>>>Liquid refreshment and total dark. I think?



Access to water is essential to prevent dehydration.



Total dark is neither necessary nor easy to achieve, and may be contraindicated.



Total darkness only exists naturally deep inside caves. Achieving total darkness artificially is not easy - ask any photographer with a darkroom.



A snake's hormonal system is tuned to circadian rhythms - as such a daily light/dark cycle is very important. Most hibernacula are not in the zone of total darkness - some faint natural light is almost always present. Without exposure to this natural light/dark cycle, the hormonal system has no cues to go by.



Human studies have show living out of contact with natural circadian cycles to be detrimental to subject's physical and mental health. One can only imagine the effects on a creature much more dependent on instinct and far less capable of abstract thought.



Regards,



John D
-----
I am so not lesdysxic!



0.1 Creamsicle Cornsake "Yolanda"

1.0 Bairds Ratsnake "Steely Dan"

0.1 Desert Kingsnake "FATTY"

0.1 Black Rat (WV Rescue) "Roberta"

[ Show Entire Thread ]