Posted by:
Elaphefan
at Fri Mar 18 16:03:59 2005 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by Elaphefan ]
Ok, tell me what part of a snake’s digestive system is influenced by humidity? A snake’s metabolism is controlled by temperature. There is a cardiac valve at the top of the stomach that stays closed until it is letting food or water in or out. For the most part, it is a sealed system.
If high humidity were a problem for desert snakes, you would expect to see it reflected in respiratory and skin problems. Those are the areas of the snake’s anatomy that are most exposed to the increased levels of moisture.
At this time, I keep both Trans-Pecos and Baird’s Rat Snakes. In the summer, I make no attempt to influence the temperature or humidity levels in the air. They are constantly exposed to high humidity levels with no ill effects. Since I have three Baird’s and one Trans-Pecos Rat Snake, I was not just talking about a universe of one when I made my comment.
I am sure that all those who are saying that humidity caused problems for their snakes are giving it their best guess. Still, they are making “this; therefore because of this” type argument. I am not saying that they are totally wrong, but I am saying that they don’t have any real data to prove their contention. If a real scientific study has been done and published on the subject, I would love to read it.
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RE: trans pecos rat snake - Elaphefan, Fri Mar 18 16:03:59 2005