Reptile & Amphibian Forums

It's frustrating because I am getting different answers everyplace I look or anyone I ask about this... The breeder recommended under-tank heat only, and care sheets all over the Web vary between instructing to use light, or not to use light.

I have a 20L and right now I'm using just undertank heat... temperatures are reading 73-75 on both sides (thermometers placed in upper 1/3 of tank) but when I rest the thermometer directly on the repti-bark above the heating pad, it reads about 81 degrees. I'm hoping that this is adequate, or should I supplement with daytime lighting? I'm starting to think it may not be warm enough.

The Pueblan seems healthy, easy to calm when handled, and hangs out all of the time on the cool side wedged into the underside of a ceramic cave. In fact I've never seen the snake come out from that spot since I got it two weeks ago. I've tried feeding pinkies twice in a separate cage with no substrate (left it in for 2-3 hours) and it hasn't fed yet.

That's my story! Any advice would help... I'm just hoping that the Milk's reluctance to feed isn't related to improper temp.

Thanks,
Steve

Steve,

Your just fine.The breeder told you just fine.The upper third of the tank isn't were the snake is?So thats not were it needs to be 81?under tank heat is exactly what you need.
The fact the he is not eating right now could be for a # of reasons.

It is in the middle of there natuaral brumation cicle.They are very shy as well.Putting a light will only make things worse for him.Just give him time.How big is he?

Give him plenty of hide spots and leave ghim alone for a week or so.Place a towel over half the tank so that it is stress free for s few days and then try and feed him in a few differant ways.

Try and feed live then the next day dead then f/t then brained etc.....

Let us know.

If you need more help you can call me.

Shannon

I wouldn't be to concerned just yet. I have a tangerine dream honduran that hides 24/7 since the day I bought him. He is over a year old now and is finally coming out of hiding occasionally. I just have an UTH on him. No light. He spends most of his time away from the UTH also but eats fine and he just shed.
When mine was a baby I handled him for a few minutes then I would place him in his deli cup I bought him in and set that in his cage for a while. He would eat eventually. Only recently have I started to set his f/t fuzzies in his cage to eat. He is real secritive and I've heard the Pueblans are even more secritive.