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Moving to Phx! Transportation Q's!

CHARMER

CHARMER

New member
I have recently decided that I am moving to Scottsdale Arizona from Tucson. It won't be for a couple months (May) but I wanted to get some of my questions cleared up now. It is only a couple hour drive but including the loading and unloading of things it may very well take quite a few hours. It should be rather warm in May. I plan on putting my babies in sterilite tubs for the move and I will keep them in the back seat of my car.

Q's
1. Do I need some form of additional heat, even though it should be fairly warm out?

2. Should there be a certain number of days (before or after the day of moving) that they are not fed? Can the stress of a move cause a regurge?

3. Should I cover the tubs with a towel or something so that they are not in direct sunlight?

4. I have two tanks, a 10 gallon and a 35 gallon. What is the safest way to move them without them getting broken?

5. Oh and does anyone (living in the area) know of a GOOD reptile shop where I can get mice? My oldest will only eat live while my youngest does fine with f/t.

I would just like to have all of the bases covered now because March and April will be very busy months for me. Thanks for the help!
 
1. I would say no. Unless you are blasting the A/C or not using any at all they should be okay. Of course don't let it get too hot or cold. What feels comfortable for you should be okay for them.

2. I would give them 4 or so days to digest their last meal before moving. Then, I would give them the same sort of acclimation time that you would give a new snake that you bought at a store or had shipped to you. About 3-5 days time to rest and mellow. 7-10 days without a meal isn't a big deal for them and that way you're not risky stress-induced regurges.

3. I would definitely keep them out of direct sunlight. With the A/C on they should probably be okay, but I wouldn't take any unnecessary risks. Besides, being in the dark might help limit the stress.

4. Probable depends on the amount of space you have. If the back seat is open I would just wrap the 10 in a towel and set it inside the 35 and put them on the back seat. If you need to same space there are probably all sorts of things that you can stick down in the 35 gallon tank to utilize the storage space. Just no sharp things or things that could harm the glass.

5. I dunno :shrugs: :)
 
should be fine... I'd suggest shoeboxes or opaque sterolite tubs. Definately keep them out of direct sun (a towel or blanket over the top will work) while they're in the backseat of the car for the drive. Alternatively, if you have enough room, you can keep them both in their tanks and cover them with a blanket as well...

I'd highly suggest, though, making them the first things you move into the new place. Just tuck them into a room or closet where they'll be out of the way while unpacking the rest of the stuff.
 
Thank you both for the replies! I have an Acura so space I definitely limited as well as the fact that big heavy tanks and leather don't mix well :grin01:
I will be sure to keep them covered, keeps temps inside the car moderate, appropriately time feeding, and move them inside straight away. The tanks will be inside the moving truck which is why I fear damage. Has anyone ever bubble wrapped their tanks?? I guess that may be a bit extreme. Thanks again for the quick replies!!
 
I buy my snakes from about 1.5 hrs from me. He always puts them in a small tupperware with not alot of height so the snake can't bounce up and down then he puts it in a box with that foam popcorn stuff pokes holes in the box and tupperware for ventilation. stays dark and snug so the snake is pretty comfortable. Also it won't take up much spcae in the car. :shrugs:
 
I am a native Tucsonan and moved to Phoenix and lived there for about 4 years and then I moved here to Cali about 4 years ago or so and from first hand knowledge, May will be warm and I have done that drive numerous times, I would not put your snakes in direct sunlight, maybe covering them may help. I am no reptile expert but you wouldn't want any animal in direct sunlight for hours at a time. It also depends on what time of the day you decide to travel. If you go first thing in the morning you should be okay but the longer you wait to leave Tucson during the day the worse it will be. Are you hauling a Uhaul or anything? Keep in mind that if you have a Uhaul it will take longer because you will not be able to travel at the speeds you would in a regular car, and you may have to stop more than once for gas and sometimes that can take a good 20 - 30 minutes. Well I will quit rambling. Good luck on your move and you will love Scottsdale, it's gorgeous. I worked there for 2.5 years, lived in Chandler and in Phoenix. Are you moving for school or just to get out of Tucson?
 
Thanks and I will definitely keep them covered. I am not hauling a Uhaul or anything (I will hopefully be able to find a trust worthy moving company) so they should not be in the car for too much longer than the drive time. I have a TON of stuff though so it will be a big move.

I am glad to hear that you liked living there. I have been hesitant to move but I think it will be for the best. I just got my Real Estate license and I figure I can make a better living in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area. Despite my love for Tucson there just isn't much here for me anymore. . . .
 
There wasn't much for me in Tucson either, I left there when I was 20 so right around the same time as you. There is a lot to do in Phoenix but just make sure you keep up the love for those wildcats!!!! One of my closest friends got her real estate license as well and just closed on her first house in Tucson. She says it seems to be growing rapidly, but quite honestly I think you will do better in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area. Gilbert and Queen Creek actually seem to be one of my favorite spots out there. I have been told I wouldn't even recognize it anymore though! Well good luck!
 
I moved across country this summer, and moved my aquariums by wrapping a sleeping back around them and inside. I was sure to place them on the floor of the moving truck and I had no problems.

As far as the snakes, I've moved boas in styrofoam coolers with air holes. It worked for me, but not sure if it's best for your situation.

Good luck in Scottsdale, I visited a friend in Mesa and loved the area myself.

-Tony
 
You won't have to worry about corns or other colubrids being too cold, but I sure would worry about any sun hitting them - that can be a killer quickly! I would put all of the adults in cloth bags and put them in coolers. If they are styros, you can punch a few holes. If not, then just prop the lid slightly open for a little air movement. If the sun hits the cooler in the back seat, it will take longer to heat up than just a plastic tub sitting there. Ask around for friends who might lend you theirs, or check at aquarium shops to see if they have some leftover styros from fish deliveries.

Then put the babies in deli cups and put them in a cooler or styro too. If at all possible, drive in the evening or very early morning. I have been out there in May and the nights are not bad, but the days are pretty hot! And I have transported animals for shows in Az in Sept with no problems in a big cooler that we drilled vent holes into.

My brother lives in Mesa, so I get out that way once or twice per year. We will probably retire there eventually (from Florida, ha ha!)

Good luck!
 
Thanks for all the info! I think I will go ahead and do the ventilated cooler idea and maybe even get some of those sunshades that you suction to the window :) (just as an added precaution). I am unsure of the time of day I will be driving but I will do my best to make it evening or very early morning.

Even though the move will be a HUGE pain, there is one benefit that makes it well worth it. MORE SPACE!! And you know what more space means?? MORE CORNS!!!!

And even though AZ is a very nice place to retire, it does sound odd coming from someone in Florida!!!! I know that I too will end up here though!
 
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