View Full Version : How To Pack Your Bugs
First off let me say that this is all In My Opinion. That I gained this information from Many Others On Arachnoboards. Though I can't give named credit to everyone that has put tips up on the subject. Thanks. I just wanted to share what I personally Gained form all the input that so many have placed here to help others and maybe help someone else while I'm at it.
Thanks all!!!
------
Start out.
Pick out all your supplies for packing.
Nothing super fancy is needed. Here is the list of items I use, and IMO, things that are routinely needed.
- Heat packs, Cold packs.
- Packing boxes.
- Newspaper and or other types of packing/padding material, bubble wrap,
Styrofoam peanuts, insulation, etc.
- Shipping containers - Deli cups, Tupperware, etc.
- Tape.
- Cardboard or post card.
- Long handled paintbrush and or tongs.
- Paper towels, tissues, etc.
- Cut plastic bottle top portions. 2 litter, 24 onz.
- Package paper.
- And of course whatever you're sending!
1) Pick a container large enough for the invert to sit comfortably WITH padding material inside with it.
2) Pad the bottom. I use a few loosely wadded tissues with an overlay of folded paper towels.
3) Fold several paper towels and line the inside of the container. Round and round until you have nice padded walls with a depression just the right size for the invert.
4) Drape a few damp. Not soaked, paper towels unto the depression and tuck the corners in around the top. A nice cozy moist cradle is formed.
5) Go for your specimen. Here Sprocket, our B. smithi is volunteering to help with the demonstration.
6) Settle your 2-litter bottle top over your specimen.
7) Specimen is contained, and often climbs the shallow walls of the bottle top.
8) Gentle slide a stiff piece of poster board. Or a postcard under your specimen. You can now lift it safely contained and move it to your transport container.
9) Place your contained specimen over your transport container and gently slide the card from under.
10) You May have to take the lid off the bottle top and coax the specimen off the sides and into the padded cradle.
11) Gently and slowly lift the bottle top while placing a few folded moistened paper towels over the specimen.
12) Tuck in the corners and edges gently around the specimen.
13) Top it with several more folded paper towels for added padding. This should set snuggly but not too tightly over your specimen with the lid on.
14) Close the lid securely.
15) Make sure your packing box in large enough to accommodate your specimens shipping container before you lock the container fully. In case you have to unpack and repack it later. Make sure the shipping box is large enough for the transport container Plus padding and insulation ALL around it.
16) Tape the transport container Closed. Jostling during shipping could easily pop the lid and cause serious injury to the specimen.
17) Crumple newspaper and add a springy layer to the bottom of the box.
18) Add your heat or cold packs.
19) Add another layer of crumpled paper. This will insulate your specimen further to ensure it doesn't overheat or become too cold from the heat/cold packs.
20) Put your transport container in. It doesn't matter now, which way you turn it. It's going to be flopped all over during shipping anyway. This is why you pad your specimen and limit free space to be jostled as much as possible.
21) Pack more crumpled paper around the box. Not too lose. You want it to absorb impacts and not allow the transport container to flop around inside the box.
22) Add crumpled paper over the top. Press it down firmly but gently. Not to tight, Not too lose.
23) Your box should close easily but have a firm but not hard and bulged feel to it. Nothing should jostle and flop around inside.
24) Tape your box. IMHO. Securing everything so that nothing can pop open is extremely important.
25) If your box like the example shown is from a product that you purchased or simply scrounged the box from. And has logos and or other decorations that would make shipping addresses less visible. You would want to cover it with packing paper. Plain brown, white. Manila.
26) Tape it up nice and neat and secure.
27) Mark all addresses Neatly and Clearly.
28) Take it to the post office, mail it, contact the sender Right away with the date and time it's due to arrive. Provide a tracking number if you have one. Additional information such as the shipping company can be helpful.
Your specimen should arrive in good condition.
:)
Mendi
10-23-2003, 10:02 PM
Great job, Nixy!!! I vote we make this a sticky!!!!! :D
nemesis6sic6
10-23-2003, 10:02 PM
Very Nice Example..
