Shipping Snakes: What to Expect when you're Expecting
© H. Devers
Shipping snakes is a very high anxiety time for reptile keeper, breeder, and animal alike. This guide will walk you through how to prepare for receiving a shipped snake.
Before Delivery:
The first step before receiving a new animal is to create an enclosure for proper quarantine. Quarantine is essential to observe the animal for any issues, and/or to separate the new animal from your established animals so disease and parasites have no chance to spread.
Review and understand the breeder’s terms of purchase, including any sex, genetics, or live arrival guarantees, as well as what to do if the snake should arrive in poor condition or dead. This information should be easily identifiable on their sales page.
Nitrile/Latex gloves
Be sure to review any local laws, as well as federal and shipping regulations.
Thick gloves are often a good option for brand new keepers
Shipping:
Reptile shipping should take place priority overnight. This is important because live animals must spend minimal time in transit, as it is stressful and not ideal long term conditions. Although shipping is typically safe, any delay should be avoided for the animal’s welfare.
There are 2 common ways to ship live reptiles: through fedex or delta cargo. Fedex is cheaper and used for smaller reptile shipments. Delta is used typically for larger snakes and is more expensive.
The seller will choose a reptile shipping broker to take care of the sales- this is beneficial for a couple reasons. Buying through a broker makes shipping significantly cheaper, saving the buyer money. Brokers also can contact the shipping company and track packages more efficiently. In the case of delays from weather or other incidents, the seller or buyer can contact the shipping broker and figure out the status of the shipment. This is great for a first time buyer who has never received a snake via post.
Shipping brokers include:
Reptiles2You
Shipyourreptiles
ReptileExpress
On the date the snake is set to arrive someone must be available to sign for, or at the least receive the package immediately. Once the package is received, a quick evaluation of the outside of the box is essential. The box should appear intact and well secured with tape. The outside of the box should have at least 1 hole, the width of a ball point pen, for ventilation into the box. This is especially important if heat packs are used, as they soak up oxygen in order to function. If it appears damaged from the outside, tape has come off, or has any other strange appearance, photos should be taken immediately BEFORE opening the box. This will start evidence collection, should the animal inside be injured or dead. Photographic or video evidence will support the buyer in scenarios where the shipping company may have caused damage or the seller did not pack the animal correctly. The box should also be clearly labeled “live reptile” and contain a Lacey Act Label as per shipping and federal regulations. Local laws should also be checked- some regions require additional labeling. These points are essential to knowing whether or not the seller exercised due diligence before shipping the animal, and any errors should be noted in case of problems need to be reported.
Once the outside has been observed, the box should be carefully cut open. Before removing the snake, take a look at the inside. The inside of a reptile shipping box should have the following features:
Styrofoam panels in each side- left, right, front, back, top, and bottom. Not only does this enable temperatures to stay consistent, but it provides a structure within the box to keep it from becoming crushed and losing its shape.
Temperature maintaining devices may also be present- depending on the weather conditions during shipping.
A heat pack is typically used between 38-85°F. No temperature maintaining device is used between 70-91°F. Cold packs are used for 85 or higher (note: individual sellers will decide at their discretion what temperatures to ship in. This is simply a guideline for when it is typical to use heat or cold packs). These packs MUST be taped to the top panel on the inside of the box. They should never come into contact with the bag or container the snake is contained in, as that may cause injury or death. The heat packs should never be placed anywhere but the top, as it may cause suffocation.
After removing the top styrofoam panel, there will likely be filler within. This filler helps to insulate the box, while adding some cushioning and shock absorbent so the animal isn’t jostled around as much.
Fillers for shipping typically include:
Newspaper
Paper towel
Polyfill
The animal should be place in the middle, securely, with very little motion. Animals are held within bags or deli cups. Bags should be tied, preferably with a secondary securing device, such as a zip tie. The bag should be small enough to allow the animal to have minimal movement during transport, but be loose enough so it is still has some option to turn around. Deli cups should be similarly sized and also preferably have an additional securing device. Deli cups may or may not have substrate. Remove the object containing the snake, and make sure it is not damaged. Photograph any damage, if needed.
