Hi,

be careful when removing from a brumation, as a sudden change in temperature can really jolt the immune system and make for an unnecessary respiratory illness. It's best to gently increase the temps gradually over a period of time, such as opening that closet door you kept him/her in allowing for a slight increase of ambient temperature as well as light (photoperiods are equally as important). A quick change of water as well as substrate never hurts in case there has been any water spillage and/or build-up of any moisture. Leave that door open for a few days and then remove to floor level whereby he/she can be afforded a long light cycle as well as a slowly-increasing temperature. Do that now for a few days. By then (about 10 days or so) you may want to place him/her back into its respective place in the original rack system or cage but with low-heat (i.e. 75F) on the heat tape. For male montane snakes, when breeding, it's advised to NOT put them on any high heat in order to not compromise the viability of sperm. Room temperature works best until after several breedings have commenced, and even thereafter too much warmth isn't tolerated well by mountain kingsnakes.

As for offering first meals, offer smaller-than-usual meals initially as digestive system is just kicking back into gear and too large a meal can really be a shock to it's stomach. Start with an extra-large pinky or very small fuzzy. If it's not taken, leave overnight. If not consumed by the following day, remove and try again in a couple days. Once feeding has commenced, feed a small meal for the first 2 or 3 meals and then resume normal-sized prey items going forward.

Best wishes. =)
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Jerry Kruse


www.zonatas.com


What comes around goes around -- and it's on its way.

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