Have a nice day
geo
danielr6543
10-23-2003, 10:28 PM
great demo fo rpacking ts and shipping em thanks and hey nemises thats a great avatar
bodisky
10-23-2003, 10:43 PM
Very nice!
I would just add air holes especially for shipping during the hot months.
Thanks for posting and taking the time!
Kerry
BigSam
10-23-2003, 10:44 PM
I'm with Mendi make it a sticky
Sam,
NEMESIS_112
10-23-2003, 10:45 PM
This is very useful. I vote make it a sticky also!
Adrian:D
:)
Thanks all. So much is shared and learned here. I just figured why not try and compile a little something.
:)
So many contributed to it by sharing thier personal experience and expertise.
manville
10-24-2003, 12:54 AM
good information....i needed to know that
Phillip
10-24-2003, 01:06 AM
I only see one problem with the demo other than that it's great.
The problem is the container for the T is too big. With a large heavy T you must pack them so that the abdomen can barely move or they can easily burst in shipping. Personally I prefer big vials or deli cups is they wont fit in a vial with the idea being mostly the same as what's shown here except the t should have just enough room to fit in the cup without even being able to turn around really.
Not knocking on ya as this thread is a very good idea just pointing out a potential hazzard.
Phil
Dafne
10-24-2003, 02:55 AM
It iss really a great job, Nixy! I am just impressed! :)
It would be for sure a good sticky here :D
noboyscout
10-24-2003, 06:03 AM
Very informative Nixy! Is there a way to save this thread so it can be used as reference material?
MrFeexit
10-24-2003, 07:31 AM
Great Tutorial!! Thanks for taking the time and effort to put that together. Also thanks to the "volunteer".
Thanks lots all.
:)
Phillip - Oh hell I know your not knocking on me. Or the thread and any mistakes or additions SHOULD be put up. Every bit of imput on a subject thats voluntered to help. Helps. As well. LOL I didn't have smaller for the demo. :D And though it's hard to tell. Because of the white on white of the padding but the cradle once all was said and done wasn't very big and she could just sit in it. Once the lid was shut that bug wasn't moving. Lots of impact absorbing. I tested the packing using several marbles and a X-mas bulb. Mailed it to myself priority...Sounds silly yeah but the bulb came back without being destroyed by the marbles, or being cracked by pressure on it. The padding actualy conformed right nice. I packed with a smaller container and less padding and ended up with so much glass shrapnal. It was worth 6 dollars to me to pretest packing before I sent an animal. I Totaly and 10000% agree on the limiting of movement. No jostling room.
noboyscout - I don't know if you can save the thread as a thread but you can cut and paste it into wordpad and grab the pictures and toss them in a folder on your comp. I've gotten about ten emails asking if the pictures could be thrown up on personal websites and I said sure. I don't mind a bit as long as it helps a few bugs make a difficult trip safe. I'm thinking of throwing it up on a page on my personal website. Or maybe the twin's. Just to save.
MrFeexit - I had fun. :) And Sprocket got a nice fat pinky for being so sweet and "voluntering".
Charlie
10-24-2003, 09:13 AM
I just wanted to say thanks. I had to learn from the way Rob senr me his Male A Avic. Infact I had to reuse the same container the T was sent it.
That raises an interesting question:
If someone sends you a properly packed male for breeding is there anything wrong with using the same package to send him back?
-Charlie
Phillip
10-24-2003, 09:26 AM
so long as the box isn't beaten up badly there is no reason not to re use it. The only potential prob would be when the shippers ( massage ) the box and it becomes mushy as they do after a time or two through the ol shipping grinder.
Phil
Buspirone
10-24-2003, 09:42 AM
Originally posted by noboyscout
Very informative Nixy! Is there a way to save this thread so it can be used as reference material?
I do it quite often using Adobe Acrobat Pro and save threads and whole websites as PDFs .
Phil is right on the box issue. Make sure its still sturdy. Some use any old box they find laying around, but I tell you those small boxes I get at the Post Office are pretty stiff and take a beating pretty good and are inexpensive as well. As far as re-using the container, I do it, but I usually change the padding, paper towels, etc. (stuff thats inside the deli-cup with the invert) out for fresh stuff.
