6th Period Small Animal Project Notes
Chinchillas
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Chinchillidae
Genus: Chinchilla
Species: Laniger
-
History & Domestication: Chinchillas are descended from Paramys of the Paleocene and Eocene
epochs. A thousand years ago the Incas used chinchillas as a source of fur. Chinchillas have been
around for millions of years.
-
Breeds/Types: The Standard; The White; The Beige; The Black; The Sullivan Violet
-
Feeding & Nutrition: Pelleted food; Ground alfalfa; Corn gluten; Corn tailings, wheat germ, and
bran
-
Housing & Habitat: Chinchillas are nocturnal.They need a place that is quiet during the day.
Metal or wire cage. Fairly dry area, adequate ventilation.
Sugar Gliders
Scientific Name: Petaurus breviceps
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Marsupialia
Family
Petauridae
Genus
Petaurus
Species Breviceps
-
History: is a small arboreal marsupial that is found in the forests of Australia, as well as in
Tasmania, New Guinea, and the neighboring islands of Indonesia. This little creature is a
member of the same order that includes kangaroos, opossums, wombats and Tasmanian devils.
-
Anatomy: Has a squirrel-like body with a long, partially prehensile tail. The males are larger than
the females and have bald patches on their head and chest.
-
Diet: In summer they are primarily insectivorous, and in the winter when insects are scarce, they
are mostly exudativorous (feeding on acacia gum, eucalyptus sap, manna, honeydew or lerp).In
captivity, they can suffer from calcium deficiencies if not fed an adequate diet
-
Reproduction: The age of sexual maturity in sugar gliders varies slightly between the males and
females. The males reach maturity at 4 to 12 months of age, while females require from 8 to 12
months.
-
Housing: Galvanized cage wire is the easiest to find. The horizontal bars give them footholds for
climbing that they wouldn't have in a cage with vertical bars. Gliders are very active and need
lots of space for climbing and jumping, so the bigger your cage, the better!
-
Handling: Sugar Gliders will need some time in getting used to their new owners &
surroundings. You don’t want to rush or scare your glider by grabbing him quickly and
unexpectedly. You will want to handle your new sugar glider very gently using a cupped hand so
that your glider feels as though his/her body is supported. You will want to handle your new
sugar glider daily once you get him/her so the bonding process will start. Sugar Gliders are
nocturnal, so the best time to handle them is preferably in the mornings just before they go to
sleep or before they get up at night.
Guinea Pigs
-
Guinea pigs are among the most popular household pets available. Their cute looks, relaxed
temperament, and ease of caring make them perfect for all animal lovers, including the young
and those without enough time to keep a demanding pet.
-
Cavia porcellus is the scientific name.
-
History & Domestication: Guinea pigs come from South America, near the Andes mountain
range. They were originally wild animals, but were domesticated many centuries ago by the
local people.They were first introduced into Europe by travellers and explorers in the 16th
century, and became seen as very exotic pets to own - even Queen Elizabeth I had one.
-
Handling: Guinea pigs are much larger than other rodents, and can grow up to 30 cm (12 inches)
in size, and as much as 1,200 grams (2.5 lb) in weight. They are generally easier to hold and
handle than smaller pets.
-
Habitat: In the wild, guinea pigs live on plains, sheltering in grass and bushes. They are very
sociable animals and live in small herds, typically consisting of one male, several females, and
their offspring. When kept as pets, you should be careful when putting two or more boars
(males) together as they can fight. Give your guinea pigs a large cage so that they have plenty of
roam to run around, and so they can spend some time alone.
-
Diet: Guinea pigs are herbivores and live off hay, grass, vegetables, and fruit, supplemented.
Quality dry food, These provide them with a healthy balance of nutrients and vitamins to keep
their bodies in good working order and to fend off illness. Unlike other rodents, they cannot
produce vitamin C in their bodies, so they need to get plenty in their diet.
-
Exercise: They get their most exercise in doors on carpet. Guinea pigs can not use wheels
because they can injure their backs. Floor time is when you let your guinea pig have free roam
of a room or a few rooms. Guinea pigs require about 1 hour of exercise each day.
-
Reproduction: males can be used for breeding purposes any time after they are three or four
months old. Non-breeding guinea pigs will live long, happy lives if cared for properly, they don't
need to be mated. It is possible to determine gender at birth.
