For the two species I ship USPS, Lepidodactylus lugubris and Pachydactylus
tigrinus, I consider 50 F and USPS Overnight Express Next Day Arrival to be
the minimum which I now use before considering shipping. I've been told by
one heat pack company, and just about have determined from personal
experience, that the best one heat pack can do for extended periods of time
like being trucked around or sitting on the tarmac is plus 10 degrees or so
above the ambient temperatures. I have found a plus 15 degree to a plus 30
degree variation within the same 17" x 17" x 9.5" (outside dimensions)
insulated box between a digital thermometer placed right next to the heat
pack and a second digital about 11" away from center in the corner of the
box. While I'd like to think that I'm providing a warm environment for the
critters in my shipping container, in all actuality I just seem to be
providing a warm spot. That's one reason why it's important to provide large
enough containers which hold the gex so that the critters can do some
independent thermoregulating.
I have a helpful USPS airport contact who actually makes reservations for my
critters on special USPS "designated" flights between Monday and Thursday.
He says that he alerts the pilot that live critters will be aboard...that the
critters go in the front belly of the plane which is pressurized and can be
heated.
Once you get off the ground it would seem that it would always be cool!
Some longer acting heat packs are supposed to have lower peak temps than the
shorter ones.
I don't know the specific temp requirements for Gekko vittatus. Generally, I
use 50 F for minimum temps for any cities where the critter will touch down,
change planes, or end up. There's always the chance that someone will be
asleep and not read your box signs.
Some people tape the heat pack to the lid of the box; sometimes I nestle it
near the gecko containers.
In a message dated 5/21/01 6:29:07 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
temp in CT will be in the high 60's lows at night dropping into the low
50's.
In Dayton (arrival city) it will be highs in the mid 60's low in the 40's.
Do I chance a heat pack? might it get too hot in the box?
those temps are not really bad for the species (Gekko vittatus) that is...
they can tolerate that for short periods. But the 40's seems to be pushing
it. And if it's in the 40's on the ground, how cold is it up in the
friendly skies (do they even put express mail in heated cargo
compartments?).
:o) Elizabeth
Seattle,Washington
[Geckos...a gift which keeps on giving!]
