Kenyan question

[Darlene]

I've been researching for my expected arrival later in the fall. I have found a couple discrepancies which I'd like to get sorted. How often do you all offer water to your Kenyans ? Which substrate do you find best for them ? At what temperature do you keep them during brumation ?
Thanks a bunch in advance, guys & gals. Dar.

[reverendsterlin]

I put a water dish in once a week for about 6 hours. Lots of folks use sand, but I prefer bark. I have heard stories of impaction and skin irritation with sand. 65-69F or 18-20C is what I did but I have heard others that kept them close to 60F (15.5C)

[Invictus]

I keep a SMALL water dish in at all times. The Kenyan will decide when it's thirsty. Most of the time, they just stay buried, and couldn't care less about water. But I would hate for the one time that they are thirsty to be the one time I don't have their water dish in there. As long as you don't have enough water to raise the humidity. Kenyans like it dry.

For substrate, I use aspen. It's got way better ventilation than sand, doesn't retain heat the way sand does, and if they do swallow it, it will usually pass right through them. As long as the kenyan can bury itself and feel a bit of weight on top of them, they will feel safe.

I've never brumated them before, so I'll have to take Rev's word for it on the temp. :)

[tabastifur]

For my 1.1 Pairs I put a water dish for 24 hours every week. Never large enough for them to soak in.

And I use sand, as long as you feed them out of thier enclosure (which you should always do) you'll never have a problem. Not to mention the look of sand is a little more pleasing and natural.

I always try to burmate at around 65, within a few degrees of that mark and you'll be fine.

[BoidKeeper]

I use aspen wood shavings. I leave a small water bowl in all the time. I haven't brumated yet.
Cheers,
Trevor

[MotleyMadness]

Hey Dar,

Mine are kept on sand but fed in rubbermaids. I offer water for 24hrs once a week. Cooling at 65-70F works for Maya and I.

Tony
www.houseofmaok.homestead.com

[Stockwell]

Neonate Kenyans need more water than adults.
People make the mistake of thinking they need no water and this kills babies, especially ones that aren't eating.
Neonates should have water regularily, for the first few months. I often toss a pile of babies into a shallow pan with 1/8inch of tepid water, shortly after they are born.
Most will drink right away.
As they grow , water is taken less often, and I often will go a week or more without replacing water...Kenyans do drink ! I often get correspondence from people who tell me sand boas dont need water... well, good luck..
I am breeding colubrinus loveridgei, E conicus and E johnii
They all drink, especially babies. Adults can go months without water providing they are feeding.

I don't truly brumate any of the above species.
I provide cool nights down to 68F from Dec into March..
My substrate of choice is BETA CHIP, or ALPHA CHIP
and yes I feed them on it too, and it causes no problems to date.