Box size question

[Araidia]

Hi, I'm still new to shipping so I have another stupid question. What size box would you use for a 600g ball python and for a 1500g one shipped separately not in the same box.

 

[Double B Reptiles]

I would use a 7 x 7 x 6 for the 600g and then a 12 x 9 x 6 for the 1500 gram animal. Both of these are the sizes that SYR sells.

 

[Araidia]

Thank you

 

[robyn@Pro Exotics]

I would probably go with a 12x9x6 for the 600 gram animal, the 7x7x6 might be a tight fit. The interior on that box is just large enough to fit a 4.5" deli cup, the tall one.

 

[Double B Reptiles]

I think that the 12 x 9 x 6 may be a bit too big for the 600g animal though, Robyn(depending on how much space that animal fits into when it is balled up). If you use too big of a box, you will find that you have to use a ton more packing material to fill up the space, just so the animal isnt bouncing around inside and getting injured by every bump in the road. If you have a little more snug of a fit, I would think the animal would feel more secure, and would be a lot less stressed out, and less likely to injure itself during shipping(especially in the case of burrow and tunnel loving ball pythons). I mean either way, it is up to the shipper to properly package the animal and make the judgement call; then again Robyn has done a TON more shipping than I have, and he more than likely would have the best advice haha.

 

[robyn@Pro Exotics]

It is one of those "tweener" choices : )

The best approach would be to have a selection of boxes, then fit the appropriate box to the specific animal. I would just hate to see someone order the smallest box, then find it to be too small to safely work.

As Pro Exotics, we would rarely use the 7x7x6 box, even for hatchlings, the 12x9x6 was our go-to box, and we just packed it accordingly.

 

[FireStorm]

I just shipped a 2011 male bp who was just under 600g. I used the 12 x 9 x 6 and he fit perfectly. I think he would have been squished in the smaller box (I have both sizes). I have only used the 7x7x6 for single hatchlings.

 

[Reptile Kings]

12x9x6" box would be too tight for a 1500gr animal. I'd go for at least a 15x11x7".
We ship one 650-700gr (max) ball python into a 12x9x6".

My 0.02,
-Sam

 

[Araidia]

Thanks for all the help, guess I'll be ordering bigger boxes lol.

 

[TexasVipRoom]

I do have one question.... is that the inside demension or outside dem?

 

[robyn@Pro Exotics]

The box manufacturer's spec the dimensions, and they are interior dimensions. The outside dims actually vary a bit depending on how accurately the box was cut and glued at the factory.

That is also BEFORE the addition of any insulation panels.

 

[hhmoore]

Outside...then subtract at least an inch from each for the insulation (minimum 1/2 on all 6 sides).
Aside from the reasons already given, this time of year & from NJ will require a heat pack...the 7x7 would have have a snake that size too close for comfort, IMO

 

[hhmoore]

Oops - Robyn is right...most boxes are slightly over the stated size. I based my previous statement on a bunch of boxes I bought when I started shipping (I forgot they were clearance due to being slightly undersized - those 12x8 boxes were actually 12/8 outside)