New Sri Lankan group settling well

pete55

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Its now 5 weeks since we got our group of Sri Lankan Stars. A trio of young adults and a ?trio of youngsters. Since arriving they've all been treated for worms and flagelletes following faecal analysis. The combination of Panacur and then Flagyl appears to have been sucessful as demonstrated by subsequent negative faecal tests and improved activity and appetite.

Once quarantine is complete we'll change their environment to a larger vivarium with a suitable substrate for potential laying. We've kept them in an environment as recommended by Tom. They seem to prefer an overall temperature of 28c with basking facility and UVB light addition. Humidity is around 75% and they're often spend periods soaking in shallow water. Their diet has increased and more become more varied as the weeks have passed. Now they take chopped grasses, dandelion, plantain, mallow, clover and have finally started to accept Nutrazu (mazuri). Next to try is pumpkins though the season's just starting in the UK.
 

pete55

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Pictures of thr group.
 

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Tom

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I sure hope you get lots of babies. That would be fantastic!

Interesting observation on the temperatures. I notice my Burmese stars are most active after the ambient creeps past 32C. They still bask under the 37C basking lamp even when ambient is above 32C. Stars seem to like it hot.

I hate your beech chip substrate… Love the other stuff though.
 

pete55

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Dec 16, 2014
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Thank you Neal for your kind comment :)

Tom - thank you for your comments and observations. At the moment they're in quarantine and have been treated for internal parasites. During treatment I do find beech chips allow for easy observation of stools and urine/urates. I can assess volume, consistency and any parasites that may have been passed. Once this has been completed they'll be set up with a deeper compost substrate for laying and maintaining humidity.

The higher temperatures have been gradually reached through observation of the animals and their behaviour. Like your Burmese they still all bask at about 35c and I have found these environment temperatures seem to result Iin active animals with good appetites. I found the same occured with my Southern Indian Stars too. At first I was hesitant as much of the literature suggested lower ambient temperatures. I was pleased when I saw an earlier comment of yours suggesting higher temperatures. Next year I'm planning on getting some Northern Indian Stars and it'll be interesting to find what ambient temperatures they prefer.
 

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