Moving snakes in 110 degree weather.

So long story short I have to move my snakes. Issue is that its about 110F out here during the day. I have thought about moving at night, since I only have to move 2 snakes and a Rack. My AC in my car works well, It goes to a bearable temp within 5 or 10 minutes. My question is can I move them safely with it being so hot? Is there anywhere I can buy a cooling pack? Should I try to put together a box that will hold both snakes and an ice-pack? I am just worried because the heat will kill a snake much faster than the cold. I will be driving for about an hour, give or take 10 minutes. My idea for transport is to put each snake in a pillowcase, and put that in a box, and put some foam or something to separate the snakes from the ice-pack.

I just don't know what the best way would be with so much heat. And its not like I'm only going to be driving for 5 minutes. So what would you guys recommend?

If your AC works, you could let the car run a bit to cool down the temps, then move the snakes into the car, so the heat would be very brief.

1) Buy a cooler, put it in your animal room open and let it come up to temperature.

2) Turn car on so it's reasonable inside.

3) Bag snakes and place them in cooler and close it.

4) Move snakes.

The idea with the Cooler is that it will help you avoid the fact that it's 110 outside. The insulation will keep the snakes a more consistent temperature and make your life easier.

As long as you're not moving across the country, you're fine with the above. No ice needed. Ice is not a good idea in general though.

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Originally Posted by pbenner

1) Buy a cooler, put it in your animal room open and let it come up to temperature.

2) Turn car on so it's reasonable inside.

3) Bag snakes and place them in cooler and close it.

4) Move snakes.

The idea with the Cooler is that it will help you avoid the fact that it's 110 outside. The insulation will keep the snakes a more consistent temperature and make your life easier.

As long as you're not moving across the country, you're fine with the above. No ice needed. Ice is not a good idea in general though.

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I agree with this top to bottom.

Thanks guys, great replies as always. :)

Styrofoam cooler good enough? Or should I spring for one of those plastic ones?

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Originally Posted by sur3fir3

Styrofoam cooler good enough? Or should I spring for one of those plastic ones?

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It's fine...it's how snakes are air-shipped...as long as it's thick styro-foam (like food or prey was shipped in).

pbenner beat me to it, was going to tell you the same things...anyone keeping snakes should always have styro-foam boxes or 'ice chests' (enough to hold all their snakes without crowding) in case of emergencies, either from heat or cold. I've had to use them during long power outage (ice storm!) & my snakes stayed warm enough & healthy with just the warmth from jars of hot water (I have a gas hot water heater) that I changed every 8-9 hours. Whether they need protection from cold OR heat, insulation (in styro or coolers) is the way to be safe. Any time I take a snake in a car trip (for a program or to vet) that's how they travel, for safety...to avoid temperature changes. You can often find styro-foam boxes cheaply in thrift stores, btw...if you don't have on hand already.

And btw, when I moved cross-country (3 days worth) that's also how my snakes traveled...& all were fine.

Quick Question If I want to move them on Sunday, can I feed them on Saturday?

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Originally Posted by sur3fir3

Quick Question If I want to move them on Sunday, can I feed them on Saturday?

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:colbert: No, much better to wait until at least a day or two after you arrive & set them up again in their homes. When you feed a snake & then take them for a drive, they're
fairly likely to regurgitate their meals...trust me, that doesn't make for a good road trip. That's also why it's seldom a good idea to have a vet "assist feed" your snake in
their office too...the drive home may un-do the good deed & leave you worse off than when you started.

Eating on any sort of human-designed schedule matters not to a snake...far better they keep their meals down & complete their digestion.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

:colbert: No, much better to wait until at least a day or two after you arrive & set them up again in their homes. When you feed a snake & then take them for a drive, they're
fairly likely to regurgitate their meals...trust me, that doesn't make for a good road trip. That's also why it's seldom a good idea to have a vet "assist feed" your snake in
their office too...the drive home may un-do the good deed & leave you worse off than when you started.

Eating on any sort of human-designed schedule matters not to a snake...far better they keep their meals down & complete their digestion.

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I figured it was a bad idea, but it doesn't hurt to ask.