Great job Nixy, one point to add is that sometimes if you are packing a fast T or T that just doesn't want to cooperate, it will take off as soon as you lift the cover (just like you, I use the top of an old soda bottle) off. I find that if you get him/her in the deli-cup and slide a thin piece of carboard between the cover and the deli-cup (with spider inside), it is a little easier. You can hold the carboard over the deli-cup to keep the T inside while you place the cover over the carboard. Then, while holding the lid in place on the deli-cup, just slide the cardboard out and snap the lid. You probably already know this, but I wanted to include it for others. I also put labels on mine indicating any pertinent data, species, gender if known, last molt date, and observed temperament. Once again, nice job, it must have taken some time to put it all together.:)
JBoyer
10-24-2003, 11:50 AM
When shipping priority you can get FREE boxes and labels just by going to the USPS web site. My postmaster told me about the free boxes because he noticed I was doing a lot of priority shipping. Nice sturdy boxes and then you don't have to worry about damage/reuse. I think they have all different sizes as well. Just FYI.
Jennifer
FREE FREE FREE IS ALWAYS GOOD!
Crotalus
10-24-2003, 12:39 PM
Advice here is good, but I agree with Phil about the box size.
This is how I pack and ship:
http://hem.spray.se/minax/skotsel/skicka_e.html
/Lelle
When shipping priority you can get FREE boxes and labels just by going to the USPS web site.
And to think I keep buying them...thanks for the tip!:D
Ultimate Instar
10-24-2003, 03:21 PM
FWIW,
I'm a little uncomfortable dealing with very fast and defensive species, and I don't want to try the carapace grip. I use the following method which is probably inferior to the standard method but I'm concerned about getting bitten. Hell, I'd bite under similar circumstances.
So, I cut a small tab in a deli container lid (or whatever), and use the cup to capture the T. I slide the cover under the T and snap the lid shut. Using the tab, I stuff in paper towels and cotton balls so that the T doesn't have any room to move. I add a little water for the humidity and tape the tab shut so the T can't stick out it's leg and get injured.
After that, I pretty much do what everybody else does except that I use a styrofoam container inside the shipping box.
Karen N.
Having had opisthomas burst three times (both shipping AND receiving) I prefer Nixy's method with lots of padding vs. the smaller container. The padding cushions impacts!
Also a note: I have been shipping exuvia to a friend, and I find this same method guarantees a perfect delivery. The paper towel should be a LOT moister(?moister?) I SOAK it! With tons of soft padding and LOTS of moisture, they have ALL arrived in pristine condition!
GREAT JOB GIRLFRIEND!!
BaltimoreBoy
12-13-2003, 04:31 PM
Im sorry im new to this packaging stuff... i dont see how the tarantulas get ventilation or any air at all!!! how do they breath when being shipped over night or over like a 3 day period... i think this is why most come dead... i just dont understand can u explain ?
BaltimoreBoy
12-13-2003, 08:42 PM
i really didnt know all this untill you told me thanks alot... i just always thought a Tarantula needed airholes for breathing i never knew it could go 3 days on recycled air... i guess they dont breath CO2 like we do either... thats very interesting :?
Mark Grimes
02-09-2004, 10:36 PM
Your instructions for packing up a spider for shipping might work well with a smithi but try it with an African arboreal or something from Selenocosmia... You'll find that it doesn't quite work. There's so many unexpected things that can occur in an instant that call for a quick Plan B and C and D. These spiders NEVER like to be bothered and doing so results in either a blinding bolt right over an out of its container or a viscious lightening speed attack. There's so many variables, all I can say is be ready for the worst. Definately tranfer your spider in a shower or simular bare small room. Add a long handled tropical fish net to your aersonal to retrieve spiders that have bolted and stopped.
You can't think about getting bitten or it wreaks your concetration. With burrowers like the Cobalt Blue (which is slow and predictable compared to some of the newer long-legged Asian species) your going to have to dig them out of their burrow and when you expose your spider its not going to be in a mood to cooperate. If it rears back in attack position, you're in good shape to prod it into a smaller container but REMEMBER - these spiders instinctively want to climb. So it's not uncommon for the spider to climb to the top lip of the cup (then it's straight up the arm). Don't rest the cup on the ground in front of the spider. Elevate it slightly and hope the spider rockets right into the dead end of your deli cup. Cover it FAST. By the way make sure your cup or whatever is SEE-THROUGH. You don't want the bug out of sight for a second.
