>>first timer, getting ready to cool down a male and a female thayeri. is there a cheap, dependable enclosure i can use (home depot or lowes) that can effectively work as housing for these during the cool down period.

>>here's the plan. been off feed for 3 weeks, weights female (306), male (288), plan to cool them this weekend. place in closest in house. anticipated temps range from hopefully around 52 or so. Bring them back out around Mar 15. Encolsures will have fresh water - monitored once a week, regular bedding, NO moist hide box. sound okay? many thanks. will post the photos if i can get this to work.

>>



Got to Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart or anywhere that sells Rubbermaid or Sterlite tubs....Get you (2) 16 quart tubs and fill each tub with 4 inches of Aspen.....Place a board, plastic, paper plate or anything over half (or so) of the Aspen......Place a water bowl on top of the item you chose to place on top of the plastic......Set them in the bottom of the closet......When you change their water out weekly (or so) they will be under the Aspen and will be less disturbed...Bring them out in March and leave them at room temps (70F or so)for a couple of days....Then put them back in their enclosure with a temp range......The female will want lots of food and the male may refuse food until after breeding season.....Don't let the male get to hot or he will "cook" his little swimmers.....If he isn't eating he will not need a hot spot.....Pair them up by placing the FEMALE in the MALE's enclosure after she sheds (you can try a few times prior to her ovulation shed though.....Separate, feed and repeat as many times as the female is receptive......Get your lay box set up and wait for eggs.....incubate at 75F to 80F and you will see eggs pip in around 60 to 70 days......This is how I do it....Many ways to skin a cat, but this works for me....



Good luck with that pair cadmus......
-----
John Lassiter

Poor planning and procrastination on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part...

[ Show Entire Thread ]