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Snecklifter
Yearling
United Kingdom
144 Posts |
 Posted - 10/08/2010 : 12:33:13
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Picked up a new 10 week old Royal on Sunday from a local supplier, they had only had him two weeks but he had fed twice since they had him. I spent most of the day setting up the viv on Saturday and found that the heat mat i had bought wasn't quite doing the trick so use it in conjunction with a guarded red bulb, mat is on a thermostat and the bulb is on a timer and comes on during daylight hours. With the combination of the two, there is a temperature gradient but it is quite high - 28 - 34/5 degrees during the day. I was concerned that this might be too hot but when we got him home he spent half and hour exploring and then hid until night time.
Yesterday, he was due a feed but i did not have high expectations after reading on here about all the trouble people seem to have with their snakes not feeding. He went for fuzzy first time, striking confidently and you can't imagine how pleased I am.
Clearly the higher than recommended temperatures are not affecting him at all, nor has the move, he seems very happy, if a little timid. Do you reckon i should make an effort to reduce the daytime temperatures, or leave them be? |
0.0.1 Royal 'Trowzer' |
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Blackecho
Royal Python Admin
United Kingdom
11327 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2010 : 13:25:24
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Over a period of time high temperatures can cause neurological affects.
Personally I'd ditch the heat mat and put the bulb on 24/7 on a dimming thermostat. |
 
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Snecklifter
Yearling
United Kingdom
144 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2010 : 13:30:50
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Neurological effects?
Like what? has there studies been done on this or is it just assumption? links to studies?
I think i'll keep the heat mat, but just reduce the daytime temperature setting so that the lamp assumes the majority of the heating burden, on its own, the lamp i have would not be sufficient. The mat is perfect for night time temperatures on its own. |
0.0.1 Royal 'Trowzer' |
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Blackecho
Royal Python Admin
United Kingdom
11327 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2010 : 14:14:26
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You know from your first post what the recommended temperatures are and asked for advice, I gave you an answer as to how to correct it. Your call whether you listen or not.
I would also add that a fuzzy mouse is not sufficient for a Royal Python. |
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Snecklifter
Yearling
United Kingdom
144 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2010 : 15:19:54
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Actually, you made an unsubstantiated claim that high temperatures cause neurological problems over time, I merely asked you to substantiate that claim, if you can, you ought to don't you think?
Are you also willing to elaborate on your claim that a fuzzy mouse is not sufficient for a Royal? |
0.0.1 Royal 'Trowzer' |
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reptiledanny
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
2106 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2010 : 15:53:21
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quote:
Originally posted by Roly
Actually, you made an unsubstantiated claim that high temperatures cause neurological problems over time, I merely asked you to substantiate that claim, if you can, you ought to don't you think?
Are you also willing to elaborate on your claim that a fuzzy mouse is not sufficient for a Royal?
the fuzzy mouse is to small, my baby is on small mice and takes them easily, so i would move him up to small mice or rat pups, depending on what u can get, thats all, no need to jump down be throat for making a statement
i dont have any links to the neurilogical problem, but i now this can happen |
1.2 royal pythons 0.1 hog island boa 1.0 corn snake
sig made by stapey |
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Snecklifter
Yearling
United Kingdom
144 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2010 : 16:05:32
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The care sheet on this very website states that hatchlings can be fed one fluffy mouse every 5-10 days. He's now about 10 weeks old but the fluffy was as wide as his mouth with a small stretch. I've no doubt that it could take a small mouse if required, but I would guess feeding him a fluffy a week up until he sheds wont hurt him. after that, I will move him up to adult mice or rat pups.
Not jumping down anybody's throat, the advice is welcome, if the reasoning behind it is explained. |
0.0.1 Royal 'Trowzer' |
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Blackecho
Royal Python Admin
United Kingdom
11327 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2010 : 18:19:32
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Through lots of reading, experience, talking and listening to other more experienced owners and breeders.
Ignore the mouth for choosing a prey item, they are designed to stretch, they have elastic jaws. A hatchling Royal can take a small adult mouse or even better, a rat pup.
Google is your friend. |
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Snecklifter
Yearling
United Kingdom
144 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2010 : 08:50:37
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Thankyou for explaining, I will take measures which I hope will drop the daytime temp by a degree or two, it seems to be a juggling act.
Your points regarding feeding also noted, I do have a small stock of fuzzies - would I be right in saying that although not the ideal prey item in this case, if I feed him one every 5 days, he will not suffer any adverse effects, as Royals can go without food for long periods, so some food regularly would be acceptable? |
0.0.1 Royal 'Trowzer' |
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AlannaJohan
Yearling
United Kingdom
162 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2010 : 18:44:34
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Just to answer your last question Roly - I would agree that, yes, while not ideal in terms of size and not particularly beneficial to his early growth, it won't do him any major harm either. You could always try feeding him two at a time which is what I did when I moved from mice to rats but had some micies left to use up  |
Alanna
With Maya, Stan & Lucie (Alaskan Malamutes), Bruce (Royal Python) and Keith (fiance, lol). |
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Pretty pleased with the new edition
