soggy packages
August 29, 2005 8:20 PM Subscribe
how would one go about mailing live amphibians?
There is some information here which will get the amphibian a->b alive, but these would be pets, so Id like to ensure they are as comfortable as possible.
some methods of shipping are faster which is good, but is there a way to ensure it wont get tossed and drop-kicked quite so much?
There is some information here which will get the amphibian a->b alive, but these would be pets, so Id like to ensure they are as comfortable as possible.
some methods of shipping are faster which is good, but is there a way to ensure it wont get tossed and drop-kicked quite so much?
Best answer: Reptiles and amphibians are routinely shipped by air freight. I made a note of this thread at the time it was posted; it deals with shipping within Canada, but much of it is probably applicable to U.S. shipping. Though it focuses on reptiles, this page might also help.
What species are we talking about here?
posted by mcwetboy at 9:29 PM on August 29, 2005
What species are we talking about here?
posted by mcwetboy at 9:29 PM on August 29, 2005
Response by poster: bufo alvarius though my gf is thinking about breeding cameleons so this would apply for that as well.
posted by Tryptophan-5ht at 10:34 PM on August 29, 2005
posted by Tryptophan-5ht at 10:34 PM on August 29, 2005
Dear Live Amphibian,
How are you? Sorry it's taken so long to write.
Etc. Etc. Etc.
posted by AmbroseChapel at 12:31 AM on August 30, 2005
How are you? Sorry it's taken so long to write.
Etc. Etc. Etc.
posted by AmbroseChapel at 12:31 AM on August 30, 2005
FWIW, I've heard of some really bad experiences sending lizards with UPS. I'd stay away from them.
posted by Jeanne at 4:17 AM on August 30, 2005
posted by Jeanne at 4:17 AM on August 30, 2005
The fact that it's a toad probably means it can be shipped moist, rather than in water -- it's an amphibian, but it's not aquatic, if you follow me.
(Isn't B. alvarius the toad-licking toad?)
posted by mcwetboy at 5:09 AM on August 30, 2005
(Isn't B. alvarius the toad-licking toad?)
posted by mcwetboy at 5:09 AM on August 30, 2005
Talk to someone who works at an animal care facility (reputable pet shop, breeding lab, university, etc.) who might be able to give you better details. They will either have had to ship animals, or will have had animals shipped to them at some point. I know for example that mammals are shipped with a water-paste (unspillable bowl of moist jello-like substance) to help them avoid dehydration, and Xenopus (clawed frogs) are shipped in water, but a toad doesn't need to be submerged and may not be thrilled with the jello, so I'd say talk to an expert.
Dehydration is going to be the biggest problem you'll face with an amphibian. One lab in my building keeps salamanders in a coconut husk mulch; it keeps moist but is not likely to spill, and would also have the added benefit of cushioning the animal against bouncing around. If you can't get any info elsewhere this might be your best bet, if you can find the bedding at a local shop.
(I figured I kind of had to weigh in here, as my user name came from a label on an amphibian shipping container...)
posted by caution live frogs at 6:15 AM on August 30, 2005
Dehydration is going to be the biggest problem you'll face with an amphibian. One lab in my building keeps salamanders in a coconut husk mulch; it keeps moist but is not likely to spill, and would also have the added benefit of cushioning the animal against bouncing around. If you can't get any info elsewhere this might be your best bet, if you can find the bedding at a local shop.
(I figured I kind of had to weigh in here, as my user name came from a label on an amphibian shipping container...)
posted by caution live frogs at 6:15 AM on August 30, 2005
"bufo alvarius"
Ha ha. I know why you want those.
Tell me how they are; I might want to get some too some day.
posted by klangklangston at 7:45 AM on August 30, 2005
Ha ha. I know why you want those.
Tell me how they are; I might want to get some too some day.
posted by klangklangston at 7:45 AM on August 30, 2005
This thread is closed to new comments.
Article 526.6 states that, "Small, harmless, cold-blooded animals, except for snakes, turtles, and turtle
eggs, are mailable only when they meet certain requirements."
The requirements are:
All animals in this group:
1) Must be able to reach their destination in good condition in the normal transit time between the mailing and address points.
2) Must not require any food, water, or attention during transport.
3) Must not create sanitary problems.
4) Must not create obnoxious odors.
Since your live amphibians inevitably must be shipped in liquid, the USPS requires that the liquid must a) be non-toxic/not hazardous and b) CAN NOT LEAK.
This is what UPS has to say. But the FEDEX site was kind of impenetrable.
I think that if you mark on the container "LIVE AMPHIBIANS IN WATER" (in big, red letters), that's about as much as you can do to ensure their survival.
You might want to double check, but I think that I remember reading that live animal transportation is a "surface transport only" deal. Expect them to spend a long time in the back of a non-temperature-controlled 18 wheeler.
You might want to look into whether or not there's a service that exclusively ships animals.
posted by Jon-o at 9:09 PM on August 29, 2005