Transporting ball python from reptile show

[AMP1998]

I'm planning on going to a reptile show in Kansas City because that is the soonest one and I might buy a ball python. The only problem is I live in Omaha,Nebraska and it's a 3 hour drive to Kansas City. Could i buy one and have it survive for the three hour drive home? What do i need for it's ride home to keep it heated and safe? Also if you're a breeder that is close to Omaha,Nebraska like in other parts of Nebraska,Kansas,Iowa, or any other places really i would also consider buying from you as you are closer.You don't have to be close but it is prefered. And if you have any other upcoming shows you would recommend please share. Thank you.

[llovelace]

Yes, just make sure it is in a secure snake bag, and that the temps in the car are not too hot or too cold. I've driven from MS to so FL with snakes.

[wolfy-hound]

It depends on what the temps are in your car. I personally just get a insulated box(or a styrofoam cooler?) and line it with crumpled newspaper and such exactly as if I were shipping it. If it's cold(I'd guess you'd have to have the AC on to make it really cold this time of year) you can get a water bottle, fill it with HOT water, then put the bottle in a sock to use as a heat source. A heat pack would be better, but unless it's really cold for some reason, I wouldn't think it was necasasry.

The seller should give the animal to you in a deli cup or bag(depending on size) so you just put that into the box and close it up(you don't have to tape it shut of course, just close the top so it can keep the warm in(agian only if it's cold!).

If you're worried about it being too hot, you can use a frozen water bottle, but you shouldn't really have that worry(unless it's really hot and you have no AC and will be sitting still for some time).

Just be sure the heat or cold isn't right up next to the animal... you just want the inside of the box to be comfy(75-85F) not hot, not cold. If the ambient temps in the vehicle will be about that temp, just use the box, no heat or cold packs.

Ball pythons are remarkably hardy, and survive being shipped and carried around quite well. As long as you don't overheat it you're probably just fine.

[AMP1998]

So no heating? What should the car temperature be? And i hope i don't sound dumb but whats a snake bag? What else could i transport the snake in or is a snake bag the best? Sorry for all the questions. Thank you.

[Adam Chandler]

Transporting a Ball Python in the car is a relatively easy process.

When I need to move BP's by car I put each snake in a individual snake bag (pillow cases work too) and put the bags in a rubbermaid. Everyone should have a floor space and no one should be on top of another snake (most likely not going to be a problem for you).
Finally I like to take a thermometer (doesn't have to be anything expensive, a regular Petco one works fine) and place the probe inside the rubbermaid to maintain an idea of the temp is inside.

The #1 killer of Ball Pythons while transporting is heat vents. DO NOT point any vent pumping out heat towards your BP(s). They will overheat quickly (which is lethal). I transport mine at 70-83 degrees (If I see 81+ I crank up the AC).
Remember, being a little cool will not hurt your BP during a trip (they tolerate it during overnight shipping), but overheating can quickly kill your BP.

[llovelace]

A snake bag is just a muslin/cotton type bag used to ship or transport snakes. like a small pillow case with ties. The person you will be buying from will hopefully provide one, or if the snake is a hatchling, they will put it in a deli cup with lid.

[AMP1998]

Should i let the snake out of the deli cup when i place it in the box or snake bag? Or just keep it in there when i put it in the box?

[mdfreak2]

just keep it inside it until you get it home less of a chance for the animal escaping into the car and then it can get into all kinds of cracks and holes and then you will have to disassemble the vehicle to find the animal because ball pythons will find the darkest hole they can fit into and if you get a baby that wouldnt be fun

[Inknsteel]

Just keep it in whatever the breeder sells it to you in. You don't want to take it out and let it roam around free. Three hours is nothing for a bp. Don't worry, it'll be fine. Honestly as long as the temps the snake gets exposed to don't drop below 70 or above 90ish, you'll be fine. When I got my boa from a show in June, the drive was a little over an hour and a half and I just kept the snake in the bag in my wife's lap in the passenger seat....

[jbean7916]

He'll be fine in whatever the breeder gives you. I'm going to the show in sunday and could bring an extra bag if you are concerned!

sent from my EVO