Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a yearling black rat snake. At this time of year, the room temp can drop into the low 60's at night. My snake seems to be fine with this (she is eating well), but should I leave the heating pad on at night, or are they OK with the cool temps? I figure that in the wild, they deal with chilly nights a lot. But I'm just double checking.

Thanks,
Andy

I definitely recommend a heating pad. In the wild, they can find a sheltered area - underground, perhaps - to stay relatively warm on a cool night. Try for around 70-75 for his minimum temperature. Set up the heating pad at one end, so you end up with a temperature gradient within the enclosure. Then he can find his favorite temperature.
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MichaelB

Thanks, I will leave her heating pad on during cool nights.

They are really great snakes. She seems to be quite hardy and tolerant of temperature fluctuations. She's a great eater and very tame! I just can't wait till she gets big. I've never seen a big albino black rat snake in person.