How do I travel with a snake?

Question

I need to take my ball python to the vet tomorrow and I'm not sure how to properly get her there. It's VERY cold out and I need to keep her warm. I also need it to be easy to put her in and out. I've heard of putting them in pillow cases and a then a cardboard box, but I'm worried that'll make her temperment go down{very friendly now} or stress her out. Is there any place that sells battery operated heat pads...if they exist? Thanks to all!

Answer 1

Putting your snake in a pillowcase will calm her down, as its a dark and comfortable environment with nothing that is a threat. A cardboard box is good as it will make her easier to carry, and also be an insulating layer against the cold.

As far as a heat mat, well it would probably be better if she just cooled down a bit. Snakes rely on heat for energy, so the warmer she gets the more active she is, and harder to handle, especially in potentially stressful situations. When she is cool she will be slow and easygoing.

Answer 2

The pillowcase and box will be fine. If the box is insulated with styrofoam, it is even better, but for such a short trip, it isn't absolutely necessary.
If you are worried about heat being an issue, you can pick up a heat pack at Walmart for around $2. They are sold in the sporting goods dept. and they are sold as hand or body warmers. One 10 hour pack should do just fine for a short trip just as this. (Just wrap the pad in newspaper before putting it in the box with the snake)

Just place the snake in the pillowcase. Add some crumpled newspaper to the bottom of the box. Put the snake bag in the
box. Wrap the heat pack with paper, add to the box and shut the box.

We just took ours to the vet today and all was fine. It was 24 degrees here.

Answer 3

Hi!

You sound like a very concerned reptile owner which is GREAT! but unless your vets waiting room is outside and you live in Michigan the it truly shouldnt be a problem. The pillow case is the way to go and with a cardboard box is even better. Also its temp dropping some is better in alot of ways too! Snakes are alot more active when they are warm and It would be more stressful for it to be warm while traveling in a pillowcase, unable to move and being slightly tossed around as you drive then it would for it to be a little cold because then it would be alot less active and they also tend to "ball" up when its cold which will also help avoid and injury.

Take care and good luck!

- Voodoo

Answer 4

I have a 12ft Albino Burmese Python. When I take Nina (my python) to the vet I have a large pet carrier that comes along. I lay all the seats down in my durango and lay out her favorite blanket (sesame street characters on it) and I let her free in the durango while I drive. Oddly enough she never goes near the driver seat. I keep the pet carrier in the back with her, I keep it open with another blanket in it so she can go in and out of it as she pleases. My vet says I have the oddest python she has ever seen. Most pythons need the heat and don't do well in cooler weather. However, if Nina is kept at the standard heat temp she gets rather annoyed. She prefers mid 70's to low 80's. So just make sure you pet is comfy and don't over stress!

Answer 5

Try a trick I use when transporting marine fish in cold weather. Use an empty picnic cooler. You can put your python in a pillowcase or box first, then put her in the cooler. It will insulate her well when outside, and you can take the lid off in your car (once it has warmed up) and while you're in the waiting room. You can line the cooler with a large bag or newspaper if you have concerns about using it for food after she's been in it. I bought a used cooler just for transporting animals.

Answer 6

Instead of a battery operated heating pad, why not do what I did and go in the automotive section and get one of those converter cords, that you plug in to your lighter socket in the car and then it converts it to a/c so you can plug in a standard heating pad? I would rather you use his regular heat rock, though, because of the familiarity issue. If it were my albino corn snake, I would put a pillowcase in his cage and let him get used to it, then when it was time to go, put him in the case, and tie the case, place it on the heat rock on the seat of my car that has been well warmed up. If you are worried about wind, wrap the pillowcase in a heavy blanket for to and from the car. It'll be alright, just try to move him very gently, and support the pillow case well. I moved my corn snake from Florida to Indiana this way and he was fine, I was just sure not to feed him for a while, otherwise he would regurgitate his food and that would be really uncomfortable. Good luck and it's great to meet a felloe reptile lover! Cheers!