-
Breeds & Types:
o
Abyssinian: ideal for first-time guinea pig owners. Both children and adults will enjoy
their foolish behavior and their ability to learn tricks. This breed can learn to come when
you call his name, go into his cage on his own and even sit.
o
Teddy: The Teddy's coat is unlike that of any other Guinea pig. It is short, dense and
fuzzy, and should have no rosettes. Some are soft in texture, while others are similar to
a Brillo pad. Both textures are acceptable according to breed standards, but some say
that the rougher coat is favored by most judges.
o
American: The American is the oldest breed of Guinea pig. It is believed to have been
first domesticated around 5000 BC in the Andes. It wasn't until the 1500s that humans
began to selectively breed Guinea pigs. The American has a short, smooth coat. It has no
curl and can come in a variety of colors.
o
Coronet: The Coronet Guinea Pig is one of the long-haired guinea pig breeds. Coronets
are playful, curious and affectionate. They crave attention, and between their funny
antics and unusual look, they attract it naturally. Whether you want a fun yet cuddly pet
or a show animal, the Coronet Guinea Pig is a fine choice.
o
Peruvian: The Peruvian Guinea Pig is generally obtained as a show animal. It has long,
flowing hair that makes it a favorite of show judges. Its tresses require extra care, but
their beauty is beyond compare. Peruvian Guinea Pigs have the trademark guinea pig
personality: Curious, fun-loving and alert. The biggest concern when keeping them as
pets is the extensive grooming required.
o
Silkie: The Silkie is an attractive long-haired Guinea pig. It is popular as a pet, and even
more popular on the show table. Silkies have lovely locks unlike any other guinea
pig.Their hair is very soft and shiny. Show Silkies are a sight to behold. This breed is
rather high-maintenance, so it is probably not the best choice for a young child.
o
Skinny Pig: The Skinny Pig is a very unusual, yet an increasingly popular breed of Guinea
Pig. Skinny Pigs are as curious and mischievous as any other breed of Guinea pig, but
some owners and breeders claim that they are more outgoing. They are quite playful,
and they love attention.
o
Texel Guinea: Texel Guinea Pigs have some of the most gorgeous tresses in the animal
kingdom. Their curls have won over many a judge at competitions. The biggest concern
when keeping a Texel Guinea Pig as a pet is grooming. All of that luxurious, curly hair
requires a substantial amount of work to maintain. Therefore the Texel is not
recommended for children, or for adults who do not have a lot of time to dedicate to it.
o
American Crested: Also known as the American Crested, the White Crested Guinea Pig is
a somewhat rare and very unique-looking breed. These little princes and princesses
have what looks like a white crown on their heads. Due to the stringent qualifications
for showing the White Crested Guinea Pig, the majority of them are sold as pets.
Mice
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom- Animalia
Phylum- Chrodata
Class- Mammalia
Order- Rodentia
Family- Cricetidae
Genius- Mus
Specie Peromyscus
-
Domesticated mice are descendants of the house mouse or scientific name 'Mus musculus'.
-
Rats play major parts in religion and history world wide.
-
They spread across Europe in 1553 and arrived in the U.S. in 1775
-
Breeds/Colors: Black, Brown, Norway, White, Chocolate, Fawn, Blue, Dove, Champagne
-
Feeding/Nutrition: Eats seeds, small fruits, Beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, underground
fungus. Eats 15-20 times a day. Needs pellets
-
Training/Handling: Rats are very smart and intelligent animals that can be taught a wide variety
of tricks and actions. It's easier to train your rat in a really quiet place with no disruptions. If you
have more than one rat, make sure you spend equal time amounts with both of them
-
Health: Spread diseases easily. Can spread diseases just by touching one. Smallest amount of
urine can trigger allergies. Can easily get cancer
-
Reproduction: Can give birth up to a dozen babies every 3 weeks. 150 babies a year
-
Housing: Mice are nocturnal. Use nest to raise their young . Usually prefer quite places . Share
nest with “relatives”
-
Handling: Grasping them around the body just behind the front legs. Can be picked up by tail.
