Re: I thought..

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Posted by Terry on April 18, 2000 at 04:57:28:

In Reply to: Re: I thought.. posted by LauraO on April 17, 2000 at 16:55:33:

: :that the 60s was right for this species. To what temp should they be cooled down then? Anyone have input?

Hi Laura. I'm not an expert on Taiwans, but I work with Chinese stripe-tails, Elaphe t. taeniura, which are from a little farther north. I hibernate mine from 50 to 60*F, for about three months. It doesn't seem to hurt them. I treat them exactly the same as my breeder corns, which works for me, but then, not everybody thinks that way. I think "cooling" is the right word when you only put them down for 4 weeks. It's a slight metabolic rest, but not hibernation. They might not be getting cycled even. Hibernation's not always necessary with these animals, but it helps if you want best results. Remember, it's not just the cycling that hibernation, or brumation, is good for. They need the metabolic break. Eleven months a year, and sometimes double-clutching, is very difficult on animals that are not adapted to that. I think we push some of these species too hard and need to think about what's best for them. We need to create the best conditions for them to thrive in. It's been stated by others, besides me that the animals that have proper hibernation, are heathier and live longer. Make sure that hibernation conditions are proper, though, because improper conditions could be hard on your animals, and some people don't like taking chances with this procedure. It comes down to personal choices. Good luck. TC/Ratsnake Haven.

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: : :that the 60s was right for this species. To what temp should they be cooled down then? Anyone have input? : : Hi Laura. I'm not an expert on Taiwans, but I work with Chinese stripe-tails, Elaphe t. taeniura, which are from a little farther north. I hibernate mine from 50 to 60*F, for about three months. It doesn't seem to hurt them. I treat them exactly the same as my breeder corns, which works for me, but then, not everybody thinks that way. I think "cooling" is the right word when you only put them down for 4 weeks. It's a slight metabolic rest, but not hibernation. They might not be getting cycled even. Hibernation's not always necessary with these animals, but it helps if you want best results. Remember, it's not just the cycling that hibernation, or brumation, is good for. They need the metabolic break. Eleven months a year, and sometimes double-clutching, is very difficult on animals that are not adapted to that. I think we push some of these species too hard and need to think about what's best for them. We need to create the best conditions for them to thrive in. It's been stated by others, besides me that the animals that have proper hibernation, are heathier and live longer. Make sure that hibernation conditions are proper, though, because improper conditions could be hard on your animals, and some people don't like taking chances with this procedure. It comes down to personal choices. Good luck. TC/Ratsnake Haven.

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