Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Do you gradually drop the temps or do it all at once? Why?

I gradually drop temps..

Why?? because it makes sense that in nature seasons change gradually and we are trying to recreate what happends in nature, so i go with it.. Also, because back when i started breeding (WAY before the internet or kingsnake.com existed) that's what the herp books said to do!

Do you prefer dropping temps all at once??

~ Mike Russo

I read that there may be some link between a gradual drop and respiratory problems. I agree it makes more sense to replicate natural temp drops but i was just curious as to if anyone had this happen.

I've never heard of that. respiratory thing I mean, however...

I will say, for my two cents, that gradual cooling is not nearly as important as gradual warming on the other end. We often say, "to mimic nature" when in reality nature doesn't gradually or predictably do much of anything. When the temps drop, they drop, and then they come back up and drop again... and so on. I don't think you're going to screw your snakes up if you cool them to quickly. but on the flip flop, this is a proven technique that many breeders use, so It wouldn't hurt to use it.
I'm not sure I really said anything.

happy breeding.

DAN

I stop feeding, wait about ten days, turn off the heat in the racks, wait another week, then move them to the hibernation room. Been doing it this way for twenty years with great results.
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Brad Chambers

The Avalanche has already started-it is too late for the pebbles to vote....

Brad thanks for the advice how long do you brumate?
mike

I generally keep them down for about 12 weeks-may have to go a little less now that I live in south Texas lol(doesn't say cool enough for long down here)! I would say they need at least 8 weeks to be safe.
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Brad Chambers

The Avalanche has already started-it is too late for the pebbles to vote....