Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just wondering if there is a reptile that a hot rock would be safe to use with. We've had close to 20 of them 'donated' over the years- they're all in a box in my garage- I keep finding them. I've cut the cords off a few of them and I'm using them as basking rocks but I'm wondering if there is an animal they're safe for.
Thanks
Beth
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The rescue site: www.freewebs.com/okreptilerescue

Based on what I've read & years of reptile-keeping and being an electronics tech--you're better off cutting the power cords & using them as basking rocks or similar cage "furniture".

Unless a company develops one that has a reliable thermal cut-off switch (which is used to turn off the power immediately, if the the temperature threshold is exceeded by a few degrees)& is UL approved, they are not worth taking a chance.

Physiologically, the vast majority of reptiles have evolved to gather infra-red as well as UVb/UVc from sunlight or man-made lighting sources from above.

Correction, UVa & UVb are used in reptilian metabolism. UVc is the harmful version of Ultra-violet which is used as a germicide, causes DNA destruction as well as sunburns, etc.

I use hotrocks in a few of my cages. They are used more as substrate heaters (burried in the substrate) so direct contact is limited. They are also not the only heat source.

Ian