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Kamileun
Snake Mite
38 Posts |
 Posted - 09/01/2010 : 23:20:28
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I was just wondering for young snakes to go into hibernation/brumation? I have a king snake that's about a year old, and he doesn't eat as eagerly as he did a few months ago. My parents tell me not to worry and I've been keeping him warm (hot side 85-90F, low side mid 70's), though I think it gets a little lower than 70 during the night. I handle him almost daily, but he always curls up under the same area when i put him back.
I'm only worried because I'm somewhat new to snake keeping, and because the last snake I had passed away very suddenly after its first winter :( Should I be handling him or just leave him be until the outside weather starts getting warmer? I just hate that he's slowed down eating, he used to be such an eager feeder. Now he just sort of shies away from the food. |
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lee2308
Kingsnake Forum Admin
United Kingdom
1609 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2010 : 11:00:36
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| i wouldnt worry about brumation if your not breeding also at that age yours probably would'nt have enough stored away,alot of snakes will go off their food this time of year,dont worry just keep a eye on it's weight. |
1.0 dumeril boa,0.1 bci boa,1.0 royal python,1.0 mbk kingsnake,1.0corn,1.2 chinese water dragon,0.0.1 bearded dragon
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magneticblue
Kingsnake Forum Admin
United Kingdom
1511 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2010 : 13:50:22
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| I agree with Lee. I have four kings, two of them are 1 year old and they have not been put in to brimation because of their age and size, whereas my other two are both 3 years old this year so they have been brumated for the first time this winter |
1.1.0 Arizona mountain king (Sylar and Claire)
0.1.0 Blotched king ( Jasmin)
1.1.0 Guyana red-tail boa (Hercules and Athena)
1.0.1 children (Alfie and BUMP)
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Kazerella
King Snake Admin
United Kingdom
1512 Posts |
Posted - 13/01/2010 : 11:42:02
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My yearling age king hasn't eaten well this winter either, but he's still active.
I think kings are susceptable to light changes because although the temps don't change they know when it's winter.
Try not to worry, I'm sure his appetitie will grow again in the next few months. |
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Kamileun
Snake Mite
38 Posts |
Posted - 18/01/2010 : 11:10:00
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man, my net got zapped for a while and i just got it yesterday, so sorry about the late check back. I thank you all for your comments, I do feel a bit better about it now. Morse still comes out from time to time on his own for a drink and a look around, I've noticed, so i am quite relieved, heheh.
Kaz, your comment is very interesting and I am surprised I didn't think of that. I used to have a little winter white hamster that reacted to the very same thing, except she would go white and very fat instead of sleep all the time. I guess I was more focused on the temperature aspect of it! its so weird how animals know. I wonder if introducing a cage light would help at all? Perhaps even a low watt basking light to up the temp a little? |
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Kazerella
King Snake Admin
United Kingdom
1512 Posts |
Posted - 31/01/2010 : 09:47:38
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Any light should do it. Even just a desk lamp outside the viv for added safety. I know some people have got some of those battery powered touch lamps from Poundshop to use in their vivs, so it doesn't have to cost a lot to provide the additional light.
Try to aim for a summer photoperiod - maybe 8am until 8pm at least.
Although the natural daylight is increasing now anyway, so his laziness shouldn't last much longer  |
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Hibernation?
