How do you ship?

[jumpingtadpoles]

I am going to send out my first package of snails, cross country.
I am curious how ou would suggest I do it? I am sending 6 or so (may feel like throwing in 3-4 more?) How big a box should I aim for? how many bags? would one be OK?

I was planning on putting a soaking lot of paper towels in the bag with them, and maybe a glob of java moss (already needs trimming:rolleyes:) I am on the west cost, and these are heading out to a flat-lander (ontario) :laugh:

Do you think I should add a heat pack (would it cook them at this point, it's pretty warm here)?

LAstly, Am I worrying to much about my snailers?:spinny:

[Katalyst]

I've never shipped snails but I sure have recieved a lot of them in the last little while. Being a flat lander myself :;): , I would suggest a heat pack it's still a bit chilly here. But I'm sure one of the experts will be along to help you futher. :)

Good luck with the snails!

[Pamelajo]

Hi April,
This is what I do: Soak quilt stuffing in aquarium water get a styrofoam container with lid or margarine type dish. Squeeze out water and line bottom of container. Place snails closed foot side down and then layer batting and snails. Poke holes in top and put in plastic bag leaving some air. Making sure lid is on securely. Yes I would use a heat pack. Place snails at bottom of insulated box with newpaper between it and the heat pack. Attach the heat pack to lid.
This has worked well for me.

[Melody]

Sorry April, I missed your post. I do pretty much the same thing as Pam does except I don't use the bag. Probably should line the box with a plastic bag but I forget that half the time :rolleyes: . They don't have to contend with foul water with this method and they get fresh air along the way. That's important for long trips and it also keeps the shipping cost down. The bag method with floss still restricts air but they don't have to sit in dirty water and you won't have to worry about leakage.

I also wrap the container in thick newspaper secured with elastics - that keeps the temp's more constant and it will soak up any dribbling water from the floss.

I would definitly use an insulated box and heatpack. The temps in the air are much colder than they are down here, and the nights still go quite low in a lot of places. :smile: