Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We're closing on our new house on Friday, and will be moving over the next couple of weeks. Bad thing is, I have 2 clutches (13 eggs in the incubator as we speak, with another clutch due to be laid at just about any time.

I'm looking for any ideas and tips for getting this done. Just a little background. I've got my eggs in a very large cooler-type incubator (which should fit in the car). I'm using a no-sub incubation method. The move will be about 15-20 minutes from our present location, through fairly hilly terrain.

Obviously, the major concerns are temperature, jarring or shocking the eggs, and having them roll around in there (1 clutch is completely adhered, the big clutch of 9 eggs are all unattached).

I had thought about picking up a power inverter, allowing me to run the incubator off my cig. lighter, or just using heat packs...it is a short move after all. If I ride in the back and hold the incubator, I should be able to keep it fairly level and reduce jarring.

I'm pretty worried about getting these eggs there safely. Any ideas, tips, reccomendations, thoughts, comments, concerns..........thanks!
Joe Pociask Pythons

I don't think temps are your concern. I think it's the jarring and movement that can cause the eggs to go bad. If the eggs are near their due hatch date they will be fine. Eggs that are in their first 1-4 weeks are the ones that may be lost.

If these are high end balls, I would consider extending my lease or if you sold your house I would ask the new owners very nicely to leave the incubator in the boiler room or where ever they are out of the way for a few more weeks. You may want to offer some monetary incentive too.

Moving eggs should be a last resort.

Good Luck,
Oz
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OZZYBOIDS

Oz man....you're freakin me out. They're not "hi-end" per se, but I do have a clutch from my reduced X reduced pattern, and I am hoping for something special from them. Leaving them behind is not really an option at this time...

Eggs are not designed to be moved, but I think they can withstand more than we give them credit for. The movement inside a vehicle, inside the egg should be minimal unless you hammer the brakes or get in a wreck.
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Jay A. Martin
Jay Martin Reptiles

morning Joe...seriously though, I'm in the same boat...moving in the next 4-8 weeks...EXCELLENT QUESTION...looking forward to the replies lol!!

Scott

I am moving in about 4 weeks from my apartment to a house......sure could use some answers here.

Jason

Joe,

I'm going to move soon as well. If you were using a substrate method, it would be easier for the move. Since you are not, here is a suggestion: put crumpled paper between your eggs to keep them in place. That is, from rolling around. When you get to your destination, the eggs may be a bit wet from sloshing water, but they should quickly dry.

Move the eggs last after you have everything else taken care of. Move the female who is expecting eggs soon. Then you won't have to worry about transporting those eggs. Well, at least not in an artificual incubator.

If in a sealed cooler, I would not expect temps to fluctuate enough to worry. Especially for such a short period of time. But if you do expect a fluctuation that much, you could use heat/cold pack(s).

Drive nice and easy and the eggs won't be jarred. Although, they may get car sick

Good luck!
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Jay A. Martin
Jay Martin Reptiles

Joe & others,
Last year I moved from Indidna to Wisconsin, about a 6 hour drive. I had one clutch of 5 eggs that were 3 weeks old. I put them in a styro cooler w/ a heat pack on a thick bed of vermiculite. I built it up around the eggs. I put the styro cooler on a thick soft blanket to level it out on the front seat next to me. When I could see railroad tracks, rough roads, etc. I put my hand on top and held it steady. By the way this was in a 24 foot rental truck,lol. Approximately 5 weeks later they hatched giving me 3 nice healthy pastels and 2 normals. Not that this will work for everyone but it did for me, good luck. Ron
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The Crawl Space

>>Joe & others,
>> Last year I moved from Indidna to Wisconsin, about a 6 hour drive. I had one clutch of 5 eggs that were 3 weeks old. I put them in a styro cooler w/ a heat pack on a thick bed of vermiculite. I built it up around the eggs. I put the styro cooler on a thick soft blanket to level it out on the front seat next to me. When I could see railroad tracks, rough roads, etc. I put my hand on top and held it steady. By the way this was in a 24 foot rental truck,lol. Approximately 5 weeks later they hatched giving me 3 nice healthy pastels and 2 normals. Not that this will work for everyone but it did for me, good luck. Ron
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>>The Crawl Space

Sounds like you did a great job. Joe, I wouldn't worry too much. The heat can easily be controlled by you for 20-30 minutes. For jostling, I would do what Ron said, pack them in real well, and secure them in the front seat. Also, drive slow. You will piss off a few other drivers, but save the eggs. Should be easy.
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~ Noel ~
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Thanks all for the input. I know the eggs are probably tougher than we think....I just hate the thought of losing some. I'll let you all know how it goes. Any other idea out there?

Joe, many years ago (~1985) a guy shipped me some kingsnake eggs (Desert kings-splendida) from Tucson to Chicago, airfreight, along with some snakes...3 eggs in a deli cup...eggs hatched normally...and you KNOW they got a skosh bit shook-up along the way lol...

At any rate, I agree with others that temps shouldn't be a problem...a heat pack outside the egg chamber will buffer any temp changes...

...limiting the jarring is the biggest consideration...you might consider surrounding the loose eggs with some substrate...half-bury the eggs...I believe it'll work better then newspaper...you can remove the substrate after the move if you want...put your yellow warning-lights on and take it slow...I believe you'll have no problems...

My move will be roughly 1/2 hour...good luck with yours...

Scott J. Michaels DVM
Serpent City

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