Shipping of Live Food, Frozen Food, Insects and Other Ornamental Arthropods – Herp Italia
General shipping conditions here.
At the moment, we don't ship Live Food, Frozen Food, Insects and Other Arthropods outside of Italy - if you want you can send your own courier on your own responsability. Please contact us!
For the shipments throughout Italy: orders containing insects, frozen products and other arthropods are usually shipped on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays to prevent goods from being held at courier depots over the weekend and to ensure delivery as quickly as possible after dispatch.
By placing an order, the customer declares that they have read, understood and fully accepted these conditions.
Shipping of live food, insects and other arthropods
Live food, ornamental insects and other arthropods are shipped using appropriate packaging and heat packs/cool packs when necessary, so they can arrive in the best possible condition.
Due to the delicate nature of these shipments, it is ESSENTIAL to provide a shipping address where someone is always available to receive the parcel on the first delivery attempt and immediately place the contents in suitable temperature and humidity conditions.
As these shipments can be affected even by just a few hours of improper handling, any issues found with the contents must be reported to [email protected] or +393289477984 within 1 hour of delivery (not before two hours and not after three hours during peak winter, which is the minimum time required for insects to recover after acclimating the box—without opening the internal packaging—to a temperature of around 20°C). The delivery time shown on the courier tracking will be considered valid.
We also strongly recommend, in order to minimize issues related to delivery operations, choosing HOLD FOR PICKUP at GLS or TNT/FedEx depots and collecting the shipment personally on the day it arrives at the facility (mandatory for Herp Italia to respond to claims during periods of extreme heat or cold).
Otherwise, Herp Italia will not be able to guarantee or take responsibility for the condition of the received goods.
Shipping of frozen products
Herp Italia undertakes to prepare orders using suitable packaging for the transport of frozen products, ensuring temperature maintenance during standard delivery times. Delivery is carried out by external couriers, and the customer may choose home delivery; however, Herp Italia can only be held responsible for products that arrive thawed if the customer selects HOLD FOR PICKUP at the courier’s depot. In this case, the customer must collect the goods within a maximum of 8 hours from the shipment’s arrival at the courier facility. Any issues regarding product condition must be reported within 1 hour of collection, including a video showing the product temperature measured with an infrared thermometer.
Herp Italia cannot be held responsible for any alterations in the condition of frozen products caused by delays or service issues attributable to the courier or force majeure events, including but not limited to strikes, logistical blockages, extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, accidents, transport network disruptions, or internal courier operational issues.
In such circumstances, being events beyond our control, we cannot guarantee the cold chain nor accept claims regarding product condition upon delivery or collection.
In case of:
- damaged parcel
- compromised packaging
- visible anomalies
Immediately report the issue to the courier by writing “RESERVE OF INSPECTION” in the signature field and contact our customer service, sending clear photos of the contents, the insulated packaging, and the shipping label.
Due to the delicate nature of these shipments, if the customer chooses home delivery, no claims regarding cold chain maintenance will be accepted. Shipments are in any case carried out with insulated packaging and dry ice to maintain the cold chain during standard delivery times.
We also recommend providing a shipping address where someone is always available to receive the parcel at the first delivery attempt and immediately place the contents in a freezer.
Product storage
Once the parcel has been delivered, we recommend:
- opening the package as soon as possible;
- checking the contents;
- placing the products immediately in the freezer.
Failure to follow these instructions may compromise product quality.
Frozen products may arrive partially softened but still cold; this does not compromise their quality or safety.
Product availability
Product availability shown on the website is accurate unless otherwise specified: items available for order are in stock and ready for shipment. However, discrepancies in quantities may occur due to force majeure. In case of unavailability after ordering, the customer will be informed and may choose between a refund or replacement with a product of equal value.
Products sold by Herp Italia are intended exclusively for animal feeding. Images and descriptions on the website are for illustrative purposes, and products may differ from those shown. As natural products, variations in size, color or appearance may occur. Such variations do not constitute defects.
Key points of our service include:
- continuous sourcing of certified and authorized producers and facilities;
- scheduled shipments to avoid weekend delays;
- thermal packaging designed for frozen product transport;
- careful order preparation;
- dedicated customer support.
Right of withdrawal
According to Article 59 of the Consumer Code, the right of withdrawal may be excluded for goods that risk deteriorating or expiring rapidly. Live and frozen products intended for animal feeding fall into this category.
Acceptance of conditions
By placing an order on the Herp Italia website, the customer confirms that they have read and accepted these terms and conditions and have read and understood the following guide.
Conditions may be updated or modified at any time.
The applicable conditions are those in force at the time of the order.
Additional information
Herp Italia aims to provide reliable, high-quality food for reptiles, birds of prey and exotic animals. In the care of these animals, food quality and proper feeder storage are essential to ensure health, balanced growth and wellbeing.
