Can anyone assist me in with information on how to ship an adult iguana? I am getting one from a person that can no longer care for him but he is 12 hours away so I really need to find out how to ship one. IE Packing to insure a safe arrival, It will be sent overnight but neither of us know what to do to ship an adult. Any help would be greatfully appreciated. Thanks Jimi

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Wilderness Acres Snake Ranch
Wilderness Acres Adoption and Rescue
American Cornsnake Registry Breeder#425

Its been years ago that I worked in the pet industry but we would recieve lizards like large tegus tied in a pillow case like bag in a large styrofoam shipping box that was full of those styrofoam "peanuts" that are used for packing. Of course the tegus were smooth skinned and lacked all that tail!
Not quite sure how that would work with an ig with abrasive skin and bullwhip tail!

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

I do know that it is becoming increasingly difficult to ship iguanas (adult ones) and very costly as well...but I havent had to deal with it...maybe a local pet store (I would have to say a ma &pa store) could assist you??? They deal with shipping animals all the time ...of course they ship baby igs, but you never know...good luck!!!

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Warmest Regards from Lyn

Don't they have live animal crates for larger animals like dogs?

I seem to remember having read something about that. I've never shipped a live animal before, though. I imagine it will be pretty stressful on the iguana, so you may want to have a nice, quiet out of the way place to put him when he first gets to you.

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"Let's eat, Grandpa!"
"Let's eat Grandpa!"

Punctuation. It saves lives.

i would think a vet may know the best way to handle this and I would think he would want to give some sedative to the iguana. Have you tried calling FedEx?

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

I want to thank you all for your help and suggestions, I think a vet visit is in order before shipping and I will talk to some of the shiipng companys to see if he can be shipped in a large animal crate. Again thanks Jimi

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Wilderness Acres Snake Ranch
Wilderness Acres Adoption and Rescue
American Cornsnake Registry Breeder#425

The problem with using something like a dog crate is that a dog doesn't need temperature control where as a reptile needs to be kept warm. The cargo hold of most air planes get quite cool. I know that some of them these days have climate control so that any live animals pets are kept comfortable but it may not be sufficcient for a reptile

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

I appreciate the info. Maybe shipping isnt the way to go, but Im sure not ready for a 12 hour one way trip either. Thanks Jimi

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Wilderness Acres Snake Ranch
Wilderness Acres Adoption and Rescue
American Cornsnake Registry Breeder#425

how about a wooden crate as long as the ig and about 6" wider and higher with air holes in the end where the head is , line this crate with polystrene for insulation and some hot water bottles and fill with polystrene packing nuggets and a wooden lid .
this should keep it warm and safe , just don't forget to put this way up , live animal , and fragile on the box .
p.s never shipped reps before so just an idea.

Don't ship an adult iguana through normal methods.

The stress is just too much on top of leaving his home.

Perhaps the owner could meet you half way?

If not, post on Yahoo Groups: Reptile rescue transport. They set up linking trips to help transport reptiles all over the country. There's also services specifically for shipping animals, google it.

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Regards,
Dominick
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"Do you watch too much television? Did you do so as a toddler? Evidence tonight that it could be the cause of learning disorders, like attention deficit and hyperact-Ooooh, a kitty!" - Keith Olbermann