Thanks, T. P...........>

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Posted by tmc on November 11, 2001 at 07:49:41:

In Reply to: Extra Nice posted by Terry Parks on November 10, 2001 at 08:14:21:

I'm glad you asked that question about husbandry. Not only is the husbandry different, but the coloration varies too because of the location. The cen. Chinese dione are farthest south in China, and the S. K. dione are farthest south on the Korean Penninsula. That makes all the difference in color, pattern, behavior, etc.

The typical "Steppes" ratsnakes, are from farther north and west. Even the ones that live in n. China and Russia, which might be distinct ssps, are darker and have somewhat different habits (see my pics of the dark forms of S.K.)

To answer more directly, these dione are very hardy. In the wild their brumation period has already started back in October. I try to keep the adults going to November. Younger ones can go almost all year. They are quite comfortable at temps bt. 70 and 80 degrees F. The husbandry is easy.

Typical Steppes ratsnakes have a shorter activity period, aren't quite as large, and often don't eat as well. The babies of the S. K. ate after the first shed, pinkies, and have been chowing ever since. They now eat two at a time and have almost doubled in weight. Other husbandry techniques are about the same.

Keep up the questions. TMC.

: Thanks for posting the pictures Terry. You're killing me. They do have a different color than my steppes. Is their husbandry about the same as the steppes?

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: I'm glad you asked that question about husbandry. Not only is the husbandry different, but the coloration varies too because of the location. The cen. Chinese dione are farthest south in China, and the S. K. dione are farthest south on the Korean Penninsula. That makes all the difference in color, pattern, behavior, etc. : The typical "Steppes" ratsnakes, are from farther north and west. Even the ones that live in n. China and Russia, which might be distinct ssps, are darker and have somewhat different habits (see my pics of the dark forms of S.K.) : To answer more directly, these dione are very hardy. In the wild their brumation period has already started back in October. I try to keep the adults going to November. Younger ones can go almost all year. They are quite comfortable at temps bt. 70 and 80 degrees F. The husbandry is easy. : Typical Steppes ratsnakes have a shorter activity period, aren't quite as large, and often don't eat as well. The babies of the S. K. ate after the first shed, pinkies, and have been chowing ever since. They now eat two at a time and have almost doubled in weight. Other husbandry techniques are about the same. : Keep up the questions. TMC. : : : Thanks for posting the pictures Terry. You're killing me. They do have a different color than my steppes. Is their husbandry about the same as the steppes?

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