Posted by:
ratsnakehaven
at Tue Nov 22 15:45:35 2005 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by ratsnakehaven ]
I believe some snakes, at least, require a metabolic rest, especially ones from the far north. Your snake has eaten year round because it's not full grown and not having adult tendencies. In the wild adults probably only eat about half the year. I believe Russian rats that are kept going year 'round probably only live half as long as ones that are cooled, and I based that on what I've heard from other people's experiences. I've cooled two yr. olds for 8 to 12 wks in the past, not hard on them, at about 50-60*F, just to get them oriented and adjusted to winter. Adults I would cool for about four months at about 50*F, if they're prepared for brumation. I only say this because I think it's healthier for your snake. If it's important for you to have your snake active all year, go ahead, but I wouldn't expect it to live more than ten yrs. Just my opinion on one reason why I think we should brumate, at least some of our snakes. BTW, I would only attempt a lengthy brumation on healthy snakes.
TC
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Ratsnake Haven...researching ratsnakes since 1988 
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- E. s. schrencki Question - RedCoolAid, Tue Nov 22 13:14:46 2005
 RE: E. s. schrencki Question - ratsnakehaven, Tue Nov 22 15:45:35 2005
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