Question: How to ship Axolotls

[DarkDMK]

Hi!
So I have a few questions about what I should do when shipping axolotls. First I heard that you should ship them with pure oxygen, but I’m not sure where I can find it/buy it. second, now that it is getting cold should I pack them with anything, ice pack/heat pack, or maybe just have nothing in their at all. This is my first post so sorry if this is in the wrong place . any other info I might need to know is very helpful, I have 20 axolotls 3-5 inches.

 

[rachel1]

Here's how I ship axolotld and fish.
1) Fast the animal prior to shipping so it ships with an empty digestive tract
2) Ship in a cardboard shipping box lined with styrofoam (I use 1/2"foam)
3) I ship in poly fish bags filled 2/3 with fresh dechlorinated water, 1/3 air. The larger the volume of water in your bag, the less concentrated waste will be in it. Better to err on the side of too big than too small. I add some Prime to the bag to help detoxify ammonia and nitrite.
4) I double bag in case of bag failure.
5) pack up your animals in the box and fill empty space with packing material (like newspaper)
6) you shouldn't need heat packs- axolotls will be ok down to almost freezing temps. If it will be so cold you are worried about freezing inside your box, postpone shipping. I use an ice pack in warmer weather. Check the weather forecast at both ends and make an educated decision.
7) I like to mark my box "fragile" and "perishable". Opinions vary on whether to mark the outside of the box.
8) make sure someone will be home to pick up the box, or request they have it held at the post office for pick up. This is really the buyer's responsibility, but a good precaution if you will offer a live arrival guarantee.
That's what works for me. I would take the best advice from several experienced shippers and figure out what works for you.

 

[sde]

Good info Rachel.
Here is a paper on shipping caudates that might provide some additional info. Caudata Culture Articles - Shipping

 

[Grace B]

I have some eggs that I am trying to send out, although some of my contacts want larvae, not eggs. Is it safe to ship larvae that are 1-2 months old?