Frank, Phil, and others. I don't have much time, I'm on my lunch time at work, but wanted you to know I have seen your thread today. I have a couple minutes, but doubt if I can respond further until this evening.



I don't respond to everything, but I think I've read everything in these threads. First let me say, Frank, thanks for the photos and info about the willards and leps. That was great. I don't have too much experience with crotes, and I'm learning from yours. I'm also learning there's much difference bt. conditions in AZ in winter and WI or MI in winter. I agree with a lot of what you say. I also agree with and understand what Phil is saying.



I've been reading up on ecology and behavior. I think lots of people read the literature, especially the scientists, and it's important info and data to consider. I've also noted that they use the term "hibernation" very often, rather than a host of other terms. However, I now believe that much of our problems are with terminology and semantics, and so, I will show you how I'm changing my thinking to suit the situation, and my new ideas.



I week, or so, ago, Hugh gave us a formula (something like...caloric intake plus hydrolic intake plus thermoregulating opportunities equals production of babies...not an exact quote). I would like to suggest a broader formula to include resting opportunities with lowered metabolism. You know snakes do not always operate at the same metabolism. Whether we call it hibernation, brumation, or estivation, the snakes are lowering their metabolism when they are resting.



I no longer use the term hibernation very often (very restricted). I use brumation more often, but even this term can be inadequate, because it needs to be defined, so it won't be misinterpreted. I think snakes have reduced activity in winter and other times of the year, depending where they are at. I think there's times when they can regulate and lower their metabolism when they are resting. I believe I've even seen snakes sleeping before, even though they have their eyes open. Ever startle a basking snake that doesn't react until you touch it? In other words, I believe snakes can be at rest, and can be at rest at many different temperatures, not doing anything except passing time until conditions get better. I believe there's times when they can go for extended periods w/o having to eat or process food.



What's happening underground is not something that is written about very often. There needs to be a lot more research in those areas. I think we should concentrate on things we do know about. The general idea here is what is happening in different areas the snakes' ranges and what we know about the conditions. In captivity it's what we know about the species and it's maintenance, what works, etc. Let's hope we can work together and not oppose each other.



Sometimes the student, sometimes the teacher, always something..haha



Terry

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