Reptile & Amphibian Forums

my snakes are strange. i monitor my temps very closely my hot side us usually in the mid 80s and cool side low to mid 70's ambient air temp around 80. hot temp measured on glass under 1" of aspen in hide, cold side under about 1/2" of aspen near rear of hide. ambient measured 4" from top of tank dead center. UTH set at 84f and 100w ceramic heater 16" from top of hot side hide. florescent light on top of tank no significant heat but serves as day/night cycle. snakes will not go near hot side of tank.
if i turn off ceramic heater they will roam during night time but still will not enter hot side hide. at night i use a 75 watt moonlight bulb 8" from cork bark slab that covers the water bowl (middle of tank). both snakes really enjoy that. if i turn on the ceramic heater and aim it anywhere in the tank both head straight back to the cold side hide. i think i have a good gradient but my snakes just seem to like cooler temps. this morning i found two very happy snakes in a 71 degree hide. i am going to try adding another inch or two of aspen under the hot hide in case that is what is bothering them. on a side note the only time they ever come out to play is when the moonlight bulb is on. they just seem to love that thing, they roam a bit then lay under it, wash rinse repeat, all night long.
any advice or observations appreciated
mike

I would try and get the area directly under the hot spot up closer to 90 degrees. Even if they seem to like the cooler temps, it is good for them to have the choice of a nice hot spot. Especially when thet have ate..

thanks i'll try that, i currently have my UTH on a dimmer so that should be no problem. it will just be a matter of adjusting the distance of my ceramic bulb heater so they don't get too hot when they venture into the area.
thanks
Mike

I use an uth heater 24/7 and my balls fine with that.. i turn the 'heat lamp' on during the day and she hides behind her water bowl. At nigth when the lights off.. she roams all over that cage. Someone told me that ball pythons were not 'show' animals but I beg to differ. Mine loves to attract attention. Hates the heat too.

I do agree with one poster on here that it helps digest food, after she's ate, she'll lay on top of her hide closest to the heat lamp.

Chelly

thanks, glad to know i didn't buy some kind of Antarctic ice python . mine are quite gregarious in the right conditions. if you haven't tried one of those moonlight bulbs i highly recommend it. in a totally dark room with just that bulb on they display some very interesting behaviour.
thanks
Mike