Brumation

[tai_pan1]

Quick question, has anyone out there brumated their colubrids in a refrigerator? I have a fridge/freezer combo that's only purpose is to keep my mice frozen and my beer cold. I was planning on doing some remodeling in my snake room and was thinking of brumating the snakes in the fridge. It has a temp control, so I could control that portion, and I know I'd have to "air it out" every day or two, but other than that, what are the pro's and con's? Any thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated.

Mike

[SCReptiles]

I have heard of this being done down south. I don’t think it would be necessary with NJ temps. A room with no added heat should be plenty cool.

[tai_pan1]

Chuck, your back! Welcome back.

My snake room is in my basement, and tends to stay warmer than the rest of the house. I also plan to do some remodeling (painting, drywall ect), so I wanted the snakes out of the way.

What are the pros and cons? Does the motor running cause the snakes stress?

Mike

[Lisa]

I've seen it suggested, though i think you wouldn't want it to be too cold.

[SCReptiles]

Yeah, I am back by popular demand. Unfortunately they brought back Joe and Barry with me. I will have to apologize to everyone about that. Anyway, I have never done it. The system would be air tight and there is a formula one how long they will be safe in there without fresh air and I have no idea that the formula would be. Also, I don’t think one could pick it up thru trail and error, cause one error turns your collection into cobra food. If I personally were going to do it, I will drill about a ½ inch hole in the door just to be safe.

[C.m.pyrrhus]

I have seen it done, and the temps are pretty simple to keep. Keeping fresh air is something to look into. As for the m,otor, I have no clue as I have not done it this way myself.

As for it being "cold", that is the point in brumating. A temp of 45-55° (+/- 5°) is the ideal. My snakes are at an average of 45-50° where they are now. I am using my outdoor storage "closet", with all the cracks taken care of so drafts are avoided. The air flow is perfect enough to keep it fresh enough without any problems either way.