Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,
I was wondering when would be a good time to put my colubrids down for the winter. Also what is the ideal temps. I have read that the ideal time is Dec.-March and keep them around 50F. Any information would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

It mostly depends on where you live and at what time of the year you can provide the correct temps. Usually temps should be somewhere between 50-60*. Some people just turn the heat off and the lights out for 6-10 weeks, but I prefer to brumate at around 55* in total darkness for 10-12 weeks. Some people have already started, most wait until Dec. 1st. and pull them out Mar. 1st. That way, there's no guess work.

Good luck.
Brandon Osborne

Thanks for the update. I love in Colorado and so far we have had a really mild fall. Nothing too cold yet. I looking at sticking these guys down in my crawlspace. So far the temps have stayed at a constant 63F. So we shall see how cold they get when the winter hits. So you think 10-12weeks should suffice. I migh tdo that as long as my crawlspace doesn't frop below 55F. Thanks again for the info

Almost all of my 33 snakes most of which are Kingsnakes (except my eastern Indigo) will be hibernating on 1 Dec.
This year's babies and some of the yearlings will not, since they're not old enough to breed - I'd rather have them growing some more until they become breeding size.

Zee

Although 55 is the preferred temp for brumation, it doesn't have to be exact. I've had mine drop into the low 40's for a week at a time with no ill effects. As long as you are able to keep an eye on the animals to make sure they are still doing ok, you should have no problems. Keep an eye on the temps, but don't worry too much if it drops into the upper 40's or low 50's.

FYI, a good friend of mine had ICE in his water bowls one winter. All snakes came out fine and produced healthy clutches and litters.

Brandon Osborne

Thanks for the information. I just wanted to double check and make sure I was doing it right. Thanks