Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

My '03 female Russian has never been cooled. I've been able to keep her going through two winters and, so far, she's not slowed down this year. Should I cool her anyway? I don't plan to breed her next year. Does this species require cooling for it's well being? Thanks...

I believe some snakes, at least, require a metabolic rest, especially ones from the far north. Your snake has eaten year round because it's not full grown and not having adult tendencies. In the wild adults probably only eat about half the year. I believe Russian rats that are kept going year 'round probably only live half as long as ones that are cooled, and I based that on what I've heard from other people's experiences. I've cooled two yr. olds for 8 to 12 wks in the past, not hard on them, at about 50-60*F, just to get them oriented and adjusted to winter. Adults I would cool for about four months at about 50*F, if they're prepared for brumation. I only say this because I think it's healthier for your snake. If it's important for you to have your snake active all year, go ahead, but I wouldn't expect it to live more than ten yrs. Just my opinion on one reason why I think we should brumate, at least some of our snakes. BTW, I would only attempt a lengthy brumation on healthy snakes.

TC
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Ratsnake Haven...researching ratsnakes since 1988

Ratsnake Haven Group...an information providing list site.

Thanks. I'll take your advice and cool the snake this winter for about 8 - 10 weeks.

Good luck with the brumation. Since your snake will be cooling for the first time I'd ease it into the cool temps, so as not to shock it. My snakes that cool the longest are Elaphe dione and Zamenis situla. When they have been off feed for around three weeks I move them into a small room that stays around 68-72*F, for at least a few days. There they start to really shut down and harden up a little. When I think they're ready I move them into my Brumation Room which is around 60*F, early on, then goes down as low as about 50*F, in mid-winter. I can regulate these temps.

Since your snake will only be brumating around two months, I'd try to start the brumation after Christmas. That way your doing it at the coldest time of the year which your snake can relate to. Also, I would monitor your snake to make sure it's doing well and to make sure it has fresh water at all times. If it gets stressed for any reason you can always pull it out and warm it up again.

Cheers....TC

>>Thanks. I'll take your advice and cool the snake this winter for about 8 - 10 weeks.