New addition- Dumerils- concerned!!!

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Originally Posted by Evenstar

Sounds good. We'll be pulling for him!

Only thing I'd change is to add some substrate. I normally would not suggest that for snakes in q/t or for any snake that might have something wrong with it, but Dumerils are naturally burrowing snakes and prefer to hide under their substrates. You could crumple up some newspaper so he could hide under that. Just trying to think of a few additional ways for him to feel secure. The more the snake can relax, the quicker he'll heal or fight off infection, etc. :gj:

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Good call..thanks...I wasnt too sure about dums being burrowers or not...ill throw some cypress in there...

1. QT

2. Deep, burrow-able substrate. It's been a while since I've kept dumerils, but with my other burrowing snakes I use oak leaf litter. You'd be surprised the difference it makes.

3. Proper temps. He does not need high humidity. If it's at least 40%, he should be fine.

4. Cover the enclosure and put him in an area that receives no traffic.

5. Leave him be for a week. Any interaction should only be done to make sure he has water and his husbandry parameters are correct.

6. Do not feed him for two weeks. After he feeds and poops - have a fecal run.

If during this two week period his health deteriorates, take him to a vet.

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Originally Posted by Skiploder

1. QT

2. Deep, burrow-able substrate. It's been a while since I've kept dumerils, but with my other burrowing snakes I use oak leaf litter. You'd be surprised the difference it makes.

3. Proper temps.

4. Cover the enclosure and put him in an area that receives no traffic.

5. Leave him be for a week. Any interaction should only be done to make sure he has water and his husbandry parameters are correct.

6. Do not feed him for two weeks. After he feeds and poops - have a fecal run.

If during this two week period his health deteriorates, take him to a vet.

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Thanks!....so far im checked off to #5...just got him today to the week starts in 5 minutes after i had some cypress...If i cant get pure oak leaf litter any other recommendations?

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Originally Posted by OsirisRa32

Thanks!....so far im checked off to #5...just got him today to the week starts in 5 minutes after i had some cypress...If i cant get pure oak leaf litter any other recommendations?

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Magnolia litter works well.

A lot of the dendro supply places carry oak and magnolia litter.

hmmm...k...that might take some serious searching out where I live...any chance I can get a few more options?....would any of the repti bark or aspen or coconut stuff work?...some of eco earth stuff?

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Originally Posted by OsirisRa32

hmmm...k...that might take some serious searching out where I live...any chance I can get a few more options?....would any of the repti bark or aspen or coconut stuff work?...some of eco earth stuff?

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Dumerils will burrow in just about anything. However, with burrowing animals that are not quite fossorial, using leaf litter works wonders.

http://www.blackjungleterrariumsuppl...ia_p_1829.html

http://www.dartden.com/viewtopic.php...t=7189&p=47086

Again, many of the dendro and other rain forest terrarium places sell magnolia and or live oak leaf litter. Also, many of the CA and SA cichlid supply places - especially apistogramma - will sell oak leaf litter for use in aquariums.

Awesome...sorry for the 20 questions but do very much appreciate the help!

I use newspaper, and she still burrows lol. Really no matter what you use, they will find a way to get under it!!

Yes, use the leaf litter if you can get it, but if not, aspen will do. I use aspen and my Dum doesn't mind in the slightest.


Skip's advice is perfect. Leave it to him to number and spell it out, lol... :gj:

I use cypress with both of my Dumeril's and they burrow like crazy in it. I'll try to get some pics of my big male's belly scales so you'll know what a normal Dumeril's belly should look like.