Moving With a Ball Python

[BluuWolf]

First off, I'm sorry if this question has been answered before but all the posts I could find on the topic were either for very short or very long distances.

I am moving from North Florida to Oklahoma soon and we are driving both a Uhaul and a car back. The trip itself is about 1,100 miles and if we did it all in one go it would take about a day to make but we may make a stop at a family members house half way. My ball python is pretty young, not a baby but juvenile for sure and was 110 grams the last time I weighed him. He will not be the only animal making the trip, there will also be a dog and two cats coming with us, the cats will be in carriers but the dog is too large so he will be free for the most part.

Our plan at first was to put the dog and cats in the car and have the snake go in the cabin of the uhaul but after reading up on the effect of vibration on them and how they should be kept mostly stationary for stress in not so sure how good that would be for him. I know shipping is also an option but I would have to ship him before I go so he would get there before me and all of his things, so he would end up just being in the box until I get there anyways.

So I guess my question is would he be okay in an insulated box or tub with heat pads for 24 hours or more,is there a better way to store him? And if so would it be better to have him alone in the uhaul where there will be more car moment and vibrations but not as big a risk of a dog accedently knocking into him or something or would it be better to take the risk of the car? Or would he just be better off being shipped and staying in the box until I make it there with all his stuff.

I just want to do what is safest for him.

[Ogre]

I would keep him in the car. Just make sure it's somewhere the dog can't get to him. I don't know if your driving or a passenger in this scenario, but if you are a passenger you could keep him on your lap. Also make sure and check the weather if it's going to be warm cooling packs may be a better choice.

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[BluuWolf]

I would keep him in the car. Just make sure it's somewhere the dog can't get to him. I don't know if your driving or a passenger in this scenario, but if you are a passenger you could keep him on your lap. Also make sure and check the weather if it's going to be warm cooling packs may be a better choice.

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Alright sounds good, I would be driving. One of us is driving the uhaul and the other the car. I was going to drive the uhaul but I'm sure I can convince my roommate to switch. It'll definantly be warm in Florida but it might start to get closer to the cold side as we get towards Oklahoma, so maybe bring both just in case and I can switch out if I have to.

[Ogre]

I'm sure that if you drive the uhaul, aka the dog free vehicle, with the snake you won't have to worry as much just set it on the floor on the passenger side.

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[Sallos]

Please make sure it is in some sort of container in the car. I would put it in a cloth bag or pillow case, and place that in a tub with a locking lid.

If it is free to roam at any time, it will crawl up in the seats or dashboard and you'll never see him again.

[BluuWolf]

Please make sure it is in some sort of container in the car. I would put it in a cloth bag or pillow case, and place that in a tub with a locking lid.

If it is free to roam at any time, it will crawl up in the seats or dashboard and you'll never see him again.

Yes for sure, I was thinking about going for an insulated tub, like getting a tub and lining it with styrofoam or the cloth padding that they use to ship them with to help with vibrations. I read on some places online that you can do that then put down some paper towels and a hide and stuff as if it were is tank and he would be okay like that, but do you think he would be more comfortable in the pillow case like you suggested with the cooling or heat pad and like some newspaper for support or something


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[Ogre]

Pillow case in the insulated container.

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[mlededee]

I would pack the snake up as if you were going to ship it and keep it in the car with you. You might need cold packs, but you won't need heat packs at this time of year in your location. It's better for the snake to be more on the cool side for a few days than for it to be too hot. If you keep the car AC on, and you are comfortable the snake should be okay as well. You can take a Rubbermaid type of container and a water dish to keep the snake in overnight when you stop so that it can stretch out and get water.

If you do decide to ship the snake, sign up for an account at www.shipyourreptiles.com and use discount code BPnet40 to save 40% off of your first shipment. You can purchase shipping supplies there as well.