Essential Carry Set-up:
Are you unsure how to best travel with your reptile, keeping it warm and safe during winter and summer:
This is a good read for you, take the stress out of reptile transportation.
The Key:
- Is to ensure they are secure, warm, and minimally stressed.
- Secure Container:
- Use a well-ventilated plastic container or a specialised reptile carrier with a secure lid.
- For Geckos:
- A smaller, very secure enclosure is best to prevent escape.
- Soft Lining:
- Line the bottom with soft, absorbent paper towels, a small hand towel, or a washcloth to provide traction and comfort.
- Hideout:
- For geckos, include a lightweight hide or toilet roll tubes work great, this helps them feel secure and prevent stress.
- Heavy Decor:
- Heavy items should be avoided to prevent injury during movement.
- No water dish:
- Avoid placing a water dish inside the carrier, as it will likely spill during transport and create hazardous wet conditions.
- Temperature Control:
- Maintaining the correct temperature is critical, as reptiles are ectothermic (cold-blooded).
- Provide Heat:
- In cool weather, a heat source is necessary. Use a reptile-specific heat pack or air-activated hand warmers.
- Safety First: Never allow the reptile to come into direct contact with the heat source to prevent burns. Wrap the heat pack in a towel or cloth.
- Temperature Gradient:
- Ensure there is a cooler area within the carrier so the animal can move away from the heat if it gets too warm.
- Insulation:
- For very cold temperatures, place the entire carrier inside an insulated bag or a larger styrofoam box (with air holes).
- Avoid Over Heating:
- Do not leave the carrier in direct sunlight, even in a car, as it can quickly become dangerously hot.
- Minimise Stress :
- During transport, Keep the transport time to a minimum,
- Cover The Carrier:
- with a blanket can help block out visual stimuli and keep the animal calm. Avoid loud noises or sudden movements.
- Secure The Carrier:
- Prevent the carrier from moving or falling over by securing it, for example, using a seatbelt in a car.
- Hygiene:
- Wash your hands before and after handling the pet. Bring any current medications or a sample of their normal food/faeces (if going to the vet).
- Supervision:
- If you take the lizard out of the carrier for natural sun exposure on a warm day, supervise them constantly and ensure they have access to shade.
- Transport Tips:
- Use an insulated container, such as a styrofoam or polystyrene box, to help maintain a stable temperature.
- Heat Source:
- Provide a temporary heat source that is secure and cannot come into direct contact with the dragon to prevent burns.
- Options Include:
- A hot water bottle, a microwavable heat bag (like a rice sock), or a commercial hand warmer pack wrapped in a towel or blanket.
- Temperature Gradient:
- While difficult to achieve a perfect gradient in a small carrier, try to set up the heat source on one side so the bearded dragon can move slightly to regulate its own body temperature if possible.
- Warm Up The Car: If traveling by car in cold weather, warm up the vehicle before bringing your bearded dragon outside.
- Minimise Stress:
- A dark container and a towel or blanket can help keep the dragon calm and may encourage it to sleep during transit. Maintaining proper warmth is critical as cold temperatures can severely impact bearded dragon’s metabolism and immune system, potentially leading to illness.
- Transportation During Summer:
- To safely transport reptiles in hot weather, prevent overheating by using insulated containers, avoiding direct sunlight, and providing cooling packs.
- Keep Transport Container Out Of The Sun:
- Out of direct sunlight, ensure it’s well-ventilated, and never place a heat source or cool pack directly against the animal.
- Use a secure cloth bag inside a ventilated box for the reptile and place frozen cool packs in plastic bags on the outside of the reptile’s container to prevent the animal from touching them.
- Park in the shade and never place the container in direct sunlight, as this can cause a rapid temperature increase.
- Consider using a sun visor for car windows. use cooling packs strategically.
- Place frozen cool packs (like sealed frozen water bottles or gel packs) on the outside of the reptile’s container, never inside it.
- This helps keep the temperature stable without the risk of the reptile getting too cold or burning itself.
- Ensure Ventilation
- Make sure the container has adequate ventilation holes, but that they are not large enough for the reptile to escape.
- Avoid Direct Heat Sources:
- Never use a car heater or a hot water bottle to warm the container, as the temperature inside the vehicle could become dangerously high.
I hope this information is a help to you, and you enjoy many safe trips and outings with your best friend……..
