Ron's Ball Python Blog

A recent post in our ball python forum prompted me to write a blog about this topic. It’s very cold now so it’s natural to wonder how to correctly transport your ball python in such harsh weather. The task is a bit easier if you’re traveling by car opposed to flying. The process that I’ll discuss will work well with traveling by car or flying but flying is trickier because airlines have certain rules and regulations that apply to reptiles. You have to check with your airline to see if you can transport your ball python as cargo.

How to properly pack your ball python
You should have the following items in preparation for packing a ball python for transport:

1. Cardboard box large enough to comfortably house your ball python.
2. Sheets of Styrofoam lining that can be purchased from Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart or from a similar retailer.
3. Heat packs
4. Soft pillow case
5. Plastic tie wraps
6. Newspaper
7. Packing tape
8. Razor blade or comparable cutting tool. Seek adult supervision if you’re a minor.

You need to cut the Styrofoam so it will fit comfortably within the cardboard box.

Styrofoam sheets

Make sure you cut out six pieces that will be placed on the bottom, the sides and the top. You’re effectively making a Styrofoam box within the cardboard box.

Box and Styrofoam sheets

Once you’ve assembled your box, you need to secure the ball python in a soft pillowcase using plastic tie wraps. You can actually tie off the pillowcase in a knot if you’d like but you need to make sure it’s very tight so your ball python can’t escape. Plastic tie wraps will pretty much guarantee a secure locking mechanism that will prevent your ball python from getting out of the pillowcase. Before tying off the end of the pillowcase, place a sheet of paper towel in with your ball python. This will help soak up any urine if your ball python decides to relieve itself during transit.

Plastic tie wraps

Before placing your ball python in the box, place ample sheets of crumbled newspaper in the box to help further insulate the box and provide a nice soft cushion during transport. You need to add one single heat pack to the box that will generate heat and keep your ball python nice and warm during travel if it’s cold outside. When using a heat pack, wrap it in a sheet of newspaper before placing it in the box. DO NOT place the heat pack in the box directly without first wrapping it in a sheet of newspaper because the surface temperature of the heat pack can often exceed 100 degrees Farenheit.

I sell 40-hour heat packs in 5-pack bundles for $14.95 + $5.95 S/H within the United States. Either phone or email me if you need one or more 5-pack bundles of 40-hour heat packs. You can also PayPal $19.90 to info@RCReptiles.com and we’ll send your 5-pack bundle of 40-hour heat packs to you at once. On a side note, heat packs are also good to have in the event that your power shuts off due to extremely cold weather conditions. You can place a heat pack in with your ball python while the power is off and since they’re 40-hour heat packs, it will provide heat for upwards of 2 days while the electricity is out!

=Heat packs for ball pythons

Your ball python is now packed for transport and there’s a heat source in there as well so it’s good to go. You just need to add the top layer of Styrofoam, close and seal up the cardboard box and you’re done! Your ball python can now be safely transported with you.

Happy traveling! :)