Traveling with Leopard Gecko

[bestia]

Hi all- new person to the forum (and reptiles) here!
I have a important question. I will be moving ( 10 hour trip) in a few weeks and am giving myself headaches trying to figure out how to move my little Leopard Gecko.
Does a gecko need some kind of heat source for this trip? ( 10 hrs) I was thinking yes- but don't know how to supply it or what kind?
Also, I was going to put here in a large tupperware container for the trip- is that good? I am stressing about this trip for my little gecko That's all the questions I can think of this moment but will be asking tons more as I am fairly new to reptiles( this is my first gecko).
Thanks for your help in advance!!

 

[DrCarrotTail]

Over 4th of July I went to my parents house for two weeks and my guy came with me on the 10 hour drive from OH to NJ! I put him in a small sandwich sized Tupperware with a paper towel in it and poked a half dozen holes in the lid. There was enough room for him to turn around but not much more. This way if I got in a car wreck he couldn't fly more than a couple inches before he smashed into the side - hopefully reducing his chance of injuries.

I then stuck the Tupperware in a shoebox with a towel in it to take up the extra space and then in his tank on the floor of my car's backseat. The Shoebox was to keep him out of direct sun and any dark container would do. I think anywhere in the car would be okay except for a closed trunk since it might get way hotter in there than the rest of the car.

If you're planning to stop and eat I might also bring a gift bag or a brown paper bag so you can bring him into a restaurants with you and don't have to leave him in a hot car (shhhh don't tell the manager!)...haha.

If you're really worried you could buy a cooler to stabilize the temperature but I'm not sure that's 100% necessary unless you think the temperature is going to drop below 65. 70-80 degrees is within Leo's temperature range and I think she should be fine for 12-16 hours or so.

 

[bestia]

Thanks for the info!It made me feel better about the move.
I never thought about the smaller tupperware thing- mines about a 1-2 quarts.
I'll have the back of the SUV full of musical instruments so I won't be going in to eat

I have one more question for you all- Should I withhold feedings for any amount of time before the trip?
Thanks!

 

[greenzebra]

this reminds me of the movie rango if anyone's seen it. traveling with a chameleon in it's tank and swerving so somehow the tank flies out of the car and no one noticed. i would definitely keep leopold close to me or with someone in the car so i would know where she is at all times. i would be heartbroken if anything were to happen to her.

 

[DrCarrotTail]

I didn't withhold feeding from mine and he was fine. If they're adults skipping a day or two of feeding shouldn't be a big deal if it makes you feel more comfortable.

 

[Crewdog00]

When people ship geckos. They put a heat bag or hand warmer inside a paper towel roll and poke holes inside the roll.

This will allow a heat source. I like the idea of a brown paper bag and putting the container inside a dark box with a towel. Great thread. Will consider these suggestions if I have need to travel with my Annie.

 

[Astrael]

If anything, I'd try to make sure she had water before the trip. My geckos drink a little pretty much every day (at least every other day). Since it's a bit of a long drive, maybe make sure she's hydrated before. The rest sounds pretty good.

Also, if there's a way to have everything for her tank packed so it can be set up really fast and easy upon arrival, of course that would help. Maybe plan how best to pack it a little before. (Even a practice run of taking everything out of the room and then putting it back in, so you have it fresh in your mind.)

I tend to be scatter-brained, so I over-plan things when my scaly buddies are involved. lol

 

[mudskipper]

Moist paper towels in her container will keep her hydrated. The hand warmer is a great idea if you have no access to heat packs. But unless your car is really cold, I doubt it'll be a problem.

You can also warm up a Tupperware of water and put the Tupperware in the same box as her cup. Make sure the Tupperware is well sealed with no possibility of leaking and that the water isnt too hot. 100F would be fine. This will keep the box her cup is in warm.

 

[DrCarrotTail]

You can also warm up a Tupperware of water and put the Tupperware in the same box as her cup. Make sure the Tupperware is well sealed with no possibility of leaking and that the water isnt too hot. 100F would be fine. This will keep the box her cup is in warm.

I think this would be a great idea if you're worried! You reminded me how we used to use water-filled soda bottles (frozen or microwaved) to keep rabbits comfortable at county fairs.

If its not cold (i.e. under 60 degrees) I think using a heat pack could do more harm than good by overheating the container or even burning your leo if not placed properly as they can peak at between 115-140 degrees.