Driving with Python Across Country, questions about housing

[shelley11]

Hello,
I haven't written to this board in a lonnng time, but when I got Zeke 2 years ago, you guys helped me a lot, so thank you.

I am moving from Boston to Arizona driving across country, and was seeking out advice as to how to transport Zeke.
My main concerns are hydration, heat, and how to keep him snug w/o the vibration really bugging him from riding in the car.

Someone suggested to me a shoebox with handwarmers, and put him on the floor. I'm thinking maybe putting him in a shoebox with handwarmers w/ something on top of them, and then putthing him wrapped up in something so he's not vibrating all over the place.

What do people suggest. It is a 3 day drive, so I also have to figure in if I should put him into another housing when we stop, or how to handle it.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Shelley

[monkeywrench133]

I don't have any suggestions on how to transport Zeke. But I moved from Nebraska to Arizona 10 years ago (still here) and it was a two day drive, non-stop. I think you should plan on at least 5 days on the road, just to be safe, especially with the weather.

Good luck! and please let us know what you come up with. I may be moving in this summer, and I've got 4 reptiles to transport if I do.

[wolfy-hound]

Me personally:
Put his container inside a box that is lined on the bottom with bubble wrap(large bubbles if you can find it) it will dampen the vibrations so he is jostled but not vibrating constantly. You can keep it warm with either the warmers put inside say a sock, or cheaper is using a water bottle full of hot water. Every time you take a potty break remove the bottle and refill it from the tap in the restroom. Stuff it down a sock so he can't really get too hot agaisnt the plastic. I'd have 2 bottles so you only have to open his box once to change out the hot one for the cooler one.
Get your rubbermaid type container with bedding and a heat pad(even a person one that you can stick under one end) for if you are stopping. I would not put him in the floor as that is the coolest place normally. Up on a seat secured in place would be better for the amount of vibrations as well. I seat belt my boxes into the passenger seat. A large bowl with a small amount of water would not spill but give him access to water although if he has to go without during the day I do not think it would hurt him.
Myself, a lot of the time I just put them in a bag beside me on the seat or in an open top box, but then I am transporting a short distance. (Actually smaller ones travel tucked in my bra, but we won't discuss that will we? hee hee)
Again, this is only opinion, but I transported a lot of animals including newborn critters this way. Keep the box dark, and the travel container should be rather small to make him feel hidden.
I recently transported my Spider female into town and back and she rode alternatively in my bra or on top of my truck visor. She seemed to really enjoy the truck visor, and I enjoyed the looks from other drivers as she would come out to hang down and check me out once in a while at red lights. Of course she is rather small too.
wolfy(the weird)

[itzazoo]

I drove from Cali to Florida with four of my snakes. I put each of them in there own rubbermaid(small enough to make them feel snug and secure)with lots of bedding to make them comfortable and put hand warmers under the bedding. When we would make a hotel stop I would give them a bowl of water. It took five days to drive and all of them faired just well. They all ate the day after the trip. Did'nt seem to stress them.

[shelley11]

Thank you! This is very helpful!
I like the idea about the hot water in the sock, or the hand warmer in the sock. I'm probably going to go w/ the handwarmer idea, and put it in a sock.
As for the rubbermaid container, I keep thinking to myself one of those really small, we're talking shoebox sized ones, which would keep him snug, or should I give him something a little bigger so he isnt smooshed into one spot? (He's about 3 feet, takes up a decent amount of room, so he could probably fill a shoebox).
Just trying to feel out what kind of container to use.

Also to the first one who replied, thank you for your insight, the drive is like 39 hours or something wild like that, so i'm sure it will be more than 3 days, and i'm going to have to map it out and make it fun in the meantime!

I feel better, thanks for the help! I'm traveling very lightly, selling most of my possessions, but when people ask I say well I still have my clothes, and my snake. haha.

Thanks!
Shelley

[wolfy-hound]

The important things! Clothes so you don't get arrested, and your all important pet.
I would make sure he doesn't fill the container. And that is correct on the just put the water in the ttravel container, but I know most people want to totally pamper their guys. I would just bag mine and take them otu for exercise and water at the motel. Give them a rubbermaid for overnight. But then my guys are so mellow that I hang them on me 75% of the time anyway.

[Cubby23]

Well why not just rbing him in his whole enclosure? If you dontn have one buy an Ac adapter so you can get a regular plug from your cigarette lighter. Just plug in the heating pad. I think this would be best

[shelley11]

Thanks for everyone's help. The only thing about setting up his cage is that I dont think I honestly have the room to do that...
I got some ideas now though, thanks!

Shelley

[Johar]

hopefully everything will go smoothly for you. i knew my snake would be stressed in 6 hours of flight. but it was the only way i could get it home. she seems happy .. although still hiding in her hiding , since its been a week i leave her alone and just change the water.

anyways, my point is you'll find a way!

[wolfy-hound]

How did you FLY with her?? All airlines contacted thus far told me NO snakes allowed even as baggage, checked baggage or carryon. I would have to ship her. Please god tell me how you managed? Don't ask don't tell?
Wolfy