Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A horrible thing happened last night, my Redtail's Light went out (i had bought the light last night because her other one went out the day before) and it was extremely cold out last night, her tank got down to 60 deg. i have her in a small enclosure for while i am at work with a light that is not quite hot enough, but i figured it could do for a few hours.
I was just wondering if anyone else has had this happen, and if there were any sever sickness that followed?
I am really worried about her, and just want any advice that i can get to keep her healthy after her getting so cold.

Thank you everyone in advance for any help!!!

It's actually far better that a light went out than say a thermostat and she got too hot. 60 degrees isn't that cool and for a short time I think she should be fine. When they are kept cool for long periods, long enough to decrease their immune system, then you can see them start to get respiratory infections and things like that. Keep and eye on her but I think you'll be fine.

On a side note, a friend of mine on another board recently received a young boa via UPS. He always picks up at the hub and the guy there thought he was being nice and put the "perishable" box in the fridge! Ooops! Apparently she was cold and stiff when he found her, but after some time to warm up in her enclosure she has bounced back just fine.

Thank you that makes me feel a little better, a little less worried. i went in a got her out of her tank once i saw the temp. and held her until she was moving a bit before i put her into the smaller tank with the light. she is getting ready to shed, so i hope she holds off until i get her all warmed back up and cumfy!

Thank you!!

lose the heat lamp and get an UTH - Under Tank Heater.

Using a lamp is just asking for trouble. There are too many bad things that can happen (snake burning, boken glass, fire,etc.) , meanwhile it is not a good form of heat (too dry, not safe, not consistant). It can be used for a basking spot, but that's different than the constant belly heat the snake needs to thrive.

Pet stores sell small black heat pads that actually stick to the bottom of the glass. You can set it on a thermostat, or simply difuse the heat from in the tank by placing substrate or something else over the area.

It will be a much better option for you and your snake.

All the best, joe
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Thanks and take care - Joe Rollo
'Tis not the stongest of the species that will eventually survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change' Charles Darwin

Thanks, i was thinking about that, i had an old one and plugged it in for about an hr and it never got warm so i guess it was broken, i will surely get one tonight to make her happier!

NP