Using your own packaging

[Jabberwocky Dragons]

Mandatory? From where have you gleaned this? Seems to me that if you don't need the extra thickness there's no reason to use it.

Depends on the temps...I would think 1/2 inch is fine in most cases...

Can I just buy regular brown shipping boxes and right live harmless reptile on them and ship them? Do I have to use the expensive shipping supplies if I use ship your reptiles? I would cut the foam for the inside and do it like the ones they sell it would just be brown with handwriting instead of white with perishable handle with care. Has anyone used there own boxes or knows if this is ok?

The OP asked about shipping with your own supplies through Ship Your Reptiles, not a general question about insulation and temperatures. I personally prefer 3/4'' for normal shipping but it doesn't really matter here. Ship Your Reptiles requires a minimum 3/4'' insulation to use their shipping service.

From their website:

Insulation lining must be at least ¾ inch thick. The insulating lining must cover all four sides of the inside of the cardboard box, as well as the top and bottom.

http://www.shipyourreptiles.com/en/g...s/#question-20