Transporting Long-Neck Turtles: A Step-By-Step Guide

Transporting a long-neck turtle can be a stressful experience for both the turtle and its owner. Planning and preparation are key to ensuring the turtle's safety and comfort during the journey. One of the most important considerations is the container in which the turtle will be transported. A sturdy plastic box with ventilation holes and a secure lid is ideal, as it provides a well-padded, escape-proof environment for the turtle. The container should be just slightly larger than the turtle to prevent it from moving around too much and should be lined with moist paper towels or shredded newspaper to keep it damp.

Container type and size

When transporting a long-neck turtle, it is important to use a container that is slightly larger than the turtle and shallow enough so that the turtle cannot flip over. A small container prevents the turtle from moving around and potentially hurting itself. The container should be made of sturdy plastic, such as a storage container, with a secure-closing lid. Avoid using a rigid container, such as a glass tank. It is important to drill holes in the upper walls and lid of the container for ventilation. Be sure to smooth out any sharp edges left by the drilling.

Line the container with moist paper towels, damp sphagnum moss, or shredded newspaper. For adult turtles, use shredded newspaper, and for juveniles, use damp moss or paper towels. The lining should be thick enough to prevent the turtle from moving around too much. After placing the turtle in the container, securely tie or tape the container shut, being careful not to cover the ventilation holes.

Place the turtle container inside a Styrofoam cooler or cardboard box for added insulation. The outer box or cooler should also have ventilation holes and be lined on the bottom, sides, and top with crumpled or shredded newspaper. This will provide extra protection and help maintain a stable temperature for the turtle.

When transporting a turtle by car, it is important to keep the container out of direct sunlight to prevent overheating. Drape a newspaper or towel over the turtle's box to provide shade. Never leave a turtle in a container in direct sunlight or in a parked car, even if the container is shaded. The container can quickly overheat and pose a danger to the turtle.

If travelling by plane, it is essential to check the airline's policies and make the necessary arrangements beforehand. Some airlines may allow you to bring your turtle in the passenger cabin, while others may have different requirements. Always obtain verbal and printed confirmation of the airline's approval to bring your turtle onboard. Ensure that you have the proper animal carrying case that fits under your seat and is accepted by the airline.

Ventilation and light

When transporting a long-neck turtle, ventilation and light are important factors to consider for the health and safety of the turtle. Here are some detailed guidelines on how to ensure proper ventilation and light during transportation:

Ventilation:

• Choose a strong plastic container with a secure lid that can be drilled or burned with multiple ventilation holes. The container should be slightly larger than the turtle to prevent it from flipping over and hurting itself.
• Drill or burn holes in the upper walls and lid of the container to allow for air circulation. Ensure the holes are smooth on the inside to prevent any injuries to the turtle.
• Place a layer of padding at the bottom of the container, such as moist paper towels, shredded newspaper, or damp sphagnum moss. This will help maintain humidity and provide a comfortable surface for the turtle.
• Securely tie or tape the container shut, being careful not to cover the ventilation holes.
• Put the container inside a Styrofoam cooler or cardboard box with ventilation holes to provide additional insulation and protection.
• During long trips, periodically open the container to let in fresh air and check for any signs of mould or fungus growth, especially in damp conditions.

Light:

• Turtles require both UVB and heat lamps to mimic natural sunlight, which is essential for healthy shell growth and bone density. UVB light specifically aids in vitamin D3 production, which is crucial for digestion and shell development.
• For transportation, focus on maintaining the right temperature range rather than specific lighting. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the container, aiming for a range between 75- and 85-degrees Fahrenheit.
• In warm weather, mist the turtle or dampen the padding to help regulate the temperature. You can also use air conditioning or place the container inside a cooler with a wrapped cool pack to prevent overheating.
• In cooler weather, use a warming pack by placing the container inside a cooler and adding a wrapped heat pack, such as a chemical heat pack or a bottle of hot water.
• Keep the container out of direct sunlight at all times. Turtles can easily overheat, and their health depends on your ability to maintain the right temperature.

Temperature control

If travelling in warm weather, there are several ways to keep your turtle cool. One method is to regularly mist your turtle with water or dampen the padding at the bottom of its container. The evaporation of this water will have a cooling effect. If your car has air conditioning, you can also use this to keep the car and your turtle cool, being careful not to let the temperature drop too low. Alternatively, place the turtle's box inside a cooler, such as a styrofoam one with the top open for aeration, and add a wrapped cool pack. Do not put the cool pack directly inside the turtle's box, and be sure to keep it separated from the turtle.

In cooler weather, you may need to use a warming pack to maintain a comfortable temperature for your turtle. Place the turtle in its box inside a cooler and add a wrapped heat pack, such as a bottle of hot water, a microwaved potato, a sock filled with heated rice, or a heating pad set to low for longer trips. As with cool packs, never let the turtle come into direct contact with the heat pack.

If you are travelling by car, you can also use the air conditioning or heating system to help regulate the temperature inside the vehicle, which will, in turn, affect the temperature inside the turtle's container.

Padding and moisture

When transporting a long-neck turtle, it is important to ensure that the turtle is secure and comfortable. Here are some tips for padding and moisture to keep in mind:

• Use a strong plastic container that is slightly larger than your turtle and shallow enough to prevent it from flipping over. This will help restrict the turtle's movement and reduce the risk of injury.
• Drill or burn ventilation holes in the upper walls and lid of the container before placing the turtle inside. Ensure that the holes are smooth on the inside to avoid any injuries.
• Line the bottom of the container with moist paper towels, damp sphagnum moss, or shredded newspaper. The amount of bedding will depend on the turtle's age—use moist paper towels or moss for juveniles and shredded newspaper for adults.
• Securely tie or tape the container shut after placing the turtle inside, being careful not to cover the ventilation holes.
• Place the container in a Styrofoam cooler or cardboard box with crumbled or shredded newspaper on the bottom, sides, and top for added insulation.
• Keep the box out of direct sunlight to prevent overheating. You can drape a damp towel or cloth over the box to provide shade and maintain a comfortable temperature.
• Regularly mist the turtle or dampen the padding during transport to help keep the turtle cool, especially in warm weather. However, be careful not to make the turtle too cold.
• If travelling in cooler weather, use a warming pack to maintain a comfortable temperature for the turtle. Place the turtle's box inside a cooler and add a wrapped heat pack, such as a bottle of hot water or a microwaved potato. Ensure that the turtle does not come into direct contact with the heat source.

Food and water

Long-neck turtles are carnivorous, and their diet consists of insects like crickets, woodies, moths, flies, and worms. They can also eat fish, but these need to be soaked in water to remove salt, and have their heads, spikes, and shells removed.

When transporting a turtle, it is not necessary to provide water in the container. Turtles can go without water for a long time, and water can pose a drowning risk. However, it is important to maintain humidity, so damp paper towels or moss can be placed in the container. For longer trips, a large water dish can be provided for the turtle to drink from or get into.

If you are staying in hotels overnight during the trip, bring a medium-sized plastic storage tub. This can be set inside the bathtub, and you can fill it with warm water for the turtle to swim in.

Turtles can go a few days without eating, so they do not need to be fed during the trip. You can feed them before the trip to ensure they are eating, and then see how their appetite is throughout the journey. If their appetite is low due to stress, that is normal.

Frequently asked questions