Checking the animal:
Before removing the animal, set up an easy to clean area near your quarantine enclosure so you can do a quick check up. Good lighting, paper towels, reptile relief mite spray, snake safe disinfectant (veterinary grade such as F10 is best), and nitrile/latex gloves will be needed for this portion.
Make a mat with paper towels to set the snake down on. Put the thick gloves on, if they are available.
Carefully open the container holding the animal. Be cautious! Animals are usually stressed and therefore scared- and more likely to bite! Gently “pour” or lift the animal out of the container and place it on the mat of paper towels.
If the container has feces or urine on it, that is normal and should not be concerning unless it looks abnormal.
Take the thick gloves off and place them aside on the clean area and spray them liberally with the disinfectant on all outside surfaces. Place the nitrile/latex gloves on. Pick the snake up and listen closely for any whistling, wheezing, coughing, or sneezing. These can signal respiratory infections which is a common illness. Look the snake over for any scale damage, especially on the head and mouth, or flaky and/or rust colored scales on the belly. If anything is questionable it is a good idea to schedule a vet appointment.
Next, spray the snake tail to head with reptile relief mite spray and wipe it down entirely with paper towels. Look on all paper towels- mat and in hand- for any black spots that may appear. If the dots are roughly poppy seed sized and shiny, it is likely mites. If this is the case- schedule a vet appointment and place the snake in its quarantine enclosure.
Before Delivery:
The first step before receiving a new animal is to create an enclosure for proper quarantine. Quarantine is essential to observe the animal for any issues, and/or to separate the new animal from your established animals so disease and parasites have no chance to spread.
Review and understand the breeder’s terms of purchase, including any sex, genetics, or live arrival guarantees, as well as what to do if the snake should arrive in poor condition or dead. This information should be easily identifiable on their sales page.
Nitrile/Latex gloves
Be sure to review any local laws, as well as federal and shipping regulations.
Thick gloves are often a good option for brand new keepers
Shipping:
Reptile shipping should take place priority overnight. This is important because live animals must spend minimal time in transit, as it is stressful and not ideal long term conditions. Although shipping is typically safe, any delay should be avoided for the animal’s welfare.
There are 2 common ways to ship live reptiles: through fedex or delta cargo. Fedex is cheaper and used for smaller reptile shipments. Delta is used typically for larger snakes and is more expensive.
The seller will choose a reptile shipping broker to take care of the sales- this is beneficial for a couple reasons. Buying through a broker makes shipping significantly cheaper, saving the buyer money. Brokers also can contact the shipping company and track packages more efficiently. In the case of delays from weather or other incidents, the seller or buyer can contact the shipping broker and figure out the status of the shipment. This is great for a first time buyer who has never received a snake via post.
Shipping brokers include:
Reptiles2You
Shipyourreptiles
ReptileExpress
On the date the snake is set to arrive someone must be available to sign for, or at the least receive the package immediately. Once the package is received, a quick evaluation of the outside of the box is essential. The box should appear intact and well secured with tape. The outside of the box should have at least 1 hole, the width of a ball point pen, for ventilation into the box. This is especially important if heat packs are used, as they soak up oxygen in order to function. If it appears damaged from the outside, tape has come off, or has any other strange appearance, photos should be taken immediately BEFORE opening the box. This will start evidence collection, should the animal inside be injured or dead. Photographic or video evidence will support the buyer in scenarios where the shipping company may have caused damage or the seller did not pack the animal correctly. The box should also be clearly labeled “live reptile” and contain a Lacey Act Label as per shipping and federal regulations. Local laws should also be checked- some regions require additional labeling. These points are essential to knowing whether or not the seller exercised due diligence before shipping the animal, and any errors should be noted in case of problems need to be reported.
Once the outside has been observed, the box should be carefully cut open. Before removing the snake, take a look at the inside. The inside of a reptile shipping box should have the following features:
Styrofoam panels in each side- left, right, front, back, top, and bottom. Not only does this enable temperatures to stay consistent, but it provides a structure within the box to keep it from becoming crushed and losing its shape.
Temperature maintaining devices may also be present- depending on the weather conditions during shipping.
A heat pack is typically used between 38-85°F. No temperature maintaining device is used between 70-91°F. Cold packs are used for 85 or higher (note: individual sellers will decide at their discretion what temperatures to ship in. This is simply a guideline for when it is typical to use heat or cold packs). These packs MUST be taped to the top panel on the inside of the box. They should never come into contact with the bag or container the snake is contained in, as that may cause injury or death. The heat packs should never be placed anywhere but the top, as it may cause suffocation.