Rats should not be picked up by the tip of the tail
Iguanas
-
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squatamata (iguanas and lizards)
Family: 16 Families, 3,750 species
The scientific name is iguana iguana
-
History: 16 iguana families; In their native habitats, green iguanas are found mostly in the
rainforests. They tend to limit themselves to lower altitudinal regions. Populations can be found
in parts of California, Florida and Hawaii
-
Breeds: Green, Rock, Blue, Desert, Marine iguana
-
Feeding & Nutrition: Iguanas have many small teeth which they rip and tear their food with,
instead of chewing it. An iguana cannot be overfed. It’s a good idea to feed an iguana early in
the morning.
-
Training: They are very capable of being aggressive. Owners should attempt in some way to
train and tame iguanas that are kept as house pets, especially in a family environment.
-
Health: One of the best ways to keep your iguana healthy is to find a good reptile vet . Don't
wait until an emergency to find a vet familiar with reptiles.
-
Reproduction: The male is sexually mature between ages 6 and 8. Females are sexually mature
between ages 3 and 5.
-
Housing: They require very large cages. To get an iguana cage you can either build your own, or
have a free roaming iguana. You can also purchase a used iguana cage. They need the light over
their body for nutrients because they are cold blooded.
-
Special care/needs: They are not easy to care for and often die in captivity. You need to make
sure that they have the proper heat and lighting conditions
Fish
Scientific Classification:
KINGDOM- ANIMALIA
PHYLUM- CHORDATA
SUPERCLASS-PISCES(ALL FISH)
CLASS-CHONDRICHTHYES(CATILILAGINONS SKELETONS)
CLASS-OSTEICHTHYES(BONY SKELETON)
SUBCLASS-ACTINOPTERYIS(RAY FINNED FISH)
34 orders of fish; over3,500 species of fish
-
History: Early development of fish found in the Ordovician period 425 to 500 million years ago.
Called ostracoderms (Slow, bottom dwelling animals covered with thick bony plates and scales)
Ostracoderms became extinct about 250 million years ago.
-
Anatomy: Covered with scales. Exposed part of scales is covered with the thin layer of skin. Skin
glands produce shiny mucus-makes fish slimy protects from bacteria. Chromatphores: gives fish
color. 4 types of scales- ctenoid, cycloid, gamoid, placoid
-
Feeding: Feed 2-3 a day. Receive only what they consume in 3-5 minutes. Flake foods ideal for
fish 4-5 in long. Pellet food for bigger fish
-
Aquarium tanks: Fresh water=1in. of fish for every 30sq in.; Tropical freshwater= 1in. Of fish
10in.
-
Training: Swimming to a finger target placed against the bowl. Following a laser pointer spot on
the pebble floor of the tank.
-
Health:
-
o
Parasites: White spot, Slime disease , Hole in the head , Velvet disease, White fungus
growth, Flakes, Anchors worm
o
Bacterial Diseases: Fish rot, Mouth fungus, Neon disease , Tuberculosis, Pseudomonas,
Environmental control
Reproduction: Can take place inside or outside the females body. When inside-the female gives
birth to live young. Young may be nourished to the body. Outside body- female lays eggs that
are fertilized by a male in spawning
Rats
-
Scientific Classification
o
Kingdom; Animalia
o
Phylum; Chordata
o
Class; Mammalia
o
Order; Rodentia
o
Family; Muridae
o
Genus; Rattus
o
Species; R. Rattus
-
Rats are known for causing the Black Plague in the 1200s. Destroy eggs, fruit, stored grain,
vegetables and attack other Animals. Lab rats or albino laboratory rats are used for medical,
biological, and psychological.
-
Breeds/Types: Rats are sometimes called Roof rats, climbing rats, brown, and gray rats. Different
types of Rats would be, Norway, Barn, Sewer, or wharf Rats. There is black rats, brown rats, rats
that have hooded markings, Caped markings, varied markings, Dalmatian, and/or Masked
markings.
-
Feeding & Nutrition: Pellets that are used for small animals. If overfed of fruits and vegetables
the rats may have diarrhea; if over watered the rats may drink too much and refuse to drink
later and become dehydrated and possibly die.
-
Reproduction: Sexually mature at 6 weeks of age. Gestation period is 21 to 24 days. Young are
born pink, naked, and completely blind and deaf. Heat cycles occurs every 4 day and lasts about
12 hours. Breeding should wait till they are 16 weeks old.
-
Housing: Two cubic feet per rat is recommended from a cage size. Can also use glass aquariums.
Rats are very active animals so a big cages is better, they should also have an exercise wheel.