If all goes well, continue with the packing process, ever aware that some Old World spiders just aren't going to cooperate and getting them into the shipping container can be as exciting as getting it out of its home!
When dealing with the African arboeals like Stromatapelma spp. you're on you own. I've done it a couple of times in the past but your best bet is to contact the seller and get points on how he or she has dealt with them in the past. Remember, they do this stuff every day.
All I can add is do the best you can with the tools you have and try to predict the spider's next move.
Slow and easy is the key!!
I wanted to add... DO NOT mark the package with "Live Tarantulas, Handle With Care"! There is no definite law against shipping them (I have done extensive research with both the USPS and USDA) BUT, most employees that will be actually handling your package are not aware of any of this. In addition, with the fierce "deadly" reputation of our dear fuzzy friends, a package marked thus could create hyteria and refusal to handle it!!
I use the term "GLASS ORNAMENTS, HANDLE WITH CARE" and also note on the package to keep from extreme temperatures.
I Have packed fast and defencive/agressive spiders this way. Just like any gentle undertaking, careful steps make the difference.
I just didn't feel it meccisary to dig one of our demons out for the demo.
I doubt they would have held pretty for the pictures like Sprocket, our B. smithi did. :D
MizM I use that term too. Usualy once the word glass pops out of my mouth, they stanp it all over with all the keep away from heat/cold, and fragile stamps.
One gentleman always asks, and I always smile wide and say. Big hairy spiders.
He laughs his rear end off.
He thinks I'm joking.......
:D
He doesn't know you very well, does he?=D
IMHO, your little tutorial is WONDERFUL!! I can't count the stressful packing and unpacking episodes I've had! Your method, done S-L-O-W-L-Y and C-A-L-M-L-Y is WAY better than my old "Honey, they're here, let me see if I can dump them in the tank really fast so you can see them" method!
And, the more experiences added to the thread, the better. Unexpected is the NORM when dealing with Ts! I HAVE found that trying to feed 10 little obt slings is MUCH safer and easier done over a plugged up sink!! They can't climb the sides when they escape from the salsa cups!!:D
TheDarkness
04-10-2004, 12:33 PM
hi Nixy
I have a aracho site in Portuguese, and I adored its topic... I wanted to know if you allow me to translate and publishing it in my site?
of course, I will keep the due credits.
thank you.
hi Nixy
I have a aracho site in Portuguese, and I adored its topic... I wanted to know if you allow me to translate and publishing it in my site?
of course, I will keep the due credits.
thank you.
Sure enough. It's ok with me. If of course Scott and Debby don't mind.
Satanika
04-11-2004, 06:32 PM
Sure enough. It's ok with me. If of course Scott and Debby don't mind.
Hi,
It is fine with us. Thank you for asking. :)
Regards,
Debby & Scott
shadowkat
09-29-2004, 03:31 PM
Thanks very good information.
Windchaser
12-30-2004, 12:37 PM
Does anyone have any good guide lines on how many heat/cold packs to use for given temperatures and box sizes?
i packed just like the example... it worked very well, the t got safe.. :)
Cpt.nemO
01-21-2005, 09:19 AM
Outstanding man just as good as your other tutorial ! i will definately save both this and the other tutorial to my PC.
Huguinhuw
01-24-2005, 07:40 PM
really great job man....congrats...
People need to really read this thread...over the past two weeks I have had multiple boxes shipped to me... an alarming # of inverts have came in dead... I have lost:
B. smithi spiderling
B. emeilia spiderling & ADULT FEMALE
Mex. Flameknee ADULT male
A. moderatum subadult female
Malaysian trapdoor spider
These losses come from 4 different people...Only one is related to the box being kicked around too hard (not his fault)...the rest could have been avoided...
PLEASE (for the aniamls and the people who you are shipping them too) read how to properly pack your T's....
