Shipping for Christmas

I'd like to get my roommate a snake for Christmas, but I want it to be a surprise. I understand you have to sign for the animal's box when it arrives? What does the box look like? Will it have LIVE ANIMAL on it, or something? Basically, if I'm not home, and she has to sign for it, will she know that it's a live animal?

Hi,

Yes it will have live harmless retptile on the box - if it doesn't it's a felony.

Not kidding so don't ask the seller to put it in plain wrapping or anything like that. :rolleyes:

You could have it delivered to your workplace or a firends place perhaps then sneak the animal in later?

But the problem with all this is you need the animals enclosure set up and running right before the animal arrives which tends to give the game away. Could you have a neighbour or something get the tank all warmed up and setup right in advance?

"Surprise reptile" isn't really the best idea in practical terms I'm afraid.


dr del

Hiding the set up is no problem--our rooms are strictly private and in any case she can't see it if it's behind my bed. Moving it after Christmas might be a little tricky, but not too bad. She's been wanting a KSB for a while, and we decided to get a female to match my male, only after the first of the year. Thought she'd enjoy the surprise.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Also keep in mind that shipping likely won't be happened from any breeder after this coming Monday - it's just too risky that the box will be mis-placed or lost with all the other Christmas packages, and most of us won't risk shipping during Christmas week.

I just got a package on Tuesday from a breeder with no issues. But this is the last week of shipping for most breeders, so for you i think it is very unrealistic unless you find someone local.

It's been said already, but I doubt you will find many breeders willing to ship this close to Christmas! It's pretty risky. I'm not sure they have to say there is a reptile inside. I don't recall my boxes saying much more than "perishable, handle with care". Inside there is usually a note that says "harmless nonvenomous snake inside" or something like that, in the case that it's opened.