>>Hi there

>>

>>I am acquiring a pr of hatchlings of both these species this w/end. I have done quite a bit of research and spoken to both breeders on their general care but just wanted to confirm a few things about their husbandry/enviroment. As they're all 2-3 months old hatchlings im trying to keep the setup as simple as possible until i move them to bigger enclosures? Ideally would like to keep them all in plastic containers within a big ventilated tank where i can keep the temps as constant as possible.

>>

>>Any comments about the following assumptions:

>>1. After researching seems as if both these species will do well at temp ranges from 70s to low 80s. What would an ideal temp be? Day/Night?



Both species are adapted to a range of temps and variability during their active season. Ideally, a range of temps would be best, maybe a low in the low 70's and a high slightly over 80*F. My high varies from high 70's to low 80's and my low varies from about 68 to 75*F.



>>2. Both species can be housed in ventilated plastic tupperware containers ( shoe-box size) with paper towel,and waterbowl with appropriate hide-box ( will a toilet roll core do??



Yes. I use plastic shoeboxes lined with paper towel, a deli cup with fresh water and paper towels jumbled up for hides and security. Easy to clean and serves the purpose. This is for babies only.



>>3. Is heat source necessary and cooling down of temps at night, or could i keep the temps at constant say 75F?



Heat source is not necessary for these cool adapted sps, but may help if you're in a cold climate. A constant temp is fine for babies. 75* will do, but I keep mine in a heated room which fluctuates as stated above. You might want to go to high 70's day, a few degress lower night, maybe down to around 72-73*, but 75 would be, ok.



>>4. Lastly do the mandarins have to have a moist hide box?

>>



I use a moist hide with mandarins, especially adults, for egg-laying and around shed time sometimes. The reason is because humidity fluctuates here (n. MI) also. When humidity is 60-80%, it's not as necessary, but when humidity is 60%, or less, the moist hide helps. I do not leave it in the cage when not needed. I do leave a moist hide in the cage during brumation, however, as the humidity is around 30%, or less, where I live in winter. I brumate adults for around four months.



>>Any help or suggestions would be appreciated and example photos of setups even better!

>>Thanks

>>Kevin

>>-----

>>www.reptiles.co.za



The photo below shows a moist hide for a gravid adult in a ten gallon tank. Might not be too aesthetic, but it works. You might notice the plastic jugs in the back. They can be used for hides, water, or feeding. Since you are only concerned with neonates at the moment, you're main problem is humidity for your mandarins. That's what I would focus on.



Good luck....Terry











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Ratsnake Haven...researching ratsnakes since 1988



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