WhyTeDraGon
03-17-2005, 03:17 PM
I agree, though I have been lucky enough not to have any DOA's thus far. *Knock on wood*.
Im expecting a male H. maculata today, im sure he'll be fine, though he was transfered back to the post office after failure to deliver (im not home at the moment), but ill be picking him up around 4pm before they close. I also think the shipper knows how to ship properly, which helps keep me calm in this type of situation :)
But yes, read this thread...and if you dont feel confident about your shipping methods, DONT DO IT!
~Crystal
ssslither
04-19-2005, 07:31 PM
Very good information but I'm curious as to what if anything would change if sending something small such as AZ barks?
Someone else mentioned it but as tight as it appears these critters are packed, how do they breathe without a small hole or two?
Dephiax
05-15-2005, 11:35 AM
Very nice indeed :clap:
apadora
05-30-2005, 12:14 PM
I noticed there was no styro insulation inside the shipping box? Every T I have received thus far from breeders has come in a styro lined box? Also, I am going to be shipping from Miami, to LA (two very hot areas). Any suggestions? I am fairly comfortable shipping in cold weather and using heat packs, but have zero experience gauging how many cold packs are required for shipping...any help is greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Gabriel
curioussnake
06-10-2005, 02:59 PM
Im sorry im new to this packaging stuff... i dont see how the tarantulas get ventilation or any air at all!!! how do they breath when being shipped over night or over like a 3 day period... i think this is why most come dead... i just dont understand can u explain ?
:? I m also wondering about this matter, how do the T breath ?
A little tip...Its super hot here in Texas these days.... When I'm building my styro lines shipping boxes, I've been building a seperate compartment for my coldpack to go in...this way it doesn't wiggle loose and end up sitting ontop of an invert container.
I use the blue foam board you buy in big sheets at the lumber supply store (~$10).... just cut an extra "end" piece to make the compartment... I usually cut a few holes in this piece so that the cold air (from around the pack) can "escape" into the box keeping my critters semi cool.
I wish I had a way to provide pics, but y'all should get the point. If not, email/pm me and I'll explain myself better.
Cheap small 12" X 9" X 6" shipping boxes ($3.13 each in the 8pk bundle) are availiable here:
http://superiorenterprise.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=27_53
You could easily modify this box by adding my "cold pack pocket".
Lots of people tape them to the inside (same with heat packs)... I've had these, multiple times, break loose and end up on top of the spiders... sometimes killing animals... I think the condensation that builds up on the outside of the pack allows it to wiggle out of the tape...
Just my opinions...good luck shipping everyone- remember that your shipping methods reflect alot upon the quality of animals/care you have.
Slow and easy is the key!!
I wanted to add... DO NOT mark the package with "Live Tarantulas, Handle With Care"! There is no definite law against shipping them (I have done extensive research with both the USPS and USDA) BUT, most employees that will be actually handling your package are not aware of any of this. In addition, with the fierce "deadly" reputation of our dear fuzzy friends, a package marked thus could create hyteria and refusal to handle it!!
I use the term "GLASS ORNAMENTS, HANDLE WITH CARE" and also note on the package to keep from extreme temperatures.
how about if im gonna ship internationally, will the USPS determine if my package contain live animals? does anyone here have an experience shipping internationally? thanks
Captante
09-18-2005, 02:53 AM
This is one of the best & most helpful threads I've read on AB so far (& thats saying a lot!) ... I already made use of the included information to re-ship an order I received by mistake & all 6 spiders made it alive & intact as a direct result. :worship:
rcauinian
10-14-2005, 12:41 AM
how about if im gonna ship internationally, will the USPS determine if my package contain live animals? does anyone here have an experience shipping internationally? thanks
That is my problem to. I'm from Philippines and most of the breeder does'nt ship in my country but I have an Idea. I have a relative in CA maybe I can purchase and deliver it to them, then my relative can ship it to me. I don't know how many days a T. could survive in that container, may be some info on here please. And is it possible a T. can last for 6 days in that container without holes in the packaging. If so, I will try to gamble on purchasing T.
