Shipping Temps & low limit when using heat packs

[tangerineman]

just curious what's the lowest temps it is ok to ship in, i would be using a heat pack inside....
someone mentioned 45 degrees...?

any and all opinions, experiences welcomed...
thanks-
Duane

 

[PaulSage]

There's more to climate-conscious shipping than just heat packs. I almost always line the styrofoam boxes (I get either the 3/4" or 1" styros) with foil-sided bubble wrap and it helps a LOT with stabilizing the temperature inside the box. I don't have a set "limit" as far as whether or not I will ship--partially because the weather forecasts aren't always terribly accurate anyway. Additionally, packages get re-routed and delays happen. You can't predict everything. Regardless, since you, the shipper, are ultimately responsible for the safety and well-being of animals you prepare for shipping, I'd advise making some mock shipping boxes and using a few probed thermometers to find out what works for you.

I don't know the exact temperatures, but I have shipped geckos in very cold (sub-freezing) temperatures.

...and I've never lost a gecko in shipping.

*knocks on wood*

 

[miamimike]

Paul...can I ask where you get that foil sided bubble wrap you use???

 

[PaulSage]

I used to get it from Menard's when I lived in WI. I haven't found a store here that carries it, but fortunately I stocked up before I moved.

This is the company that makes it: http://reflectixinc.com/diy/default.asp?pageIndex=530

Scroll down to Foil/Bubble Products.

...okay I just found a link to "retailers" on their site. It looks like Home Depot carries it, but I don't recall ever seeing it there.

 

[miamimike]

Thanks for the info...I'll have to make a run to see