After removing the top styrofoam panel, there will likely be filler within. This filler helps to insulate the box, while adding some cushioning and shock absorbent so the animal isn’t jostled around as much.
Fillers for shipping typically include:
Newspaper
Paper towel
Polyfill
The animal should be place in the middle, securely, with very little motion. Animals are held within bags or deli cups. Bags should be tied, preferably with a secondary securing device, such as a zip tie. The bag should be small enough to allow the animal to have minimal movement during transport, but be loose enough so it is still has some option to turn around. Deli cups should be similarly sized and also preferably have an additional securing device. Deli cups may or may not have substrate. Remove the object containing the snake, and make sure it is not damaged. Photograph any damage, if needed.
Checking the animal:
Before removing the animal, set up an easy to clean area near your quarantine enclosure so you can do a quick check up. Good lighting, paper towels, reptile relief mite spray, snake safe disinfectant (veterinary grade such as F10 is best), and nitrile/latex gloves will be needed for this portion.
Make a mat with paper towels to set the snake down on. Put the thick gloves on, if they are available.
Carefully open the container holding the animal. Be cautious! Animals are usually stressed and therefore scared- and more likely to bite! Gently “pour” or lift the animal out of the container and place it on the mat of paper towels.
If the container has feces or urine on it, that is normal and should not be concerning unless it looks abnormal.
Take the thick gloves off and place them aside on the clean area and spray them liberally with the disinfectant on all outside surfaces. Place the nitrile/latex gloves on. Pick the snake up and listen closely for any whistling, wheezing, coughing, or sneezing. These can signal respiratory infections which is a common illness. Look the snake over for any scale damage, especially on the head and mouth, or flaky and/or rust colored scales on the belly. If anything is questionable it is a good idea to schedule a vet appointment.
Next, spray the snake tail to head with reptile relief mite spray and wipe it down entirely with paper towels. Look on all paper towels- mat and in hand- for any black spots that may appear. If the dots are roughly poppy seed sized and shiny, it is likely mites. If this is the case- schedule a vet appointment and place the snake in its quarantine enclosure.
The snake will likely have some wrinkled or saggy skin that comes up at sharp ridges in the snake’s bends. This is dehydration which is common after shipping. Make sure to maintain a 65% humidity for a few days, and easy access to a water bowl to fix this.
(https://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?49471-wrinkled-skin)
Weigh the snake, and afterwards place it in its quarantine enclosure.
Contact the seller to let them know the animal has been received. Be sure to note any questions, concerns, or thanks!
Should you receive a dead, sick, or injured animal:
Take many photos and videos in good lighting that show the problem very clearly. Contact the seller within the agreed upon time, according to their terms of service (typically within an hour of delivery). Follow any further instructions from the seller in order to come to an agreement about the next steps.
Acclimation:
Acclimation is a time period where the new animal is allowed to settle into its new surroundings. There are many new smells, sights, and vibrations in new places that can affect sensitive snakes. During this time, the snake must be left almost completely alone, with the exception of being checked on and cleaned. It should not be handled, or disturbed for at least a week. After 5 days, the first feeding may take place as long as humidity has stayed up, temperatures have remained stable, and the animal is in good condition. After 7 days, as slow and gradual introduction to handling may begin.
Contact the seller to let them know the animal has been received. Be sure to note any questions, concerns, or thanks!
Should you receive a dead, sick, or injured animal:
Take many photos and videos in good lighting that show the problem very clearly. Contact the seller within the agreed upon time, according to their terms of service (typically within an hour of delivery). Follow any further instructions from the seller in order to come to an agreement about the next steps.
Acclimation:
Acclimation is a time period where the new animal is allowed to settle into its new surroundings. There are many new smells, sights, and vibrations in new places that can affect sensitive snakes. During this time, the snake must be left almost completely alone, with the exception of being checked on and cleaned. It should not be handled, or disturbed for at least a week. After 5 days, the first feeding may take place as long as humidity has stayed up, temperatures have remained stable, and the animal is in good condition. After 7 days, as slow and gradual introduction to handling may begin.