More questions from another beginner

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Posted by Mark on May 22, 2002 at 17:41:21:

I have an albino black rat and an albino greenish rat, both '01 and about 19 inches long. I am new to this, but did my homework before buying, and decided on ratsnakes for lots of reasons. Two questions: Although most of the books and info suggest a warm and cool side of the cage, I have also heard from what seem to be reliable sources that this is not absolutely critical for black rats and greenish rats. I have had the black rat since Feb. at room temp, and she is doing great. Got the greenish rat last month, also room temp, and he also is feeding (and clearly digesting) like a champ. So what can you all tell me? Especially keepers of black or greenish rats, who have tried to keep them at room temp without extra heat.
Also, my greenish rat always manages to get aspen with his meals! Has anyone ever had or heard of internal damage due to aspen "splinters". If so, that would be reason enough to feed him in a separate place.
I am new to snakes this year, and already think that the elaphe are awesome! I will add heat if this will give my snakes a better chance for good health, but I would prefer to keep doing what I am doing if they will be fine. Thanks to all. Mark

Follow Ups:

Re: More questions from another beginner Tim Spuckler 05/25/02 (0)
Re: More questions from another beginner Brian Baker 05/22/02 (0)

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: I have an albino black rat and an albino greenish rat, both '01 and about 19 inches long. I am new to this, but did my homework before buying, and decided on ratsnakes for lots of reasons. Two questions: Although most of the books and info suggest a warm and cool side of the cage, I have also heard from what seem to be reliable sources that this is not absolutely critical for black rats and greenish rats. I have had the black rat since Feb. at room temp, and she is doing great. Got the greenish rat last month, also room temp, and he also is feeding (and clearly digesting) like a champ. So what can you all tell me? Especially keepers of black or greenish rats, who have tried to keep them at room temp without extra heat. : Also, my greenish rat always manages to get aspen with his meals! Has anyone ever had or heard of internal damage due to aspen "splinters". If so, that would be reason enough to feed him in a separate place. : I am new to snakes this year, and already think that the elaphe are awesome! I will add heat if this will give my snakes a better chance for good health, but I would prefer to keep doing what I am doing if they will be fine. Thanks to all. Mark

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