online, but theres not
>>a lot of comprehensive lists of illegal animals for states.

Black throats are illegal to own in New York State. This will not matter to you, however, because no state can pass laws regarding interstate trade, and traveling with your pets is covered under this. As long as black throats are not illegal in California (they are not) you will be fine. If you are just passing through, the state cannot prevent you from taking your stuff with you.

Good luck,

Luke

How large is the black throat?

My black throat is not large... hes a juvie, no more than 24 inches total with tail. nose to vent is about 10 inches i think!
-----
Zsa-Zsu and Corny the Corn Snake
and Monaco the Argentine B&W Tegu
and Meanie the Black Throat Monitor

Get a big cooler, keep them dry, period. Keep them cool, not cold(60 to 70F) and have good ventilation. DO NOT PUT ICE in with them, control the temps by putting ice in a strong plastic container. Do not let the melted ice water wet the containers the reptiles are in. Take a rubbermaid, so you can water them, at a hotel or rest stop. DO NOT LET THEM GET HOT. This is standard operating procedure for over the road moves, and extented collecting trips.

IF you raise their metabolism, you will have all sorts of problems.

Do not feed them for several days before leaving, indeed make sure they are hydrated and drink water.

Remember Reptiles with a slow metabolism can go months without food without any problems(that is their design)

Remember this, Heat kills. Do not put the cooler or rubbermaids over the driveline or anywhere on the floor. Even if your truck is air conditioned, you will be surprised what will happen once you hit the desert.

Keep a constant eye on them. This is a great use for one of those cheap heat guns from Pro-exotics. You can keep a quick eye on the temps. Good luck FR

they are inexpensive, not cheap, there is a difference
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

Right cheep implies of less quality, even a Frenchy like me knows this.

I meant inexpensive, I did not mean to insinuate they were made cheaply. My bad. Thanks for clarifying, FR