It's that time of year again, The north winds are blowing, the leaves are all but out of the trees, days are shorter and our snakes are behaving strangely.

So I figured we could share our thoughts on how the season changes the way we care for our reptilian friends.

Many homes have forced air heating, you know the kind that blows heated air out of those registers on the floor. The kind that makes your sofa toasty by blowing up under it.

Forced air heating is bad for snakes and wood stoves even worse.

If you burn coal, pellets, oil, wood or propane in anything other than a boiler system, you will have very dry parched air in your home all winter long.

Extra steps to keep humidity levels acceptable may be necessary.

A kettle of water sitting on the stove, set a container of water near the register where your reptiles are located. Mist your enclosures from time to time, or shedding problems may arise.

Whenever you are leaving, don't forget you have reptiles at home, Turning down the thermostat to save energy is not so much an option anymore.

A propane or kerosene heater would be a sensible back up in case of utility failure. (Remember, Ice storms bring down wires a lot)

No power can be a disaster for reptiles in the winter, so get a backup heater and be prepared. (Try showing up at your aunts with buckets of snakes asking for a place to stay while the power is out)

Any other thoughts ??.....