I have read that if a snake spends alot of time on the cool side of the tank the temps may be to warm, and vice versus. I'm using a ranco thermostat w/ a uth, the thermostat is set at 81 degrees.
I have the probe placed on top of the substrate above the uth. The cool side of the tank (20gal) is usually around 75-78 degrees. I'm using a digital thermometer w/ probe. From what I've researched my temps are right where they need to be. Would dropping the temps a couple of degrees be advisable, or should I leave well enough alone. Any advice would be much appreciated, thanx in advance, Clint
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Advice on temps,
Bodhisdad
Jul 29, 2004 11:35 AM
Replies (3)
Sunshine
Jul 29, 2004 07:56 PM
you are using cypress mulch. If you are, put the probe between the top of the cage bottom and underneath the mulch, give it a few hours and adjust as necessary. I only say this because when I got a temp gun my uth read 135 on the surface and my snakes generally are burrowed.
It otherwise perfect to me. Like you already mentioned, let the snake dictate the range.
Linda
Bodhisdad
Jul 30, 2004 06:10 AM
I'm using that pre mixed reptile litter. Finely shredded mulch, peatmoss, and sand. I have a temp gun, what should the surface temps be reading on the heated end? I suspected I was getting worked up over nothing, I just want the little one to be comfortable. Thanx, Clint
jfmoore
Jul 30, 2004 03:58 PM
Bear in mind that more than one “issue” can drive behavior. I’ve found that the need for security can override what might be in a snake’s best interests regarding proper temperatures. Sometimes even just messing around with or changing the cage furniture can prompt a snake to choose a different location.
For instance, yesterday I cleaned out a hide container that a white-lipped python always uses, and replaced the usual CareFresh substrate inside it with sheet newsprint. So far, the snake has refused to go back inside the hide box and is staying in a cooler location than it normally chooses. This could be because of the substrate change, or it could be because it resented my intrusion, but I’m confident it has nothing to do with the temperature gradient in the cage which has not been altered.
Do you have different hide boxes in different temperature regions of your cage? Are your containers low and snug enough so that they touch (or nearly touch) the animal’s back?
-Joan
