With regards to blood pythons, defecation frequency seems to be related to a combination of feeding frequency, amount of food at each feeding, and water consumption. Water consumption is probably the most critical, and that can be directly related to the level of ambient humidity. I believe that in their natural high humidity environment in Indonesia, they inherently do not drink as frequently as is needed to maintain proper hydration as when they are in most low humidity captive environments in the US. In other words, they may not be physiologically regulated for high water intact to keep up the proper hydration in a low humidity environment. A lag time develops and they tend to get behind in their water intake and become dehydrated. Typically not a big issue during warmer, higher humidity weather, but can be a problem during the drier winter months. Maintaining higher cage humidity, especially during winter months, and frequent water bowl changes will help this condition considerably. I know my brongersmai defecate approximately once per month.



Kelly

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