I think I ned to clarify my first reply.

It's recommended by some to keep Burmese Python hatchlings near the 90 degree mark. This is bascially in referrence to keeping them in bins, small tubs, etc. The higher temps increase metabolism and hopefully encourages a good feeding response as well as promoting the growth of internal organisms needed for digestion.

I feel that personal keepers should move hatchlings into more of a proper setup, with a temperature gradient, once it has consumed a few meals and is on it's way to a healthy life. But it's important to remember that they'll feel more secure in a smaller enclosure than they will a large, spacious, one. This, I believe, is best achieved by using belly heat (the size of the snake in question's coiled body or so) with small containers, enclosures.

The reason I suggested that Rich lower the temps was just to establish whether or not the heat was causing the aggression and over-excitement. I didn't intend to insinuate for him or anyone else to keep hatchling burms at that low of a temperature all the time. they need access to higher temps for ease of digestion. When given proper choices reptiles will make proper decisions.

It's also likely that Rich's hatchling just flat out gets too excited come feeding time and will settle down after awhile. Feeding F/T can help in situations like that, where the rodent doesn't move and the snake doesn't hold onto the rodent for 40 forevers because it's still moving. Bump the conatiner while feeding & watch the lil' boogers squeeze even tighter and longer. They're inexperienced.

Later!
HH
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American


www.natures-signature.com

[ Show Entire Thread ]