Bedding should be wood shavings, ground corn cob, pelleted sawdust, newspape4r or straw.
You don’t want you use cedar or pine shavings because there is concern that there are
chemicals called phenol in them that can cause airway damage.
-
Health: Prone to bacterial skin infections, bacterial lung infections, brain tumors, bloody noses,
ear infections, bronchitis and pneumonia.
Hedgehogs
-
Scientific Classification:
o
Kingdom: Animalia
o
Phylum: Chordata
o
Class: Mammalia
o
Order: Erinaceomorpha
o
Family: Erinaceidae
-
History & Domestication: Most common house hedgehog is a hybrid of white bellied (four toed)
and the North African Hedgehog. Illegal in some areas of U.S. and Canada to own a Hedgehog
and breeding licenses are required.
-
European Hedgehog: Commonly found in British isles, France, Italy and other European
countries. A hedgehog’s life span is an average of 14 years. Length: 9-14 in; Weight (adult): 5
lbs.; Largest hedgehog breed; Brown coat ; Feasts on wild slugs, beetles and snails
-
Nutrition & Health: Hedgehogs are insectivores (insects, slugs, snails, worms, small vertebrae
and fruits).In the zoo they are fed commercial cat food, hard boiled eggs, and chopped up fruits
and vegetables (mealworms and crickets are fed as treats)
-
Training/Housing: Can be “potty trained” (box or tray that is 12x12 in. wide, 2-3 in.
high).Generally more cooperative than a kitten or a dog. Clumsy and vulnerable (no heights!)
Need something to hide under to sleep. Often chip tooth or get tongue stuck in water bottle
and spill water bowls (method to give it water is up to the owner)
-
Reproduction: Gestation period is 30-46 days (usually 34-36). Once babies are born they should
not be disturbed, if they are the mother might kill them and eat them. Litters can be anywhere
from 1-9 babies (usually 3-4). Babies can be handled after 3 weeks
-
Extra info: Can roll itself into a ball for self defense. 15 species of hedgehogs. Can swim.
Omnivores. Hibernate in winter. Name for group of hedgehogs is an “array”. Males are dubbed
“boar” while females are “sows”. Babies dubbed “pup” or “piglet”
Turtles
-
Scientific Classification:
o
Kingdom- animalia
o
Phylum- chordata
o
Class- reptilia
o
Order- testudines or chelonia
o
Family- 12 recognized families
-
History & Domestication: Turtle fossils date back about 200 million years. Reptiles were the
dominant species during the Triassic period
-
Examples of breeds: The Alligator Snapping Turtle; The Mud and Musk Turtles; The Common
Snapping Turtle
-
Alligator Snapping Turtle: Also known as the macroclemys temminckii. Can only be found in the
Mississippi river and rivers that drain into the Gulf of Mexico. Largest of all freshwater turtles
-
Mud & Musk Turtles: Mud Turtles Have a flat shell and Have the ability to retract their entire
head and tail into shell.
-
Common Snapping Turtle: Also known as the Chelydridae serpentina. Is the most wide-spread of
all the breeds in North America. Can grow to be up to 5 inches and weigh about 60 lbs. Feed on
fish, frogs, small ducks and geese, and other small mammals.
-
Feeding & Nutrition: Can be feed almost anything you feed them but there are many different
commercial dry food brands that you can feed them. Turtles are generally messy when they eat,
so make sure to keep the water clean and free of debris. Another good practice is to feed your
turtle live fish at least once a week, to make sure it gets to exercise. Turtles like to hunt, and it is
also great fun to watch them dive in after small fish.
-
Survival: Hunt in small lakes and ponds to catch small fish and other small prey. Some breeds
hibernate during the winter to survive. During the day most turtles climb onto rocks, branches
and logs above the water to bask in the sun
-
Health & Care: Be sure to have UV light in their cage in order to help them make Vitamin D and
remain healthy. The temperature in their tank should be between 75˚-80˚F. Since turtles are
considered a cold-blooded species, they must have a consistent environmental temperature.
-
Reproduction: Maturity may range from as early as three years and up to 20-50 depending on
breed. Like other turtles, sea turtles lay eggs and lay them burry them under the for protection
as the turtle leaves after laying. The young hatch after an incubation period that averages two to
three months.
