How to pack a tortoise?

[speedyTortoise]

Hello everyone! We are shipping our Russian Tortoise in 2 weeks (He's 4 inches long and 3.5 inches wide). We bought shipping supplies from Reptiles2You, but need some help on packing. I did some research and found out that it is supposed to be snug, not airtight, we need to soak him before and not feed him for 48 hrs, etc. But, I also realize that Tortoise Forum is the best place to get answers for tortoises. So, can someone help me to pack out tortoise please? The shipping supplies kit included:

• One 12x9x6 insulated shipping box (FedEx approved to ship your reptiles)
• One 6.75" dia 32oz clear punched deli cup with lid
• TWO 12x16 premium natural cotton reptile bags
• One 40 hr heat pack or three Thermafreeze Cold Cells (choose from drop-down box above)
• One FedEx label pouch - if no label pouch is needed please select NO from the dropdown box.

I copied this from the website description. If anyone needs the link for the shipping supplies here it is: https://www.reptiles2you.com/Reptile-Shipping-Kit-2-12x9x6-P60.aspx

Edit: I found instructions for shipping reptiles, but I think they don't cover everything. Also, instead of the cold cells we are using Cryopack Phase 22 Cold Packs.

 

[speedyTortoise]

Hello everyone! We are shipping our Russian Tortoise in 2 weeks (He's 4 inches long and 3.5 inches wide). We bought shipping supplies from Reptiles2You, but need some help on packing. I did some research and found out that it is supposed to be snug, not airtight, we need to soak him before and not feed him for 48 hrs, etc. But, I also realize that Tortoise Forum is the best place to get answers for tortoises. So, can someone help me to pack out tortoise please? The shipping supplies kit included:

• One 12x9x6 insulated shipping box (FedEx approved to ship your reptiles)
• One 6.75" dia 32oz clear punched deli cup with lid
• TWO 12x16 premium natural cotton reptile bags
• One 40 hr heat pack or three Thermafreeze Cold Cells (choose from drop-down box above)
• One FedEx label pouch - if no label pouch is needed please select NO from the dropdown box.

I copied this from the website description. If anyone needs the link for the shipping supplies here it is: https://www.reptiles2you.com/Reptile-Shipping-Kit-2-12x9x6-P60.aspx

Edit: I found instructions for shipping reptiles, but I think they don't cover everything. Also, instead of the cold cells we are using Cryopack Phase 22 Cold Packs.

Also, what is better; a deli cup or a bag for my tortoise?

 

[speedyTortoise]

Also, what is better; a deli cup or a bag for my tortoise?

Another question; is there any particular reason why Reptiles2You and other reptile shipping companies use Styrofoam as cushioning?

 

[Yvonne G]

I've always packed them in a tube sock and knot the end.

 

[Maggie3fan]

I have shipped with shipyourreptiles.com a couple of times, and I followed the directions exactly...they are good, follow the instructions

 

[Sarah2020]

I would suggest bag is nicer thsn a deli cup. Hope it all goes well. As well as fresh green food, ensure you hydrate in warm shallow water in a high sided container every day for 30 mins. Then you know your tort is hydrated but as suggested read the guidance.

 

[speedyTortoise]

Alright. A bag came with the supplies; my tort won't suffocate in the bag, right? Also, do I need to tie the bag loosely or tightly?

 

[Sarah2020]

I assume bag is cotton and breathable
? I would add a base of shredded paper under the bag as they like to move/ wriggle and get comfy. As mentioned prior to shipping soak it and feed to avoid dehydration. I have never shipped so experts may advise additional points.

 

[Sarah2020]

I have just googled and found this

Shipping Turtles and Tortoises

The Long Island Turtle Rescue is a small local rescue for turtles and tortoises, however any turtle or tortoise needing a home from anywhere in the states will never be turned away. We will do our best to place any turtle or tortoise which can no longer be kept for...

www.turtlerescues.com

There are also utube video that may provide you more inspiration and confidence.

 

[Markw84]

I always ship tortoises 3" or more in size in socks or bags, not deli cups. I make them fit snugly to minimize movement. Pack around the bag with loose paper fill or something to restrict movement yet not to restrict air transfer. You should be sure to make holes in the sides of the shipping box. I use a 3/8" drill and make 2 holes on each side of the box, through cardboard and styrofoam.

Ship hub to hub. Only ship Tuesday or Wednesday. Monday is too busy for shippers and Thursday put you at risk of an overweekend ordeal if something at all happens to delay.

 

[Sarah2020]

Great advise and info hope that helps you ship?

 

[speedyTortoise]

I assume bag is cotton and breathable
? I would add a base of shredded paper under the bag as they like to move/ wriggle and get comfy. As mentioned prior to shipping soak it and feed to avoid dehydration. I have never shipped so experts may advise additional points.

Yeah, it is. We tried test packing him today and he was moving around a lot.

 

[speedyTortoise]

Great advise and info hope that helps you ship?

Yeah, it is.Thank you! We tried test packing him today, anything we need to change?(We are planning to drill holes later.) Also, should the packing in the bag be be try snug so he doesn’t flip himself over or something?

 

[Carol S]

ShipYourReptiles.com has a video on how to ship a reptile.

 

[speedyTortoise]

ShipYourReptiles.com has a video on how to ship a reptile.

May I have a link to it please?

 

[Sarah2020]

I had a search

Ship Your Reptiles - Packaging Live Shipments

Reptile shipping- Ship live reptiles including snakes and lizards securely and affordably with Ship Your Reptiles

shipyourreptiles.com

Lots of help.....

 

[speedyTortoise]

Thank you for looking, but it gives me an error; it says 404 not found.

 

[jaizei]

Thank you for looking, but it gives me an error; it says 404 not found.

 

[SinLA]

Hopefully the heat waves won't impact you

 

[speedyTortoise]

Thank you, this is a lot of help!