Hello--
Congratulations--you've chosen a great species for a pet snake! Mine was out playing earlier tonight--she is simply a joy.

Watch your temps in a ten gallon--that's a small space to create a real gradient. My herp room has an ambient temp of 78, and I only provide belly heat after eating. My experience with antaresia is that they like to be warm, but not hot.

Don't be daunted if yours is a bit nippy. They tend to be that way as youngsters, then mature into serene adults. The bites aren't painful, and calm, consistent handling will guarantee a well adjusted adult.

Spotteds love to eat! As adults they can become overweight, since they seldome skip a meal, and always want more than what they need. I've had my girl for six years and put her on a diet twice. Now she eats one f/t large rat pup/sm. weanling every 7 days or so.

I keep both spotteds and childrens. Feel free to email me with questions. Best to the both of you!

rgds,
althea

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