Figment - Our Hypo Lavender Corn Baby

Quick update on Figment.

First, he is doing fine and I did not feed yesterday. He is still mellow and docile, as always. I think switching to every two weeks is better for him and there will be no ill effects behavior wise, as predicted (and I have seen with my other snakes when they went to longer feeding schedules).

Secondly, I noticed he had been really active the past few days. Up during the day, slithering around, etc. That's not like him.

I admit, now that my setup is dialed in, I check temps every couple of days with the temp gun, and rely on the thermostats, or behavior, to tell me if something is amiss. The probes are in the same spots and I haven't had to adjust a thermostat in a few weeks or more.

Well, it warmed up a couple degrees downstairs where I keep the snakes, and all the other tanks are still spot on. However, Figments hot side went to 88F, from about 85-86F. It's a big tank (6X2') and his cool spot was still about 77F, but the ambient was a degree or two warmer as well (from 77-79F to 79-81F).

I will see if his behavior changes, and if he's just looking for food, but I did adjust the thermostat down a little bit.

I think this goes to show that corn snakes really do not like hot temps too much.

I had been maintaining at 85-86F hot side, 77F ambient, and 77F cool side, with good results. Again, really big tank, so he can pick where in the temp gradient he wants to be.

Again, nothing dangerous, but he prefers the cooler temps, and I was due to check all the tanks with the temp gun, so it worked out.

I will, of course, be checking the temps several times a day until they are stable again.

He’s so gorgeous ! Droooollll


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Temps are down about 1-2F on average throughout the enclosure and have been for the past few hours (hot spot down to about 84-86F).

He's still cruising a bit, but again, I had been feeding weekly for his whole life. So, we will see.

Everything else looks good and I had him out this morning to clean his tank (urine and urate) and he seems totally normal. Doesn't look like anything is bothering him at all.

I'll keep everyone in the loop.

After adjusting the temps down a little yesterday, Figment was still slithering around, but seemed a little calmer.

Since last night, I haven't seen him, which is normal. I think he likes the temps being a little cooler and is back to hiding and waiting for food. No harm done, and the poor guy is probably exhausted from slithering back and forth all day in a 6X2' enclosure!

Just wanted to give a quick update and say I am glad he is back to his old self.

To be clear, in case anyone was worried, it never got over 89F in the hot spot (anywhere) and was averaging about 87F, as opposed to 84-86F with an 85F average. Ambient and cool spot are back to about 77-78F and 76F, respectively, from 77-78F.

He was never in danger and I check temps often. It warmed up quick here in the northeast and my finished basement, and although the other tanks adjusted properly, Figment's tank has 3 heating elements off one thermostat and did not adjust as well.

Of course, we get 15+ inches of snow tomorrow! Yay!

Figment just started his feeding every two week schedule, versus every week. I weighed him today at 645G, virtually unchanged from the 650G last weight. He was empty, of course.

He seems no worse for the wear. Still happy, calm, and docile.

I will try this out for a month or two and monitor his weight. If he starts losing, I will feed a little more frequently, if he maintains or grows slightly, I will keep this schedule.

Figment is doing well on eating a 35-50G mouse every two weeks. His weight has been between 625G and 635G empty for the past month.

I think every 3rd to 4th feeding, I may over a weaned rat, just to mix things up. He's never eaten a rat before, but I doubt he will refuse it. He's a great eater.

Here are some pictures (from iPhone - so not super - and he looks kind of washed out and less purple) I took tonight while I had him out.

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...ound_wrist.jpg


https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil..._head_shot.jpg

Quick picture of Figment with my reptile loving niece.

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...gment_4-18.jpg

If you can get day-old rabbit kits, try him on one. The first time I offered kits to Tanis and Henry they were all GIMMEE! And Tanis can be a fussy eater (with the added talent of hiding her refused food [emoji849]).


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I offered Figment a weaned rat on Tuesday and he didn't want it. He was also deep in blue. He shed yesterday and I am offering a mouse today to get him going again.

He looks good and is maintaining 625-635G.

I was just suggesting rabbit kits for adding variety. Sounds like Figment is a very happy healthy boy.


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