-
Housing: Your turtle's tank must have a capacity of at least 40 gallons. There must be enough
room in the tank to put land and water. Your turtle should also have a place where it can bask in
the heat of a sun lamp. The turtle’s tank should be kept at around 80º during the daytime, and
70º at night.
-
Special Care: always remember to wash your hands before and after handling your turtles, in
order to avoid contamination as turtles can carry salmonella. Use natural spring water for your
turtle's drinking water. Always remember to use a proper UV lamp to help the turtle get the
amount of vitamin D it requires to stay healthy.
Gerbils
-
Scientific classification:
o
Kingdom- animalia
o
Phylum-chordata
o
Class-mammmalia
o
Order-rodentia .
o
Genus-meriones
o
Species-palasiomy
o
Scientific Name: Meriones unguiculatus
-
History & Domestication: The gerbil best known of these is Mongolian gerbil. Gerbils are also
called sand rats and include a large number of species burrowing forming the subfamily
gerbilliane. They are very active during day and night. Domesticated in Asia deserts. Length: 12 14 cms (4.7 - 5.5 inches); Tail: 8 - 10 cms (3.1 - 3.9 inches) ; Life Span: 3 - 5 Years
-
Breeds: Monogolian gerbil; White gerbil; Fat-Tailed Gerbil
-
A commercial food mix is excellent for a gerbil’s primary food. Most should have all the
nutritional requirements for a healthy pet. Live mealworms, crickets, nuts, seeds and timothy
hay and/or alfalfa can also be given as a food to gerbils. You can supplement your pets’ diet with
very small quantities of fresh fruit and vegetables such as apple and carrot. Do not feed them
too much fresh food as this can lead to stomach upsets
-
Training & Exercise: Your gerbils’ lives can be enriched by providing toys and stimulating natural
behavior. For example, hiding treats around their cage keeps them amused and imitates natural
feeding. Hideaway holes like houses and tubes allow them to hide their food just as they would
in the wild. Gerbils love to chew so wooden blocks or toys are always welcome
-
Handling: When you first take your gerbils home, give them a day or two to get used to their
new surroundings without being disturbed. You should then start talking quietly to them so that
they get used to your voice. The next step is to introduce your hand into their cage and perhaps
offer a treat. Your pet may climb onto your hand but if not, pick it up slowly by cupping both
hands around it gently but firmly.
Salamanders
-
Scientific classification: They are typically characterized by a superficially lizard-like appearance.
The classification of a salamander is kingdom,-animalia phylum-chordata and class-amphibia.
-
Domestication: Domesticated in Africa and spread all throughout the world.
-
Feeding: They eat worms spiders insects and crickets. They rest through the day and hunt and
exercise more at night the cooler air helps them stay active
-
Health: Must keep in 90 degree weather so it does not die of hydration
-
Reproduction: Males change colors to show patterns which makes females happy
-
Housing: Must be sheltered and in cooler climate needs a light to keep him/her warm.
Frogs
-
Scientific classification: Scientific Name; Anura. Classification; Amphibian
-
They first appeared during the late Carboniferous/ early Permian periods, Paleozoic.
-
Amphibians (the group of organisms to which frogs belong) are believed to have been the first
vertebrates to leave the water and live on land. Approximately 360 million years ago,
amphibians left the sea and were successful on the land because of the lack of other vertebrates
to hunt them. Over the next 125 million years, 15 major groups of amphibians, including many
species of frogs, evolved.
-
As the frogs and other amphibians moved to the land, they had to adapt in many ways: they
needed new limbs that could let them travel on the ground, lungs and moist skins for dealing
with the air, skin that would not let water evaporate very easily, and eggs that wouldn't dry out
and die in the air. Frogs still need water or at least a moist area to breed in because the eggs still
dry out easily. Their skins do not keep all of the water in, so many species spend most, if not
almost all, of their lives in the water.
-
Breeds/Types: Tree frogs are found in most parts of the world. They vary in length from less
than one inch (2.5 cm) to more than four inches (10 cm).
-
Feeding & Nutrition: Frogs are carnivorous, and will eat bugs such as fruit flies, wood louses, and
crickets. Frogs eat almost anything that they can fit into their mouth. There have even been
some documented cases of frogs suffocating while trying to swallow something too large for
them and refusing to let it go. Frogs eat small turtles, smaller frogs, minnows, bugs and
occasionally large frogs can eat small birds.
