Hibernation

[Shauno]

I am wanting to put my diamond pair out in the garage in their new enclosure which I have just finished buiiding for them. From what I have read and the general feeling through talking with people is that diamonds should experience temps as low as 5 degrees celcius when in hibernation. I keep my pythons in a room inside my house and up till now haven't been able to get the temps below around 13 degrees. I am wanting to move them to the garage during their hibernation period as to achieve the night time low of 5 degrees. I am worried that there might be another problem, I currently breed rats in the same garage and am wondering whether the scent of the rats may stop the always hungry diamond pythons from hibernating.

 

[mysnakesau]

No I don't think it would, Shaun. I could be wrong but while your snakes are cold they usually aren't interested in eating. So I can't see it being a problem, unless of course they are eating machines like olive pythons, there are always exceptions to rules.

 

[tenacres1100]

IMO overnight temps of 13c are ok anyway, just have a basking light for an hour or 2 in the morning and no other heat. Be careful with car exhausts in the garage

http://www.aussiepythons.com/forum/australian-snakes/hibernating-brumate-a-diamond-python-80430

 

[Shauno]

Thanks for your advice guys. The garage is purely for pets and storage so no chance of exhaust fumes getting anywhere near them. I was unsuccessful with breeding my diamond pair last season and after speaking with Russell Grant I came to the conclusion that my temps may not have been low enough for cooling or I may have a dud pair.