Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can someone please give me the proper temperature ranges for neonate Colombians (three days old) day vs. night? Also how long should each cycle last? I've been told to "keep them warm" but if kept up the animals become dehydrated and severely stressed. My boa book doesn't even cover this topic so I'd appreciate some feedback ASAP.

I keep my neos with about 80 ambient with heat gradient up to 95 on the hot side. I keep them very moist until their first shed. The continue fairly high humidity.

Thank you Craig and to Mike and Tim that e-mailed me privately with their recommendations.

I would go with a nice hot spot of 88 degrees with the coolest spot of about 82, too hot or too cold and they will stress out and not feed. The first shed of a baby boa can take 2-4 weeks depending on how much of the yolk sac was absorbed before delivery. Once the little roundness of their new bellies are gone the snake should start its shed cycle which will take 5 days or so. I would provide light misting every two days, giving time for the cage to dry out between each misting, but that will depend on your ventalation in your cage. I also would not worry about providing a night/day difference in temps right now, but keep the temp constant. I would not use any lighting in their cage so they are kept stress free and comfortable. I have some information on my web site on temps and humidity, but I must say I did not cove the newborn issue myself and will add that section as time allows.
Thanks
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Jim Hopkins "Hoppy"
Hopkins Holesale Herps
Hopfam1@aol.com