I think the ideal approach is to cool a room to around 50-55 deg F then have a small heated area at the back of a large cage and throw all the like species together. Then see what they choose. That is the least expensive way to provide a range of temps in a box where it is easier to vary the heat at the back or side than the cool temps.



Here in the West coast where Cal kings live, I have measured burrow temperatures at various times of the year. I push the sensor down where I cannot see it anymore. Not exactly the most scientific method but at least it is something.



Temp is slightly different depending on direction it faces (if on a hillside for example) or if near rocks, near tree roots, etc. But by and large, all Winter I read somewhere between 50-55 deg at most burrows in different areas when the air temp was in the 40s to low 70s during Winter. The exception were burrows on South-facing hillsides among rocks. On very sunny warmer days those burrows could be very much warmer at least for the first 8 inches or so.



Doesn't answer the question of what snakes are doing what
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Mark

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