Austin in Arizona U.S.A.
Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2016 2:21 am
Kei Island (T. g. keyensis):
Keis are a super interesting and diverse sub species. Care is pretty simple.
Temperatures:
I keep temps relatively high for mine, 98°F in the hot spot, and 80°F on the cool end.
Humidity/Substrate:
I keep mine at 50-60% average here. I have noticed that the Kei Island is fairly tolerant of lower humidity than the Halmahera form gigas gigas and the Merauke. I have maintained mine on Cypress Mulch without any of the shedding or eye issues associated with low humidity.
Brumation:
Brumation for Keis here is done on the same schedule as my Meraukes. I reduce temps by 10-15 degrees for 6 weeks. i also reduce daylight hours from 14 to 10 during the winter for my Keis that are housed in conventional enclosures.
Additional note:
The Kei island temperament is a little more feisty on average than the other gigas. Most do calm down with regular gentle handling, but it seems to take a little more effort. This is another species that seems to really appreciate a few small secure hides.
Keis are a super interesting and diverse sub species. Care is pretty simple.
Temperatures:
I keep temps relatively high for mine, 98°F in the hot spot, and 80°F on the cool end.
Humidity/Substrate:
I keep mine at 50-60% average here. I have noticed that the Kei Island is fairly tolerant of lower humidity than the Halmahera form gigas gigas and the Merauke. I have maintained mine on Cypress Mulch without any of the shedding or eye issues associated with low humidity.
Brumation:
Brumation for Keis here is done on the same schedule as my Meraukes. I reduce temps by 10-15 degrees for 6 weeks. i also reduce daylight hours from 14 to 10 during the winter for my Keis that are housed in conventional enclosures.
Additional note:
The Kei island temperament is a little more feisty on average than the other gigas. Most do calm down with regular gentle handling, but it seems to take a little more effort. This is another species that seems to really appreciate a few small secure hides.