Adjusting Lights With Daylight

[snake man]

Ahh, I see. Is there any reason that they need to be brumated, if you're not going to breed them?

You don't need to brumate to breed do you? As opposed to waiting till spring?

[-MARWOLAETH-]

You don't need to brumate to breed do you? As opposed to waiting till spring?

During the brumation period the snakes produce sex cells therefore increases fertility also it's a natural cue for them to breed just after a cool period.

[Steveo]

You don't need to brumate to breed do you? As opposed to waiting till spring?

Males will do their thing without brumating, but you increase your chances (and their fertility) by cooling them down. Females can hold the sperm but may not ovulate without simulating the change in seasons.

I believe when I purchased my garters, the instructions were to drop the breeders down to 60 degrees and turn the lights out for just a month or two. If your house gets chilly in the winter, putting the tank on the floor with a towel over it might be enough. Basements are also an option if they don't get too cold.

[paulh]

You don't need to brumate to breed do you? As opposed to waiting till spring?

It depends on what you own. Northern USA garters do need a brumation; southerns need less. T. radix (plains garters) needed brumation when I bred them. Though just how low they need to go is up in the air, as far as I know. Garters will also breed in the fall, especially after a cold snap. Males produce sperm in the summer, when there is plenty of food, not during brumation.