ScorpDemon
10-31-2005, 08:01 AM
I called myself reading this thread carefully as not to miss anything.. I didnt see this covered.. so i will post it.. if its a double, i'm sorry..
but my roommate and myself had an episode with packing an adult H. lividum.. we used this method.. with a little twist we came up with after we had her cupped in the bottle top.. take the top off the bottle, and twist up paper towels, TP.. whatever youre going to use as padding and push it through the hole in the top of the bottle.. after you get enough of it inside the bottle, you can use some sort of probe to push the padding and T into the deli cup without damaging the T or yourself.. then you remove the bottle top, add any additional padding needed, and place the lid on the deli cup. less room for errors, and no unwanted peircings to your hands
obviously you only want to use this method when the T is much bigger than the hole in the top of the bottle. i say much bigger to prevent the T injuring itself trying to squeeze through, and to protect any fingers that may be near the hole when a small T can squeeze through just enough to get a fang out.
Hope this helps
Chris
dangerprone69
11-08-2005, 12:28 AM
This may seem like a stupid question, but how does one coerce an aggressive T such as P. murinus into cooperating with being shipped? This is coming from a complete noob to the shipping aspect of the hobby, and I prefer to know as much as I can before I get into it.
That is my problem to. I'm from Philippines and most of the breeder does'nt ship in my country but I have an Idea. I have a relative in CA maybe I can purchase and deliver it to them, then my relative can ship it to me. I don't know how many days a T. could survive in that container, may be some info on here please. And is it possible a T. can last for 6 days in that container without holes in the packaging. If so, I will try to gamble on purchasing T.
im also from the philippines, im currently here in CA, i'm planning to bring some T's or scorps. so, how does your relatives ship live animals to PI? thanks
strat321
12-05-2005, 12:35 PM
this is an excellent post Nixy. As I am about to send out a friend his Ts, this was a good review.
cheers!
cacoseraph
12-05-2005, 01:01 PM
This may seem like a stupid question, but how does one coerce an aggressive T such as P. murinus into cooperating with being shipped? This is coming from a complete noob to the shipping aspect of the hobby, and I prefer to know as much as I can before I get into it.
keep in mind generally bug run from everything
and their first instinct is generally to head "up" when they are running...
i cover the whole top/opening of the cage with a book, leaving one end open. put the "target" container you want the spider to get into over the end you left open. depending on the type of cage you use, you might have to use another piece of cardboard to block off the top, completely
once the only place the spider can go is out into the target container it's pretty easy to use a very thin rod (generally i use a paintbrush, or a special bent hanger if the paintbrush is too short) to harass them into the target container
you might have to use a like intermediate target container, like a cut-top 2 liter soda bottle top. get the spider from the living cage into the cut-top, and then from the cut-top to the shipping container
i use this method to move L. parahybana, H. lividum, my very cranky A. seemani, etc
i can do it all myself, but it is really helpful to have another set of hands
P. Novak
12-09-2005, 12:48 AM
they breathe very slow, so lots of air isnt needed esp since they arent gonna be in the box for to long, i think im right about that.
treeweta
01-17-2006, 02:21 PM
not sure if anybody else has suggested this method but I know it works.
Entomological livestock Supplies in UK used this method for the time I was buying WC spiders from them late 80's early 90's. Basically the adult spider is put into the bottom of a thick polythene bag thats around 4-5 inches wide and quite tall. Once the spider is right at the bottom with legs tucked in you tie a fairly tight knot just above the spider and cut off the surplus plastic. The spider is held totally immobile and the abdomen cannot move. The spider was then put into a strong cardboard box (not corrugated but a far less crushable and heavier grade) around 9x6x3.5 inches with the spider completely surrounded by cotton wool. There were no holes put in the bag but all the spiders I ever had sent arrived perfectly never damaged in any way, baboon spiders sometimes chewed a hole but never actually got out. The fact that the legs are held tucked in means the spider cannot get any leverage (for want of a better word) to even begin to dig out of the bag. Note, the polythene was strong more like one of the resealable bag type plastic.
The parcels once sent had 'fragile livestock' on the side, I have no idea how careful post office employees are with boxes so labelled but as you can imagine even a shake or a drop would have little effect as the spiders abdomem could not move in relation to the rest of the spider.
