How to Package a Snake for Shipping

Snakes can be shipped using expedited services, such as Federal Express.

Snakes gain in popularity every year, and with that increased popularity there are more and more people selling their pet snakes online. Since the people that buy your snakes often live hundreds of miles away, the quickest and most cost efficient way to ship the snake to the customer is through services such as Fed Ex.

Things You'll Need

• Shipping box
• Deli cup or sack
• Newspaper, packing peanuts, or something else to provide cushioning
• Heat or cold pack
• Packing tape

Instructions

1. Ensure that the snake that you will be shipping is in good health. The snake should be free of mites, not have any kind of sickness or disease and be well hydrated.

2. Pick a properly sized box in which to ship the snake. The box should be well-built and well-insulated.

3. Choose either a deli cup or sack to contain the snake while it's in the box. Smaller snakes typically do well inside deli cups, while larger snakes should be placed in sacks. Deli cups are clear plastic containers that range in size from 8 ounces to 32 ounces. The lids should be taped closed and the container should have air holes punched into the sides.

4. Place newspaper or packing peanuts inside of the box to cushion the snake. Newspaper can be wadded up or shredded. Place it on the bottom, sides and top of the snake, with the snake in the middle of the cushioning.

5. Protect the snake from temperature extremes. Add a heat pack into the box if temperatures are expected to drop below 75 degrees Fahrenheit; use a cold pack if temperatures are expected to be above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a heat pack that will last for at least 40 hours.

6. Tape the top and the bottom of the box up well with clear packing tape. You are now ready to send your snake to its new home.

7. Verify that the shipping company you plan to use allows the shipping of snakes. Policy on the matter is everchanging. Currently, there are companies that allow you to ship snakes using their account. ShipYourReptiles is one such company.

Tips & Warnings

• Secure sacks with a rubber band or zip tie.

• It is illegal to ship snakes through the United States Postal Service.

• Do not feed a snake for a few days before shipping.

• Do not ship if the temperature is below 40 or above 88 degrees Fahrenheit.

References

• Clay Davenport Captive Bred Reptiles: Basic Overview of Shipping Reptiles

Resources

• Ship Your Reptiles: Get Help