Running out of tricks, need advice

[brandon0133]

id force feed them,,done that with a corn i have

[Stefan-A]

Originally Posted by Cazador

If you were planning to do a brumation with a snake that eats regularily, then I'd decrease the light and temp a lot slower, but as Fons told Hans, there are no adverse effects when you simply pull the plug on the heat and light all at once. I'd give them at least three days before putting it in the fridge, and I'd insulate the hibernaculum (wrap it in a blanket or something) to help slow the temperature change. Obviously, this isn't the normal way, but most people don't have a snake that hasn't eaten in 5 weeks, either.

By way of comparison, I've had snakes out of brumation for a month. Then I've brought them right back down to 4C for 24 hours without any acclimation and had no adverse effects.

Thanks.



The temperature where I plan to keep it should stay between 4 and 7.5 degrees and I expect it to fluctuate a little (but still stay within that range), which is why I'm less than enthusiastic about having to brumate it. If we get exceptionally cold weather during the next couple of months, I might have to cancel it.



I have a bad feeling that with my luck, bringing her out of brumation won't be necessary.

[Cazador]

Hey Stephan,

I'm a bit relieved that you're opting for brumation. I think you'll find that bringing them out of brumation is much less stressful than putting them in... at least for you ;-). Cheers,

Rick

[Stefan-A]

One question about the substrate in the hibernation cage: Is peat okay? It doesn't really absorb humidity from the surrounding air, unlike paper towels, and its low pH should make it a harsh environment for bacteria.

[Cazador]

Personally, I've never used it in a hibernaculum, but I've dampened and used it in the main cages to provide a moist area for young ones. One thing about hibernacula is that the inner walls become damp. Maybe it's from the respiration/condensation. I normally use paper towels and check on them about once a month to make sure things are clean, dry, and no mold is growing anywhere. Even though the snakes won't have faeces, they'll still eliminate uric acid crystals, so you have to clean once in a while. That's one reason why I recommend paper towels, but I realize that there are always other ways to do things. It'll be neat to hear the experiences from other people on this. Hope that's of some use,

Rick

[Stefan-A]

How long would you say it's safe to brumate it? It's going to be close to six weeks without eating. What's the safer solution, hibernate it for a "short" while and hope that it resets the snake, or hibernate it until I can find worms again?

Don't worry, I'm not going to hold you responsible if anything happens to the snake.

[Cazador]

I put adults down for about 4 months, and yearlings down for three (if at all). I don't brumate snakes in their first year at all. Since yours has already gone for 6 weeks at normal temps, I'd only put it down for another 4-6 weeks. Be sure to weigh it first, so you can check on how it's doing in a few weeks.

[Stefan-A]

Okay. It'll come out of hibernation some time around New Year. Works for me.

Next time something like this happens, I won't have to ask.

[Stefan-A]

I put her down today. Lets see how long it takes before something goes horribly wrong.

[anji1971]

Stefan, I'll do the positive thinking for you, so hopefully it will work!!