Will my corn snake be alright to travel?!

Hello, the situation is I have a 3 month old corn snake in a small plastic tank, and I'm going to visit family for a while and I don't have anyone to look after her, the journey is 7 hours on a bus, I'll be up there for about a month if not longer then I'll be back again. I've noticed from her behaviour that she is already stressed to start with and I've heard that stress is the biggest killer in reptiles. What do I do!?!

I would avoid handling her as much as possible for a while (I know its hard) that should reduce the stress on her. Also make sure her temps are good and she has plenty of hides. I drove mine 20hrs after just picking it up a week prior (not recommending it) but he is doing great now The big thing is to monitor the temperature while you drive and make sure you have something to cover the tank so that it doesn't get to much sun. Also make sure your snake has completly digested its meal by the time you leave (even if that means skipping a feeding day.) Other then that your snake should be ok just remember to give it a few days without handling before and after the trip!

Just make sure she's been at least 4 days past feeding when you travel so there's no risk of a regurge. She can travel in one of those small tubs you get chinese take-away in, with ventilation holes.(Wilcos sell them in packs of 5), with paper towerl in there, in a handbag or shoulderbag. Then let her settle a couple of days before feeding her where you're staying, then repeat the process to return. I've brought snakes down from Birmingham via trains and tubes this way with no problems.

Is there no one at all that can look after her? If the snake was older id sujest feeding her up and leaving her, but as she is still young, not such a good idear. I have traveled with my snakes before, but not no were near 7 hours. I suppose if you must take her its all about minimizing stress. I do know that some pet shops will look after your snake for a small charge, no harm in asking.

Its a shame theres no one to take your snake while your away.

What type of bus are you going on? Is it a coach? Cos they tend to be warmer. Temperature is going to be your main issue, i'd say rather than stress.

Do the coach company your travelling with take animals on board? or are you not going to tell them? If they don't take them then i wouldn't tell them lol.

Once your on the coach it should be alright, how are you getting to the coach are you getting a lift? ie. not walking? just cos its so cold here this time of year.

Once you have your snake with you on the bus then i'd say to put him in a small sack, a pillow case works well for bigger snakes, i used to use a little cotton sack that some pillows i bought came in, when my snake was as small as yours. If you put him in the sack, then in your little plastic tank then he should be ok, the stress levels will be reduced if he remains in darkness the whole time. Plus if it gets cold on the bus you can use the sack to transfer your snake to your pocket so it can get some body warmth.

Thats probably what i'd do if i was in your position, hope that helps

All the best
Tom

I've used bubble wrap to insulate the box inside a shoulder bag when it's been cold, but really unless you're going to be outside for a long wait (which 'I'm guessing you won't, Victoria coach station isn't as cold as the train station), it should be ok.
I haven't told the train companies I'm travelling with snakes, but then they've been safely hidden as hand luggage, so I'd probably keep quiet about what's in the box! In the past I've taken gerbils in travel boxes (like critter keepers) on national express coaches in plain sight without being challenged, but their policies may have changed and they may be 'reptile-phobic'

Would something like this help keep it warm? I wouldn't worry too much about it though, don't people come back from Hamm by coach with new reptiles?.

Also, i think i'd keep quiet about the snake on the coach even if the company did allow reptiles to be transported as luggage - You never know how other passengers may react to your scaly friend.

Maybe something like these?[/URL. Should be able to pick some up from your local boots/superdrug ?. Just open the packet, stick it to the side of the box.. jobs a goodun! I'd have a thermo on hand though just to keep an eye on the temps every now n then. Or test one from the pack before you leave to see what temperatures they reach.

I've been using thermacare heat pads for my back and I'd be wary about using thermal pads unless monitored very closely, as they really do get hot.

Hmmm I'm really unsure of what to do now for the best, therma pads sound good but i have no way of monitering it on the journey

Going from what Janine said i wouldn't risk it with the therma pads unless you can monitor their temperatures. I'd guess wrapping them up in something would help diffuse the heat a bit, But still an unregulated and unmonitored heatsource can be a bit worrying.

Although if your keeping it with you i'd imagine the coach will be kept at a decent temperature anyway, to keep the passangers comfy.