Howdie... time to play the advocate.



It is very good for you to be concerned. People are too complacent in today's times.



Whilst many valid points have been made, i feel there are a few others...



As you would know, there are many different makes/models/brands of heat mats and heat rocks. I believe the price has a big influence on quality. The exo-terra heat rocks are thermostatically controlled, and completely sealed. Reptiles are sensitive to heat in a different way than us. That is, what feels only mildly lukewarm to us, is easily adequate for a reptile.



I paid over $120 dollars for my rock, (albeit that is Australian dollars), which, nowadays, is approx $US100. It never overheats, and, to me, doesn't even feel warm. But, when my snakes go down the cool end of their enclosure, they often coil up on it. This means that there is no fear of one accidentally spending too much time in the cool end, leaving itself unable to return to the warm end.



I did have the advantage of completely setting up my enclosure before buying the snakes. Most people will buy an enclosure, buy a reptile, take it home, and then worry about getting temperature gradients right, locating a food source, a herpetological vet, etc. So, i placed my heat rock in the enclosure and left it a week to ensure it never got too hot.



To conclude, heat rocks are fine providing they are appropriate. I believe there is a higher risk of fire from a heat mat, as they are often inadequately installed.



Quite simply, People need to do more research FOR THEMSELVES before purchasing any animal. Whilst this generalisation obviously discludes you (as you have shown sufficient sincerety and concern), most pet store employees will say anything for a sale. It is not up to you to advise people in every way as to what heat their reptile needs.



Next time, tell an ignorant customer to buy a book, get on the net, read the caresheets. Otherwise, the ill-fated end you mentioned in your post will be all to near for many a poor, reptile.



Just my 2 cents. Take it or leave it



Cheers

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