I think people tend to overlook how important it is to properly pack arboreals when shipping. This is how an emerald I received a couple of years was packed for shipping:
The animal was almost dead due to illness so I don't think the shipper really cared how the box was packed but it is a good picture to work with so we can all learn how things should be packed for shipping.
- The box should be big enough so the animal could move around a little inside of what ever it is kept in...deli cup, bag, pillow case, and so on. I prefer to ship in bags or pillow cases because I feel that deli cups or tupperware containers can become saunas/deathtraps if it gets too hot.
- There should be adequate ventilation!!! The box above only had three very tiny airholes in it and it was the middle of july when it was shipped.
- There should be plenty of newspaper or papertowels in the bottom of the box so the animal can be cushioned and so it can be kept away from direct heat or cold while the box sits on the runway at an airport or other delivery facility. The box above had nothing directly under the animal.
- There should be plenty of cushioning materials surrounding the snake so it doesn't get thrown around inside during shipping. On the other hand there shouldn't be so much so that the animal can't move at all...moderation works well here. Notice the box above was packed poorly with almost no packing.
- In summer months the best times to ship are very early morning or late evenings. The middle of the day hours for shipping can be deadly! Winter shipping times can be late mornings so the aimals can travel through the heat of the day (adequate heat packs should also be used during colder months. Heat packs should be placed in an area where the animal can have no direct contact with them but they can still privide adequate heat).
Even though the emerald I received in that box arrived almost dead due to illnes she was lucky she survived the trip from Ohio to Florida. I have a friend who works for UPS and he got to my place first thing in the morning to avoid her being overheated.
Everyone should pay special attention to the way they pack animals for shipping. It could be the difference between someone getting a beautiful healthy animal or getting a call telling you the animal arrived in less than adequate condition due to the pack job.
If anyone else can think of anything to add to this please don't hesitate to reply.
