The low 70's is a great cool side temp but I've found that they do much better if they have a small under the tank heat source on one end. I don't keep the heat source as far under their cage as with other species but just under a couple inches of the very end. Obviously it's easier to do when using a heat pad or heat cable that you don't have to attach or stick to the bottom of the cage. I don't make the warm spot as warm as with other colubrids because it can make it hard to keep the cool side cool enough. If you keep their enclosures as low as you can to the floor it makes it easier to maintain the cool side temps while having a warm spot. You will need to have the heat source on a thermostat or rheostat or it will be too hot. In smaller enclosures I generally keep the warm spot at about 80 (on the veeeeeery end of one side)but in larger (longer)enclosures I will keep it a little warmer because your still able to maintain the low temps on the cool side.

A moist hide is good but it's best if you can keep the whole cage more humid than you need for most colubrids. I've found that using cypress mulch works best for me personally. It holds moisture better than most other types of bedding. If you have the mulch a couple inches deep and you make a large area of one corner of the cool side fairly damp it will keep the cage more humid over all and they can move away or towards the damp corner depending on how much humidity or moisture they want at the time. I keep a good secure hide on the cool and warm side as they are a shy species. If they want to be in a different temp or moisture range than where one of the hides are at they can go under the mulch while still hiding and feeling secure.
I also use a large water bowl with mandarins.










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Randy Whittington

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