The fact that the snakes breed and reproduce successfully shows that the conditions are right. Unhealthy snakes won't breed successfully. Are choices better? Sure. But then again the snakes would choose to be outside rather than in containers. Its the same thing with UV lights. Are UV lights necessary? No but those who use them report better health. The snakes get UV light in the wild. It would be better to provide UV light in a section and let the snakes choose. It is not necessary and both conditions work.
I don't provide supplemental heat to colubrids and my reason is mainly a factor of preference for me. I am concerned about fire and I hear a lot of horror stories. I do my best to minimize heat pads and cords. Plus the colubrids I have had thrived. How do I know? They ate well, good muscle tone, good weight, breed successfully, no fat deposits, etc. Do I consider heat pads a bad thing? Of course not. They work as does room heating.

Dan

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Show Entire Thread ]