I haven't bred mine, yet, so I don't have a real strong opinion.



I bought 2.3 babies in 2003, and lost two of them that first winter when I tried to brumate the babies at about 60*F. They were a little weak from not eating well, however, and I had wanted to stimulate their feeding by cooling them for awhile. That wasn't a good idea with these snakes. They should have been kept warmer for better digestion I think.



Like with corns I'm sure they vary according to what they're used to. I think Toby's snakes are fairly hardy because of being w/c. I had kept mine too cool, at first, because the breeder had them accustomed to a much warmer regime, and they didn't make the switch very well. They're doing much better now, but still only cooled in the 60's for a month, or so, last winter. I've been a lot more cautious the last two winters. They're a lot like corns from the warmer locales, imo.



We know corns can go year 'round w/o brumation and still breed. Maybe not always the best situation, but I'd be cautious about cooling, especially with young ones. Cooling could kill weaker babies that haven't been eating. I think adults can be cooled, but I would use some moderation, and it depends somewhat on what they're used to. Definitely ease into it. I would also consider where the parent stock came from. My Brazos Island rats are from as far south as you can go in the U.S., near the Rio Grande River. Toby's snakes are from a little further north and may be hardier than mine naturally.



Sorry this was so long, but it's a topic that I'm trying to work on. We'll learn more in time I'm sure. Toby, you have gotten babies from your meahllmorum before, haven't you? How did the babies fare, what were they like?? Thanks....



Terry

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