Other Turtle Discussion :: TURTLE SHIPPING

[holden]

I am moving from New York City to Seattle, WA at the end of May...and I am trying to figure out the BEST way to get my turtle across the country. I am driving a truck cross country - and I don't want to take him with me in a truck...it wouldnt make any sense. I was going to have my friend FLY him home on a plane...but the airline said "absolutely not." so, I have looked into turtle SHIPMENT - but is that safe??? any and all suggestions welcome please! i'm desperate!

[SpotsMama]

Me personally, I wouldn't ship him. I know sometimes turtles are shipped and it turns out ok but sometimes it doesn't. You could take him in the truck, I believe. How long would the trip be? Here's a thread from someone who did it:

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... light=trip

Here are some tips on the site on moving a turtle:

http://www.redearslider.com/transportation.html

[megcornell]

I moved from NY to Colorado and brought my turtle in the car with me. She rode in a small plastic container with a damp towel and a small handcloth to hide under. It's best if they don't have a lot of room in the in-car carrier so that they can't hurt themselves. I simply brought her into restaurants when we stopped to eat( the car would get too hot), and at night I set up a 10 gallon tank in the hotel room to let her bask and eat. It wasn't difficult and Leo was a hatchling at the time and did great, the biggest problem was smuggling her into hotels along the way .

I think that shipping is too risky. It's really not much work to bring the turtle in the car, and it doesn't take up much space.

[holden]

Thanks for all the info...that thread was very helpful. I agree that shipping is too risky...she'll totally be able to manage seven or so days in the car, she's a tough cookie.

[DavidY]

he he, plus you'll have a great companion with you for the long trip!

[megcornell]

Excellent , I'm glad she'll be co-piloting. I think she'll do fine. Leo got used to the daily routine of 10 hours in the car and then a night of swimming. By the second night she was actually basking. Just make sure you have a small box or container with all of the turtles immediate needs. I kept a small box with the basking platform, water conditioner, filter, light, thermometer, heater, and food right inside the 10 gallon tank (space is limited in a Jetta lol) so that when I got to the hotel I didn't have to search for everything I needed. Once she got to her new home it took a few for her to realize we weren't packing up again anytime soon, but then she was happy as a clam.

Good luck with the move!

[DavidY]

Yea, make sure to bring water conditioner with you! Lot's of hotels have heavily chlorinated water.

[holden]

Yeah it'll be fine..and I am relieved to have her with me. Besides, when we get to seattle we're upgrading to a much larger tank (new york city is so space limited!) - so it'll be a nice reward after her journey. thanks again ... and I'll let you know how the move goes.