General Care Discussion :: Shipping a turtle?

[samagsen]

Unfortunately, the place I live in will not allow turtles as they will only allow fish as a policy even though she is an aquatic turtle which is stupid. I've only had my turtle for a couple of weeks and she has finally settled in, started basking, and swimming around a lot. This really sucks, as I now live in Seattle, Washington and I will have to ship her back to my parents' place in Honolulu, Hawaii. Will she be ok if I ship her through UPS? I've been doing a lot of research and some websites said she should be fine if I just plan her shipping appropriately, as UPS will ship her if I want. I was thinking of putting her in a loose sock (what was suggested, I don't know if that is a good idea) around damp paper towel in a small box, punch airholes in it and pack her in snug, then put a heat pack (what was suggested) into a second bigger box and place the small box into the second box, but what I'm saying might be really stupid. Any advice and opinions would help very, very, very much as I really do not want to have my parents' get her in Hawaii to find her dead. Please tell me how I can ship my turtle to Hawaii from Washington state, I really need your help and must get rid of her fast or face a daily fine. Jeez this sucks. Thanks for your time.
- Sammy

[Kallistos]

Here's a link that explains how to properly ship a turtle.

http://www.turtlerescues.com/shipping_turtles.htm

Now, you can use UPS or DHL. I'd probably end up using UPS, you'd have to next day air it and it's pretty expensive.

[N4784N R4613]

Here's a link that explains how to properly ship a turtle.

http://www.turtlerescues.com/shipping_turtles.htm

Now, you can use UPS or DHL. I'd probably end up using UPS, you'd have to next day air it and it's pretty expensive.

Yeah, I did a quick random quote though UPS, from Seattle, Washington to Honolulu, Hawaii with a 3 lbs. box that was 18" by 18" by 18", and it says it will cost close to $300.00!!

[samagsen]

Whaaat? My turtle is super small and weighs nearly nothing, how can that cost 300$? She has a 5 inch shell length so she is relatively small. By the way, is that turtle rescues website reputable? Can I trust what they say?

[N4784N R4613]

That was the super fast shipping. I think they said it would only take 20 hours. I am just trying to give you a heads up. It will cost a pretty penny to do it safely.

[Kallistos]

I got the link from this site and that link was probably reviewed by Steve. The shipping will be pricey, but I think $300 may be a little high, since it wasn't exact proportions. Shop around and check Fed Ex and DHL"s rates.

[ZombieTurtle]

haha just hide the whole tank setup (lights and all) in a closest or just bathtub real fast while the landlord inspects, until you can ship the turtle to hawaii rather then get the daily fine!

[samagsen]

Ive actually decided to carry it on with me to Hawaii so that she will only be in a box for approximately 6-7 hours instead of 20+ hours. Ive got all the necessary agriculture forms and stuff like that for import, but on an airplane for 6 hours and 1 hour to get home is definately better for her health than 20+ hours in a box right? How would I set her up for airplane travel?

[megcornell]

Have you checked with the airline to make sure you can bring her in the cabin? Most don't allow turtles in even if they do allow other animals such as small dogs and cats.
Once you get that checked out the best way to travel with her is to put her in a small carrier or box with a damp towel and a towel to bury herself under so she can feel safe and hidden. Keep her out of any direct drafts so she doesn't get ill.

[Kallistos]

If you're able to take her on the flight with you, that'd be great. I have a feeling that you may run into problems since the red eared slider is on the invasive species list though. Good luck!

[marisa]

Airlines do not knowingly allow turtles in the passenger cabin.

[Bascomb]

Shipping a turtle -- This is how I had mine shipped to me. I had them purchase a Styrofoam minnow bucket that is used when fishing. Place damp paper towels in the bottom of the bucket. Put three 1/2 in holes near the top of the bucket for air. Use duct tape to seal the top on the minnow bucket. Place Styrofoam bucket in a next size box surrounded by news or packing paper to keep bucket firm in the box. Put three or four inconspicuous holes in the box to let in more air. Make sure that you ship it overnight and someone at the other end is there to accept it. I move a lot and that is how I get them shipped around. I use the same method when traveling by air. I just check them as luggage and pick them up at the luggage carousel at the airport. This has worked for me.

[kermitzaqd]

From my experience, carrying a turtle on a plane, or as luggage is illegally importing wildlife, in most countries. They can be shipped in the mail, but the link that kallistos provided would be the one that I would recommend. Maybe you can travel within the US with a turtle as luggage, but from my knowledge of international travelling, it's not allowed.

[Bascomb]

Kermitzagd -- You may be correct about international travel. MY travel and shipping was within the USA and I did it my way and was successful. I am sure that importing/exporting turtles between countries would be a problem. B.