Buying herps on vacation?

[Lolo76]

I'm going down to San Diego this week, probably from Thursday-Monday... and since the Reptile Super Show just happens to be the same weekend, of course I plan to attend. I'm not looking to buy anything specifically, but I'm prepared for the chance that something will tempt me. Since the show is on Saturday-Sunday, and I don't plan to return home until at least Monday, should I bring some kind of temporary setup?

If I do get anything it'll most likely be a pair of Crested Geckos, Ball Python, Milk or Kingsnake, etc. - nothing super huge like a BCI or Burmese, and probably nothing with "advanced" husbandry. So I'm thinking I should bring a pre-drilled 15qt tub, water dish, hide, newspaper and something to heat it... I have an extra strip of Flexwatt that would do fine. Now this is San Diego in June, so I'm assuming a Crestie wouldn't need the heat, and nobody would die from exposure on the drive home (~8 hours through central CA). Am I on the right track? Has anyone else bought herps on vacation, and how did you handle everything? Oh yeah, and is anyone else planning to attend?

[Jeremy78]

I can tell yeah the crestie will make it . Just as long as you don't handle it and let be quiet and stress free.

Why don't you pick up some of the heat packs that people use for shipping bps? Then you don't have to worry about a thermostat or the flexwatt?

If it's for such a short period I don't really think you'd have any problems at all.

If you wanna make a quick stop in Canada I'd be more then happy to keep yeah company at the show !

[Lolo76]

I can tell yeah the crestie will make it . Just as long as you don't handle it and let be quiet and stress free.

Why don't you pick up some of the heat packs that people use for shipping bps? Then you don't have to worry about a thermostat or the flexwatt?

If it's for such a short period I don't really think you'd have any problems at all.

Thanks! As for the heat packs, would I just put them on top of the tub? I bought some when my snake was lost in the car (long story), and they seemed to get cool rather quickly - even the ones that supposedly lasted for 48 hours.

If you wanna make a quick stop in Canada I'd be more then happy to keep yeah company at the show !

LOL... that's tempting, since I am on vacation all summer! I've driven to Canada once (from Eugene OR - Vancouver), and it was such a pretty drive.

[Lolo76]

P.S. I'm going there to visit my brother, who will hopefully join me at the show - not sure his girlfriend will be joining us, since she's terrified of snakes. But I will be staying in a motel, so I'll make sure the "Do not disturb" sign is on if I get something... they already know my dog is coming, but I doubt management (or the maid) is cool with a snake/lizard. Hehe

[rabernet]

For overnight when I go to out of town shows, and I take critters with me, or bring home critters, I have a tub set up with a human heat pad with no auto off feature, set on the lowest setting. That's what I use for travel heating. The no auto off is important, a lot of human heat pads turn off after 2 hours.

As for the car ride, it really depends on how warm it is outside. You can probably pick up a heat pack or two at the show, and activate it, and put it wrapped loosely in a wash cloth or such, in a box with the snake.

If you get a crestie, make sure that during the ride, they aren't in direct sunlight for long periods of time - cresties need to be kept cool.

[kitedemon]

Hey I have used a snugglesafe pad when the travelling it is good for 8 hours or a bit longer really you need to wrap it in a blanket or towel but they are really great products.

http://www.snugglesafe.ca/


In case you have never encountered one. I got mine for a vet if there is the a storm warning I'll pop it in the mircowave and then in a cooler bag just in case the power goes out.

Good luck and have a great vacation!

[WingedWolfPsion]

Actually, given the temperatures, I would be far more concerned about overheating on a long car trip, especially the crestie. I suggest you take some cool packs as well. You want to have a solution on hand in case your car's air conditioning system fails!