-
Reproduction: The adult comes into breeding condition around about Springtime, and they
migrate to ponds where they pair up in a position known as amplexus. The females lays her
spawn, the male releases his sperm at the same time to fertilize the eggs and, after the adults
have left the water, the eggs hatch into tadpoles. They eventually grow legs, lose their tails and
come out of the water to make their home in the surrounding countryside…
-
Housing/Habitats: Frogs live in a variety of different habitats. Most prefer moist regions.
Though frogs are air breathers, they can stay underwater for long periods of time and breathe
through their skin.
-
Special Care/Needs: The tank should provide ample room for the frog to move around freely
with both land and water to live in. Adding branches and rocks give it areas to "hang out" while
at least two inches of water at the bottom can give it enough room to swim. Change the layout
of the tank once a month to keep it happy and clean the tank and everything in it and replace
with fresh water weekly to keep the frog healthy. Never use soap to clean, always use warm
water and scrub with a clean sponge
-
Extra Info: Frogs benefit us in many ways. They eat large number of insects. They provide us
with food. The meaty hind legs of larger frogs are considered a delicacy in many countries. In
the United States, people eat mainly the legs of bullfrogs, green frogs, and leopard frogs. Frogs
are also used in labs to help researchers to test new drugs and students in school dissect them
to learn about anatomy. Very little is known at all about the natural lifespan of frogs. This is
because it's pretty hard to track a frog all of its life! However, some records show that in
captivity, many species of frogs and toads can live for surprisingly long times. They generally
seem to average somewhere between 4 and 15 years. Frogs have many enemies. Foxes, bats,
rats, birds, fish, raccoons, turtles, snakes, and humans are a frog's enemy. But human beings
are the worst!
Birds
-
Their scientific name and classification is Animalia Chordata Avialae Aves.
-
They are considered to be the closest relatives to Deinonychosaurs and other prehistoric lizards,
as some have been found to have had feathers and wings
-
There are many types of birds, such as birds of prey that are hunters, and birds that would assist
humans in activities such as mining and finding honey and migratory birds.
-
They need seeds, grit, and water in their diet, as they are very sensitive and need healthy foods
-
Bird houses need thick walls of untreated wood for insulation, holes for ventilation and
drainage, an extended and sloped roof to keep out the rain, and a baffle to keep out dangerous
predators.
Snakes
-
Scientific Classification:
o
Kingdom- Animalia
o
Phylum- Chordata
o
Class- Reptilia
o
Order- Serpentes ( Snakes, Pythons, and boas)
o
Family- 11 families, 2,400 species
-
first appear in the fossil record during the Cretaceous period. The earliest known snake fossils
come from sites in Utah and Algeria. Snakes are known to have descended from Lizards.
-
Feed & Nutrition: How often you feed your snake depends on what species he is as well as how
old he is. Baby snakes actually won't start looking for food until they are two to four weeks old.
Young snakes generally need to eat about twice a week, or every two to seven days depending
on how quickly you want them to grow. As a snake gets older, he will not need to be fed as
much, but the frequency will depend on the species and how large he is.
-
Habitat/Survival: Snakes can live anyplace where the ground isn’t frozen all year. They live on
every continent, except Antarctica. A few islands—such as Ireland, Iceland, and New Zealand—
are also snake-free. Many snakes live on the ground. Others burrow under the ground. Some
snakes like the high life and live in the trees. Still others like to stay wet and spend most of their
lives in the water
-
Shedding: If your snake sheds in pieces and not in one long, continuous piece, check your
humidity levels and adjust if necessary. If you notice skin covering your snake's eyes and the tip
of his tail during the shedding process, you should consult your veterinarian
-
Special Care: The heat of the aquarium needs to be between 79 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit and
At night it is best for the snake to drop the temperature between five and twenty degrees.
Aquariums work great but make sure to cover three of the sides. The snake will easily get will
feel in danger and be stressed out by having four different directions an attacker could come. A
water bowl is also necessary. This should be large enough so that the snake can submerge itself
fully but they will rarely if ever do this.
-
Reproduction: The standard practices include a male and female who are mature finding each
other. Those that live in colder areas will only mate in the late spring and the early summer. For
those that live in tropical areas the mating can take place all year long. The temperatures along
with the availability of food can determine if they will mate or not.