bebo
10-19-2007, 11:22 PM
Temperatures:
The proper temps for burmese pythons has been widely misinterpreted for years in my personal opinion. Often times the available recommended temp ranges in old, outdated literature are too low for proper health. While temps a bit cooler than what I will recommend here are workable, many times the keepr is not able to safely make them work for them.
For basic keeping and non-breeidng times of the year I recommend the following ranges.
(ambient/cool side) minimum of 82, maximum of 85-86 degrees. Preferrably 84 degrees.
(hotside/hotspot) minimum of 88. maximum of 92 degrees. (90 degrees is a good solid hotspot/side temp.
It is better if the hotspot doesn't vary more than a few degrees from day and night. The ambient/coolside temp can drop to a minimum of 80 degrees at the minimum at night, no lower. But as can happen its not terrible if a degree or two lower occurs. Making sure there is a warmup during the day will help offset this.
If breeding later in the year is desired, then no lower than 82 on the ambient/cool side day or night is needed. That way a slight cooling period can be used. A minimum of 83-84 degrees is more desirable as to allow a better cooling period later on.
For breeding I utilize a low point of no less than 80 degrees on the ambient/cool side temps. I have used these safer temps for several years now, allowing a safer overall end result in regards to the females health.
Consistency is the key. Good set-ups with proper t-stat probe placement. Even if the temps mentinoed above are not used at the same ranges, consistency with whatever temps are used is of utmost importance.
Quick or prolonged drops in temperatures can lead to many health issues. Loss of appetite, followed by physical signs are typically the first to appear. Excess saliva in the mouth or appearing in the nostrils can indicate measures need to be taken. Crusty/blocked nostrils or colored discharge indicate that the sitation as excalated and immediate attention is needed. Increased temps(84-85 cool side/ 92 hotside; 70% humidity) and humidity can assist in recovery after a visit to a good herp vet. Cage cleanliness is very important as well as to not recontaminate.
Humidity:
A minimum of 40%, 60% is more desirable. A level of 70% is ok, as long as proper ventilation is provided. Prolonged periods of low or high humidty can lead to issues.
If the above temps and humdity are maintaned with good consitency, it will enable the most enjoyment to be achieved!!!
The proper temps for burmese pythons has been widely misinterpreted for years in my personal opinion. Often times the available recommended temp ranges in old, outdated literature are too low for proper health. While temps a bit cooler than what I will recommend here are workable, many times the keepr is not able to safely make them work for them.
For basic keeping and non-breeidng times of the year I recommend the following ranges.
(ambient/cool side) minimum of 82, maximum of 85-86 degrees. Preferrably 84 degrees.
(hotside/hotspot) minimum of 88. maximum of 92 degrees. (90 degrees is a good solid hotspot/side temp.
It is better if the hotspot doesn't vary more than a few degrees from day and night. The ambient/coolside temp can drop to a minimum of 80 degrees at the minimum at night, no lower. But as can happen its not terrible if a degree or two lower occurs. Making sure there is a warmup during the day will help offset this.
If breeding later in the year is desired, then no lower than 82 on the ambient/cool side day or night is needed. That way a slight cooling period can be used. A minimum of 83-84 degrees is more desirable as to allow a better cooling period later on.
For breeding I utilize a low point of no less than 80 degrees on the ambient/cool side temps. I have used these safer temps for several years now, allowing a safer overall end result in regards to the females health.
Consistency is the key. Good set-ups with proper t-stat probe placement. Even if the temps mentinoed above are not used at the same ranges, consistency with whatever temps are used is of utmost importance.
Quick or prolonged drops in temperatures can lead to many health issues. Loss of appetite, followed by physical signs are typically the first to appear. Excess saliva in the mouth or appearing in the nostrils can indicate measures need to be taken. Crusty/blocked nostrils or colored discharge indicate that the sitation as excalated and immediate attention is needed. Increased temps(84-85 cool side/ 92 hotside; 70% humidity) and humidity can assist in recovery after a visit to a good herp vet. Cage cleanliness is very important as well as to not recontaminate.
Humidity:
A minimum of 40%, 60% is more desirable. A level of 70% is ok, as long as proper ventilation is provided. Prolonged periods of low or high humidty can lead to issues.
If the above temps and humdity are maintaned with good consitency, it will enable the most enjoyment to be achieved!!!