Toby, you have described some things we have learned over time and by comparing notes which I pretty much agree with. My oldest, biggest green rat (triaspis) is being kept in a room with temps that vary from the high 50's to high 60's each day. She is in a generally dry terrarium with a humid hide (box). The ambient humidity in the room is generally 45 to 55%. She uses the humid hide about half of the time with the rest of the time hiding in or under objects in the cage. I think she's doing quite well this winter without feeding. The males are all doing well too with similar conditions.

I just think the Asians come from climates that are very humid, at least in summer. Triaspis is in a dry climate, but can move into humid microhabitats when it needs humidity the most. The Asians have a hard time getting away from the humidity, so may have more tolerance for it, imho. But this is just an educated guesstimate.

How are the Rhyncophis doing for you? How big are they getting? Do they handle like corns?

TC


>>Thanks Terry - As you know, I live in a very humid climate (Gulf Coast) and these snakes have done quite well for me - considering. Of course, my central a/c dries the air somewhat, but it is over 50% in the house even when the a/c runs all day, in the summer. I think very good ventilation is key, plus a himid / moist hide. Even in humid, coastal south Texas, this species will dessicate and begin having shedding problems if they are not provided with a moist hide - I know from experience, after allowing one's moist hide to dry out when it was in a shed cycle. So - I would kind of liken them to being very similar in (general) needs to those Asian green rats - except with a drier substrate, and more ventilation - but still with a very moist hide. That said though, I am sure they do well in dry climates too - with the provisions I mentioned...
>>
>>I know this is not exactly what you were talking about - but just thought I'd throw it out there. I am sure you are right about Senticolis most likely doing better (in a dry climate) than those green Asians...
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>>Now, as far as handling - I would somewhat retract my promotion of Senticolis (generally not very fond of being handled), and would suggest Rhynchophis. Rhinos are very peaceful and handleable snakes - which is also in contrast to the other green Asians...
>>
>>
>>-----
>>-Toby Brock
>>Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research

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