These conditions and the following guide provide useful information both for beginners approaching reptile keeping and for more experienced breeders who wish to deepen their knowledge on feeder selection, storage and feeding management.
Herp Italia has always been committed to offering reliable products and services tailored to the needs of reptile, bird of prey and exotic animal enthusiasts.
Feeder quality and selection
Products for sale are of the highest quality and come from controlled breeders and suppliers.
The following are monitored:
- environmental conditions
- feeding
- hygiene standards
- animal growth
Each batch is checked before packaging to verify size and uniformity.
Our producers of frozen food for reptiles, birds of prey and exotic animals use rapid freezing systems to preserve:
- nutritional value
- tissue consistency
- overall product quality
The same applies to all other frozen products sold on Herp Italia, including fish products.
Guide to choosing frozen feeder prey
For snakes, a common rule is to choose prey with a size similar to the widest part of the snake’s body. This facilitates ingestion and digestion.
Types of feeders
Pinky – newborn mice without fur
Fuzzy – mice with light fur
Hopper – young mice not fully weaned
Adult mouse – for medium-sized snakes
Rats – for large snakes
Common names of mice and rats by weight
1–4 g → mouse pinky
5–9 g → fuzzy or first coat
10–15 g → hopper
16–20 g → springer or juvenile
21–30 g → weaner or adult
30+ g → adult mouse XL
6–14 g → rat pinky
15–25 g → rat first coat
26–50 g → small weaned rat
51–90 g → medium/juvenile rat
91–250 g → large rat
over 251 g → rat XL
Snake not eating: what to do
It may happen that a snake refuses food. In most cases this is temporary.
Common causes:
- shedding period
- environmental stress
- incorrect temperature or humidity
- changes in the enclosure
- incomplete digestion of the previous meal
What to check immediately:
- correct temperature for the species
- presence of hides
- absence of stress or excessive handling
- correct prey size
Practical tips:
- leave the animal undisturbed for a few days before trying again
- try slightly smaller feeders
- offer warm prey using tongs, simulating movement
- feed in the evening if the species is nocturnal
Many snakes can skip several meals without consequences; in some species this is even physiological during certain periods of the year. If fasting lasts several weeks, consult a reptile veterinarian.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about feeding snakes and other exotic animals
Are frozen mice and rats safer for snakes?
Yes. Frozen feeders are widely used in reptile keeping because they offer several advantages over live prey. They reduce the risk of injuries during feeding, making them a safer choice. In addition, the freezing process helps lower the bacterial load and improves product preservation. The animals are euthanized using approved and appropriate methods for this type of use.
How often should a snake eat?
This varies slightly depending on the species, but generally:
Baby/juvenile snakes: every 5–7 days.
Subadult snakes: every 7–10 days.
Adult snakes: every 10–14 days, up to 20–25 days.
Feeding frequency also depends on prey size: for example, an adult Python molurus feeding on large rabbits may eat only once per month.
How to choose the correct feeder size?
The prey should be similar in size to the widest part of the snake’s body. After it has been swallowed, its shape should be visible in the stomach. The bulge should be noticeable but not excessive, and not barely visible either.
How to properly thaw a frozen mouse for snakes?
Allow the feeder to thaw gradually at room temperature, then warm it to a slightly warm (lukewarm) temperature before offering it (for example using a hairdryer or a heat mat).
Why is my snake refusing food?
Possible causes include shedding, stress, incorrect temperatures or environmental changes.
How long can a snake go without eating?
This depends on the species and age. Adult snakes can go several weeks without feeding; however, it is important to ensure that environmental parameters are correct and that no stress factors are involved.
How to properly store frozen food for reptiles and birds of prey at home
Proper storage of frozen feeders is essential to maintain product quality and ensure safe feeding. Even in a household freezer, correct storage is possible by following a few simple guidelines.
Freezer temperature
For optimal storage, it is recommended to keep the freezer at around -18°C.
Avoid temperature fluctuations
Frequent opening of the freezer or leaving packages out for too long may cause partial thawing. It is advisable to take only the feeders needed and close the freezer immediately.
Store feeders in their original packaging
Packaging is designed to protect the product and limit exposure to air. If opened, it should be properly resealed or transferred into suitable freezer bags.
Separate feeders from food for human consumption
Many keepers prefer storing feeders in a dedicated container or in a specific area of the freezer for better organization and hygiene.
Avoid repeated thawing
Repeated thawing can compromise product quality.
Storage duration
If kept at a constant temperature, frozen feeders can be stored for several months without significant loss of nutritional quality.
Freezer organization
To make usage easier, it is helpful to organize feeders by size or type. Many keepers separate pinkies, fuzzies, hoppers and rats into different bags or containers.
How long does frozen food last?
The shelf life of frozen feeders is indicated on each individual package.
