Freebie: Polypterus Free to Good Home

Is it worth it for you? Knowing courier costs will potentially be R400 - R600?

 

@Hendre - take a look at this: http://thecourierguy.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/TheCourierGuy-OneRate.pdf

 

no courier would be so much. Postnet is R100, with enough water and a polystyrene box they should be fine. simply don't feed for a few days beforehand

If sent early in the week should be overnight, I can walk to the nearest office. that overnight courier can work, even the 2-3 day can work if it is well insulated with enough water (it can take up to 15KG's then)

 

Live animal transport, same day delivery, will cost you many times the cost of R120 for a Senegal. That's aside the hassle of special packaging, polystyrene box, delivery to and collection from airport...but get a quote and let us know...
Most couriers will not transport live stock, especially live fish...

 

Ya I don't think it's worth it hey... I wouldn't know how to begin to package a fish. Nevermind the stress on him and what if he doesn't make it? I would feel so guilty.

 

Postnet is R100 bucks, maybe 2 days delivery.

packaging is easy. styrofoam box or similar, a big bag of water and some prime if you have. fill the bag 2/3rds with water then use an airpump to fill it entirely then seal with an elastic bag. you can also put the styrofoam box inside a cardboard box. seal tight and just say live animal in transit handle with care on the box.

Polypterus are incredibly tough creatures really. if shrimp survive postnet a poly will be alright

 

What he said. Stop stressing so much over it - just follow his instructions on how to package the fish and the bichir will be fine. He has experience with them and knows how tough they are. Postnet doesn't take this long to send parcels - I send one to JHB, it arrived the next day. All you need is :

• a polystyrene box
• 
  
• 
  
• A strong plastic packet to fill up with water and just enough for it to swim in.
• Tape to keep the box sealed.
  
• Bubble wrap on the bottom and sides (extra insulation)
• Don't feed the fish for up to 2 days prior to shipping.
  
• When sending it off, please tell them to find a sticker that says FRAGILE. I've done this before with plants and they put a sticker on the box to send to Hendre.
• If need be, you can write a note on the top to say it's fish - handle with care.

It should be fine as long as instructions are followed and that they know they are transporting a fish.

 

Pollies are hardy fish. I send shrimp per courier 2 weeks ago. Packed them at 9 at night, in plastic bag. Placed them into a diy polistyreen box made out of a polistyreen sheet. Inside a cardboard box and cling wrapped it. Courier picked up 5 the next day, 20 hours after packing and delivered only the next day. I would say from packing to finaly being delivered 44 hours. No deaths during transit. Seeing that it is going from and too major cities. Max delivery time should be 48 hours.
If you stop feeding on the friday and pack him on monday evening, send it via PostNet on tuesday morning it will be in Cape Town by wednesday. 48 hours later. With PostNet you have a 5kg package for R99. Lots of water lots of air. No problem. Live animal transport will handle a box of fish in the same way a normal courier company will handle any package. My 2c worth

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

 

Sorry guys, not my fish so I don't have the final say. Postnet isn't happening.

 

Okay.

 

All this and the risk of a dead fish vs the R120 it costs to buy the fish in CT?
Sending animals via postnet or some non-specialist courier company is simply irresponsible. Because a fish is "tough", doesn't mean it doesn't suffer the same stress other (more sensitive) fish suffer, it just means it's lucky to have survived the journey.
Would you send a R20 000 arowana via postnet? I don't think so.
If you can import fish from Singapore within 24 hours, how is sending it via the local postal service taking double the time cool?
And yes, I have around a dozen poly's....
My 2c worth...

 

I just see it as less risk from ammonia, oxygen or temperature risks. I never find them here lol, unless I get another WC from @Altum

 

Courier guys arent expensive and will do express delivery which is 24 hours it's really worth it. @Hendre Might cost R200 at the most put from hub to hub it should be way less.

 

I can ask my mom to ask them for a quote from Erna's to Hendre if I have the adresses and package size and weight.

 

I can't spend more than R100.

 

Hendre I can just find out for you. Maybe it's less than whatvI suggested.