Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone knew the best way to keep the snakes cool for the 3 month dormant period. I mean, I'm from Louisiana and it doesn't stay 55 degrees long enough here to do it. Should I look in to some sort of cooler or is there a better, easier way?

If you have a decent sized collection (aprox. 20 breeders or so), I would pick one room in the house and use/get a small inexpensive window unit AC. to keep it cold in there (provided you can spare a room). I know the challenge - I use to live in Leesville,LA. (about an hour north of lake Charles), for about three years. When I was a lot,lot younger, many years ago, I tried the refigerator method - doesn't work too good at all (I actually had a couple of snakes die that way). So don't use the fridge (circulation sucks bacteria poor temperature & humidity control).

Zee
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"I am an expert on everything, but I know so little and have so much to learn!" -Carsten "Zee" Zoldy-

i'm having the same problem in jacksonville fl. 75-80* and at night upper 60's. i'm pulling my hair out and people think i'm crazy when i complain. i just took them off of food three weeks ago. they are hanging out at the front of the rack when i walk in looking at me like "feed me". i'm just hoping that the cooler nights and shorter days is enough.

Are you sure that you need to brumate them? I live near Baton Rouge, and I'm letting my California Kingsnake stay up all winter. I keep the cage at normal temperatures and feed him normally. So far, I'm not having any problem with this plan. I just bought this snake, my first, in October, and he's a little thin. I figured that it wouldn't hurt to keep feeding him through this winter regardless.

Bill
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It's not how many snakes you have. It's how happy and healthy you can keep them.

i have 5.10 cal kings that i just bought as breeders. everything i have read has said to cool them down for a few months to condition them for breeding. today the temp fell to 60* and should stay down for a few nights.

I'm still learning to keep two snakes alive. When I've developed more skill and experience in basic husbandry, I'll think about breeding. Like you, I've heard that kingsnakes must be cooled and rewarmed to bring out the breeding response.

Bill
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It's not how many snakes you have. It's how happy and healthy you can keep them.