Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
Im new to the forums and i had a question about excessive heat with the tx rats. I live in an upstairs, storage type room that i guess wasn't completed or something but it reaches usually around 100-120 degrees during the day! The cage temperature usually is around 85-95, depending on the time of day.
I have an a/c that doesnt help at all so i decided to block off an area with the snakes so that they do not overheat. I was wondering if this is a problem?

I have 3 tx rats of unknown sex, they are adults. I had them seperate for breeding purposes but now they are situated in a large cage together to help with cooling.

I had an albino male but sadly he died today because of a mouse that he ate partly alive, it looked as though the mouse tried to escape before he was digested and the snake started bleeding internally... That was the nicest snake i ever had, it has been a very sad day...

Sorry about your loss. There are posts on these forums ALL the time about the injuries inflicted by live food. If and when it is possible, you should really try to switch over to frozen/thawed.
The temps are pretty high. If the temp actually gets up to 120, how are you keeping the cage at 90? It would seem you are pushing the limits on what your snakes may be able to handle. First signs may include regurging or refusal of food, and increase in activity (your snakes are looking for a cooler spot!), or...more dead snakes. I don't use a/c, but my snakes are downstairs, and when it gets really hot here in Ohio my snake room is still a nice temp for them. Good luck. You have a tough problem to solve. Duffy

I re-arranged the cage setup so that it keeps it cooler, my snakes seem to act normally, I'm almost sure they are w/c so they should be used to it, right?

Also when I introduced them the first time i noticed that they do like a mating ritual twitch, or is it a defensive act?

I will still try breeding without the albino male, I think one might be gravid so i will wait and see.

thanx

While it does reach above 100 degrees in their natural habitat they are not out running around in it. They are under rocks, fallen trees, inside trees, etc., staying much cooler.
As for the twitching it could be either of what you described, mating or "combat" defensive, depends on their sex. Mating does look different than combat but "twitching" could describe both.
Sorry about your loss, I have never heard of a mouse eating from the inside out, but have always wondered. Talk about indigestion and heartburn, ouch.

TravisG