moving

[cobredos]

I am moving in two parts next week and I was just wondering what the best way to move a BP was. I will be driving from IN to Il-3 hr trip, and be spending the night in IL where I can set up his actual cage for the night before I move on to MI-IL to MI is a 3 hr trip. I know that this is going to cause him stress but I want to bring him as less stress as possible. Also, I am moving on a Sunday and I feed him on Saturdays. Should I still feed him or wait until the next saturday?
Any advice is always welcome. You guys are the best!
Thanks for the advice in advance.

[JLC]

Ok....I had a hard time understanding exactly what you intend to do, but here's my best advice:


First off...just plan to skip all feedings until he's completely settled into his new home. After you've completed your move and gotten him back into his home, give him a full acclimation period (about a week) just like we recommend for bringing home a brand new snake.

Second off...if you're planning to stay overnight anywhere, do NOT take your snake out of its travel container. Leave him nice and snug in there and don't disturb him at all. Just make sure that the container stays warm (low-mid 80's will be fine for the duration) and don't EVER leave it unattended in a parked car during the day. (The heat would kill it quicker than you can imagine!) He'll be totally fine for a day or two until you can get his home all set up again.

[4theSNAKElady]

Wow...been a while since we've seen you around here!!! Anyways, I would skip the feeding(he'll be fine) since he will probably regurg anyway from the stress. For transport, this is what i use:
1.BP sized plastic carrier made of colored(not clear) plastic with appropraie holes drilled
-small cup/dish glued to bottom for water
-i have used varois plastic boxes with handles for this, such as toolboxes,craftboxes,kid storage boxes, etc.
2.place some bedding or a towel in the bottom for absorption and security
3.instant heat/cold packs for helping keep the temps appropriate.

this is only what I do and a suggestion. Whatever works best for you is what you should go with. hope it at least helps.

[cobredos]

Thanks guys. I had finals for school so that took up most of my time.
For the over night I will not be at a hotel or anything so he won't get over heated in the car, I would never leave an animal in a car EVER!
I was planning on having him settle in for a week when we get to MI anyway so that's no surprise.
The only transport carrier I have is his feeding tub. I was planning on putting him in his feeding tub for transport and just leaving that inside his cage that locks when I get back home for overnight. That way he stays in the same cage but I know that he cant escape.
If that sounds bad let me know and I can see what I can do. I don't have alot of money to spend though right now. Being in college and the driving I will have to do and the gas prices does not leave alot of extra cash at hand.
Thanks for the advice!

[JLC]

It shouldn't cost anything extra to move your snake. Your set-up sounds ok, except for one concern I have. You'll want to make sure that the inner container is totally secure so that it can't slide around inside the larger one. AND, you need to make sure that the snake is secured within the smaller container so that HE can't slide around inside it. You can put him in a pillowcase (turned inside out) and then put that inside the well-padded box. Make sure the plastic box has ventilation. And you should be good to go.


He'll be quite cozy in that little space until he can be put back into his permanent home. There shouldn't be any reason to take him out while you are traveling.

[4theSNAKElady]

It didn't cost me hardly anything at all to make mine....about$4-$5 for the plastic container, and about $1 for the heat/cold pack. Heck, you might even be able to find both of these things at the dollar store! i got mine at WalMart.

[cobredos]

I have both the plastic tub and heat packs, bought them before the spring came since I knew I would need them.
I'll be sure to pack him in there tight..will newspaper work as padding around the pillowcase. If I put him in the pillow case he will be in there for about 24hrs. That doesnt seem right to let him go without water or the proper heat requirements for him. I know that you guys are right but it just seems odd to me and I've never moved him, or any snake, before and I guess im nervous.

Thanks for the advice

[JLC]

I know it doesn't seem right...but you're projecting mammally-type feelings onto a snake. hehehe....you'll just have to trust experience on this one. Taking him OUT of the bag between one home and another will not help him in the least. It'll just make him feel that much more freaked out.