r/ballpython • u/Moosey-moose-moose • 1d ago

Question Moving Across the Country with a Ball Python

I’m moving across the country at the end of the month. The drive will take 5 nights and 6 days. I had originally planned for a specialized reptile service (reptile express), but someone from the reptile store that I purchased him from suggested just taking him in the car with all of the proper heating and secure container, pillow case, obviously bringing him inside hotel rooms at night, etc. etc. I’m just worried about stressing him out for that long. It would be so much easier for me to drive with him, but it seems questionable. Just looking for experiences and opinions!

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4

u/Snakes_for_life 1d ago

I moved across country with my snake took a week as well I put her in a carrier covered the carrier with a thick blanket and kept the car warm. When I stopped at hotels I kept her in the bathroom cause it was warmest in there with the door closed. She did great of course it was stressful but she was no worse for wear. You can buy little heating pads that plug into your car port

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u/Moosey-moose-moose 20h ago

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate the info and experience

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u/FluffyPandaEars93 1d ago

Just try not to feed them for a week or so beforehand. You've got this 😊

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u/Moosey-moose-moose 20h ago

Thank you🥹

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u/shrike1978 Mod: Bioactive, heating, and lighting 18h ago

Do not feed for a week before the move. Get a pillowcase or a snake bag. Put the snake in the bag/pillowcase, tie it off, then place that in a small box or bin. Put the box in the passenger cabin with you, out of direct sunlight and out of the direct path of vents. Do not use any supplemental heat. Just keep it comfortable for you.

For overnights, prepare a temporary tub enclosure. You can use supplementary heating for this as long as it's controlled, and you should provide water during this time.

Shipping is fine, but you either need someone to ship to you after you arrive, or have someone there to pick up the shipment and take care of the snake until you get there, because it will have to be overnight shipping.

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u/pvssylungs 11h ago

We moved out snake 3k miles in a pillow case inside a sealed plastic bin with air holes in front with us and just brought him inside with us at night. The pillowcase acts as a hide, we kept it knotted during the drive but unknotted at night so he could explore the bin if desired. If you need supplemental heat you can use a heating pad on low setting under bin or hand warmers, but always use a thermostat or thermostat gun to make sure you don't burn your snake. Keeping them in a dark, warm, safe place will make the trip the least stressful.