Reptile & Amphibian Forums

If I am not intending to breed my black rat, do I need to brumate her? What if I may breed her 2-3 years down the line? She is almost a yearling, and this will be her second winter.

I don't really have a place in my place that stays below 60 degrees. I don't have a garage or basement; all I have is a small padio outside. Can I give my snake a brief cooling period, lets say for 2 months near a window with a cool breeze?

The thing I like about brumation is that it's natural and encourages a lot of springtime activity and feeding.

Some folks seem to think that they are better off in the long run if they are, at least when they are older. But she will be fine, and probably continue feeding through the winter at room temps. If your home tends to get a little cooler in the winter, as mine does, she will eat less often (and may prefer smaller meals). The naturally shorter light cycles may effect her the same way. But she will be fine, and you can enjoy her company right through the holidays. One of my black rats stopped eating for a LONG time last winter, and I brumated her just to see if coming out of it would jump start her appetite. It seemed to work. Good luck. Duffy

I think I will just keep the room temperature cool, in the low 70's or high 60's at night. I will continue to heat her cage, although it should be somewhat cooler than usual, but warm enough to digest her food. I think I will also feed her slightly less frequently, maybe once a week instead of once every 5 days.

Hopefully the cooler temps, reduced photoperiod, and reduced feeding will keep her in a seasonal cycle without actually brumating her.

what is brumated?

Many of the snakes from colder climates are more likely to breed if put into a period of hibernation (brumation) during the winter months. Usually a period of 30-90 days at temps in the mid 50's, give or take a few degrees. Specific temps and durations may apply to specific species. Other snakes will breed with just a period of moderate winter cooling. Some people seem to think that a snake should be hibernated even if you are not planning to breed it. Most will usually allow their hatchlings at least one "warm" winter to get a little meat on them. Some folks like to hibernate their snakes just to get a short break from the weekly routine. If you consider brumation, get specific temperature information for the species you are working with.
Hope that helps. Good luck. Duffy

thanks for the explaination.. we are fairly new to Snakes.. we have other reptiles but about 2 months ago we saved what we think is a black rat snake from some dogs.. since then we have been feeding it pinkies and it eats them like its going out of style Thanks again.. learn something new everyday