iHerp Answers: Colubrid Brumation

iHerp Answers!

Problem?

Search Create an Account, It's Free!

Home > iHerp Answers > Colubrid Brumation

Colubrid Brumation

Posted By:

mfkelly

How long after feeding for the last time should I wait before putting my colubrids into hibernation? I am planning 2 weeks and then drop temps to room temp for a week( 69 F.) and then out into the garage for hibernation. I figure that will give them ample time to clean out and keep me only about 2 weeks off schedule, with the Thanksgiving to Valentines day, hibernation schedule. They all got fed today a smaller than average meal.


Points:	150
Topics:	Cycling , General Health
Tags:	Brumation, Colubrid, Elaphe, Heterodon
Administrative:	Show/Hide

Member Comment

11/21/2009 9:43:24 PM

Carusima

Colubrids as in..? Depending on the type, they're different. Such as with corns and California Kings, I lower the temps Nov 1st. They go into hibernation in between the 7th and the 14th up until Feb 1st. I raise the temps, then on the 7th I powerfeed until the females shed.
Hognose, milks, and other types of Kings are different. So you need to specify what type of Colubrid you're doing.

Accepted Answer

11/21/2009 9:43:56 PM

FyreFocks

Which colubrids are we talking about? Are any of yours actually big enough to breed, or are you just doing it to get them used to it?

Either way, you should give them 2 weeks of heat after their last feeding and then you can brumate for 8-12 weeks.

Author Comment

11/21/2009 11:33:58 PM

mfkelly

Hi Guys, Sorry I should have specified, corns and hogs. I have a pair of corns that I am planning on breeding next year. Everything else is too small for next season but I want to figure out the whole brumation thing before it really counts.

Assisted Answer

11/21/2009 11:57:56 PM

FyreFocks

I normally drop the corns just below 70, which isnt really low, but i do take away all light and external heat sources. They normally get the picture after about a week. This year i started them at the beginning of this month and ill be waking them up in january.

Member Comment

11/27/2009 4:02:09 PM

rosesreptiles

I don't brumate my snakes at all. Is that bad? Or is that just for getting them ready to breed? I'm not breeding mine.

Member Comment

12/2/2009 6:21:41 PM

Michael Roth

I fasted mine for 3 weeks prior to brumating them... but this is my first brumation, so please take that into consideration. There was no staging on the way down in temperature, apparently it can contribute to illness during brumation, and they will be staged on the way up in temperature.

Assisted Answer

12/23/2009 3:02:57 PM

Triangle Reptiles

I have mine (corns, kings and western hogs) fast for 2 weeks and then drop the thermostat on their rack to 60 around Thanksgiving.. I open a window in the snakeroom, and the temp often gets down in the lower 40's, but the rack stays at 60 in the rear. I turn the thermostat back up early to mid February, start feeding and after the first shed, let them breed. Works for me.

You are not logged in. If you would like to participate (it's free!), you must log in, or Become a Member!