Transporting snakes for events require the snakes to be carried around somehow, many people wonder how we transport the snakes.
The snakes are usually each placed into a separate pillow case which is tied at the top in a special snake proof way so that there are no escapes and the bags are placed into baskets, larger snakes at the bottom, smaller, lighter snakes on the top. If the weather is cold then warm, covered water bottles are placed inside the baskets, this means its useful if we can get a supply of warm water at the venue to top the bottles up.
This is mainly fine with the snakes as they love to hide in dark places and the pillowcases are good, some people ask me if they can breath inside, I think we have forgotten the difference between plastic and woven fabric, try putting your t shirt over your head but not a plastic bag!!
The larger snakes have had specially large bags sewn for them by Sue.
We have to be careful with each snake as there are a very few who are not so happy in a bag and wish for a little more freedom, in that case I have a secure basket that they can be inside without the need for a bag, they have a little blanket instead so that they can hide if the want to.
If they are not happy in a particular container sometimes they rub their noses until they bleed so we must be ultra careful that they are happy and comfortable.
Over the years Sue has acquired a few different baskets to transport the snakes and some are very attractive and the snakes actually like them, especially the large pythons and Boas.
The first basket I saw in John Lewis many years ago and it has always been my snake dancing basket.
The second picture is of a couple of baskets I found in an antique shop nearby, the pythons really love a round basket and you can see Rosie is very comfy in the bottom.
In the last picture is of us running an educational presentation at school you can see the baskets on the table in the background these are old fashioned pet carriers before plastic ones became the rage and these are very suitable for the smaller snakes in their pillowcases.
Sue’s car has climate control so that we can keep the car warm or cool according to the needs of the snakes and the weather.
Occasionally the snakes have needed to be carried on the train, this does mean not so many snakes can be transported and for this situation they are placed in a rucksack with a water bottle if necessary and can also pick up warmth from the human body when the bag is on your back or sitting on your lap.
I never transport snakes in clear boxes this would stress them out too much as they can see out and feel vulnerable.
