Reptile & Amphibian Forums

When I came home tonight this is what I found. I took her out 2 times but she went right back in.
She has been copulating regularly since Oct. and looks a bit big but she just took a real small rat last night so it could just be that.
She was totally submerging for long durations, then just poking her nose out for air and going under again.
Her temps haven't changed 92Hot-78Cool and no mites.
Any Ideas????
Thanks as always
TomChambers

Post script: I don't know if the photo is showing I currently can't see KS hosted photos in the snake gallery is it just my machine??

Sorry I don't have an answer to the question. But I can see the pic.
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Cheryl Marchek
AKA JM
Check out my website at:
The Red Dragons Den

Well, my initial thoughts were mites......but I see that you indicated "no mites". I would put white paper towels down as substrate for awile to really check for those little critters. This behavior does seem consistent with an animal that may have mites. Please don't hear me saying you have the evil word "mites". I would just get the magnifying glass out on a white background to absolutely make sure. If it is not mites...I don't have a clue. You seem to have good temp differential on the opposite sides of the housing.

Jim

Do you have a hide on both the hot, and cool sides? Sometimes during certain points of the breeding cycle females will begin cool seeking. If you do not have a hide on both sides maybe she just feels more secure in the water bowl for the cool temp she is looking for. I also never believe the readings on my sensors and always double check with another sensor periodically. If that's not the problem then I would do a thorough check for mites.
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Stupidity should be Painful!

I'll keep an eye out for mites, but I havn't been in contact with any other reptiles outside of my collection in over two months.

I use racks, so I don't supply hides (for adults) other than extra newspaper, which they do hide under on both hot and cool ends.

Since last night she has been under the paper just off the hot spot, 86 degree's surface temp according to my Reytek.

Thanks again
TomChambers

If shes been breeding this may be her way of "laying cold" in prep for ovulation. My females typically wrap around their ceramic water bowls for several weeks before ovulation. I am by no means an expert, just sharing my initial thoughts.

Hope this helps and Good Luck!

-adam

hoping for something along those lines. I wasn't sure if female balls eat when their near to ovulating though, and as mentioned I gave her a real small (maybe 40 gram) rat the night before.
she hasn't gone back in since.

thanks Adam, time will tell
TomChambers

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Stupidity should be Painful!

n/p