Care is needed at the initial stage getting the spider in, I have used the same method and the spider once coaxed into the bag would instinctively curl uo at the bottom at which point you can tie it up.
mailing usually was overnight.
treeweta.
Steven.WK
04-27-2006, 12:04 AM
I'm not sure keeping a spider in an air tight bag is a good idea. I know they don't need to breathe much but what if the package took a few days? Also with the spiders legs bundled up, it cannot brace itself if the box took a tumble. If the bag happens to slip to the side of the box, the spider would pop like a balloon.
I can understand this could be the fastest method to package wild caught tarantulas. I have see WC spiders thrown together into a styrofoam box. It'll be cheaper for them to catch more than to spend time packing each one.
davegrimm1
05-21-2006, 06:30 PM
I had a chance to get some nice big expensive spiders and the owner of the spiders was told DON'T ship !!! One being a braz black , large female and a huge geniculata. 7 spiders all total. I decided to come up with a box design that completly eliminates the shock of the preverbial postal worker "drop kick"
We tested it and after being lost for 4 days (overnight express) the spiders arrived with none of the normal jet lag symptems, they were un-afected by the shippment and apeared as if they went around the block. If you want to know more about the SHOCK BOX, email me and I will send a photo of my creation,Dave davegrimm1@yahoo.com
gumby
06-22-2006, 05:56 PM
I love the 2-litter bottle top over your specimen idea it works great I also like to put spare soft things in the box like yarn or old shirts
scott
Lorgakor
06-26-2006, 12:33 PM
I'm not sure keeping a spider in an air tight bag is a good idea. I know they don't need to breathe much but what if the package took a few days? Also with the spiders legs bundled up, it cannot brace itself if the box took a tumble. If the bag happens to slip to the side of the box, the spider would pop like a balloon.
I can understand this could be the fastest method to package wild caught tarantulas. I have see WC spiders thrown together into a styrofoam box. It'll be cheaper for them to catch more than to spend time packing each one.
Many people in Europe ship like this, and apparently they have had less deaths using the bag than they did using deli cups and the like. I saw a post somewhere with pictures of this method, I'll see if I can find it.
Lorgakor
06-27-2006, 11:59 AM
Ah, I finally found it!
Here is a link to the info,
http://venomlist.com/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=6084&view=findpost&p=80551
tacoma0680
06-30-2006, 01:15 AM
good job on the visual alot of people dont know how to pack good so now i will tell them to check this out thanks alot great job
gagamboy
07-07-2006, 01:48 AM
great!! good posts like these should be compiled....
Arietans
07-07-2006, 03:20 AM
Very informative, and some very ingeneous methods :)
sschind
07-14-2006, 11:13 PM
Slow and easy is the key!!
I wanted to add... DO NOT mark the package with "Live Tarantulas, Handle With Care"! There is no definite law against shipping them (I have done extensive research with both the USPS and USDA) BUT, most employees that will be actually handling your package are not aware of any of this. In addition, with the fierce "deadly" reputation of our dear fuzzy friends, a package marked thus could create hyteria and refusal to handle it!!
I use the term "GLASS ORNAMENTS, HANDLE WITH CARE" and also note on the package to keep from extreme temperatures.
The following is taken from a website outlining amendments to the lacey act in 1981
Additionally, the Act establishes marking requirements, making it illegal to import, export or transport in interstate commerce a container or package containing fish or wildlife unless the container or package is plainly marked, labeled or tagged in accordance with regulations issued under the Act.
The Act also establishes false labeling offenses. It is illegal to make or submit a false record, account, label or false identification of any fish, wildlife or plant that has been or will be (1) imported, exported, transported, sold, purchased or received from a foreign country, or (2) transported in interstate or foreign commerce. § 3372.
Take it for what its worth. It may not apply to tarantulas but if it does be aware that if you follow the advice first quoted in this post you may find yourself in violation of a federal law. If it doesn't bother you then by all means disregard this post. If it does concern you then I suggest you do a little more research. I am not posting this to cause trouble, only to pass on a bit of information.
Steve Schindler
vBulletin® v3.8.4, Copyright ©2000-2010, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.