Posted by:
WALL2WALLREPTILE
at Sun Nov 21 00:37:59 2010 [ Report Abuse ] [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by WALL2WALLREPTILE ]
Hello Chris and Alliey!
We are doing great. Hope you are both doing great too. I am glad to see your post.
I suspected there would be some considerable variation in the preferred temperature ranges maintained by different keepers. Your post goes to show that there is certainly more than one way to successfully "skin the cat".
As you know, many people utilize a seasonal temperature variation to stimulate breeding behaviors. It obviously works. However, we do not use this approach. We prefer another method to stimulate breeding behavior. We simply "cycle" our Bloods by fluctuating the feeding frequency. Offering more food during one time of the season is enough to trigger hormonal ques that lead to successful reproduction. (This also works well with Ball Pythons!)
For me it seemed more natural with these tropical dwelling snakes. (not to mention that it is also very easy.) The temperatures they are experiencing in the wild are fairly stable. Wet/Dry seasons are experienced, rather than more "temperate-like" warm/cool seasons.
(note: in many temperate dwelling reptile species, a cool down/brumation period is thought to be necessary in order to instigate viable spermatogenisis.)
In the tropical wild setting, the availability of food surges after the wet season. So, we decided to try keeping the temps fairly stable...and rather seasonally manipulating the feeding frequency. It works like a charm. We have been producing snakes with this method for years. But, having said that...I know that there are many other methods that will also achieve successful results.
As you know Blood Pythons...and Short-tailed Pythons are remarkably hardy animals that can be maintained fairly easily. As long as you do not subject them to extended periods of sub-optimal conditions...they will generally thrive in captivity.
I really enjoyed reading your post. Hope you have a great season. Stay in touch. I always love hearing form you guys!
Your friend, Harlin Wall - WALL TO WALL REPTILES! 970-245-7611 970-255-9255
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