Shipping Reptiles guidelines.
Uniheat shipping warmers are a moist heat pack suitable for shipping reptiles.
When a heat pack is removed from the package and exposed to oxygen in the air, a chemical reaction takes place with the contents of the heat pack, generating heat.
Before beginning to pack the reptile for shipping, the first job is to carefully remove them from their packaging, shake and gently knead the contents for around thirty seconds. The shipping warmers take a couple of hours to reach full temperature.
Place the shipping warmers in the fold of a towel or in your pocket.
The heat packs will not heat up properly if left on the side.
Pictured is a polystyrene reptile shipping carton. This one also as a cardboard outer for further protection and insulation. Your choice of shipping carton will depend on the size of the reptile being shipped. This shipping carton as a 5mm ventilation hole a third of the way down the carton on each side.
The ventilation hole penetrates the cardboard outer a polystyrene inner. This ensures adequate oxygen is available for both the reptile, and allow the heat packs to work efficiently.
The shipping carton as been lined with newspaper to add further insulation.
Scrunched up newspaper is added to the shipping carton to provide a cushion against the carton bottom, adsorb any waste and provide adequate heat circulation around the reptile bag or deli cup.
Next the reptile should be examined to ensure it is in good health before shipping.
Avoid shipping reptiles that are in the process of shedding their skin.
Avoid shipping reptiles that have been fed recently and may regurgitate in transit.
For the shipping of larger live reptiles like snakes, it is usual to use a cloth bag. Ensure the bag size is of adequate size to allow the reptile to move. Many have draw strings at the top which should be knotted securely, otherwise use a tie wrap to secure the bag top.
Smaller reptiles are best shipped in a deli cup. Ensure there are adequate ventilation holes in the lid and the lid is taped on securely after inserting the reptile.
Finally the heat packs are removed from the fold of the towel or pocket.
If they were removed from the packaging a couple of hours previously, they should now be approaching full operating temperature.
Remove, and gently knead the contents one last time.
On the heat packs are one to three red stripes depending on the pack duration. These red lines must not be covered. The red lines contain perforations that regulate and allow oxygen to the pack contents. If the red lines are covered the pack will cool.
The heat packs should not be placed directly next to the reptile. Here the heat packs have been securely taped to the underside of the shipping carton lid, red indicator stripes un hindered.
The reptile is then added to the shipping carton and more scrunched up newspaper added to centre the bag or deli cup in the carton.
The lid is then taped to the carton. Before securing the cardboard outer, mark the box top live reptile and species name, and add the care sheet. It is also always worth adding an invoice copy, or address label, should the outer one become damaged in transit.
Finally tape up the cardboard outer and add the shipping label and or invoice, marking the shipping carton live reptile and await collection by your reliable livestock courier or transporter.
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