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Brumating snakes in an apartment???

Blecha Sep 30, 2007 05:47 PM

There's no part of my apartment that gets to the desired temperatures... I do have a dorm fridge that I could use as long as it's not ruined in the process (wouldn't they suffocate though?)... any advice??? I live on the third floor and have a deck but am pretty sure it will get WAY too cold out there even if the snakes are insulated a lot...

Thanks in advance,
-Joe-

Replies (3)

joeysgreen Oct 01, 2007 12:39 AM

What species of snakes and what are your desired brumation temperatures?

I'd also direct you to the species specific forum for help.
Heres some general advice on the topic.

Use a thermometer in the fridge, most are around 4C which is probably too cool for a lot of species. Perhaps it can be turned up to a little higher temp?
There should be enough oxygen in the fridge. Open it and check on them every day or two to circulate air. Inside the fridge the snakes would need to be in containers, with a small water dish, and some holes for air exchange. Deep substrate is usually a bonus as well.
Also remember that brumation is only necessary for breeding, so unless this is your desire, don't brumate them.

Lastly, if the fridge won't work, perhaps ask if you can keep them at your parents house, or a neighbors, or friends ect.

Ian

Blecha Oct 01, 2007 06:50 PM

This year I will be brumating Thamnophis radix and Thamnophis sirtalis pickeringi. It is with the intention of breeding them. Next year I will be brumating Heterodon nasicus. I am shooting for 55 degrees, give or take about 5 degrees. I'll start up the fridge and see what temps I can get. That's good to know they won't suffocate. I think I read somewhere that someone ran airline tubing and an airpump to the inside of the fridge to make sure there was enough air. I can just check them and open the cages up daily and I'm sure that will work. Thanks

Blecha Oct 05, 2007 02:10 PM

The temps are too low in my "mini" fridge (low 40's)... Has anyone used a dimmer on a fridge or does anyone if this will work without ruining the fridge?

Thanks in advance,
-Joe-
-----
0.1.0 Colombian Red-tailed Boa (100% Het. for albino)
0.0.2 Western Hognose Snakes
0.2.1 Plains Garter Snakes
1.0.0 Red-sided Garter Snake
1.2.0 Barred Tiger Salamanders
0.0.1 Red-eared Slider
0.0.1 Common Snapping Turtle

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