Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I keep my two Burmese in a 12x12 insulated building set apart from my house. The sole purpose of this building is to house my snakes. I live in south Georgia, so it doesn't get too cold down here. I have had good luck heating this building with simple electric space heaters. When needed, I also provide basking spots in their enclosures with lights and fiberglass heating pads. This has worked so far, but I know that there is a big potential for catastrophe using these methods.

I have been working on installing a heating unit of some kind with a thermostat. To make a long story short, an air conditioner contractor suggested using a thermostatically controlled heater in the room that would run off liquid propane. The propane tank would of course be located outside the building. This would be an efficient way to heat the room, but would it be safe for the snakes? Would the propane give off fumes that would be dangerous for the snakes? I know LP is safe for humans -- I used to live in a house that was heated with LP -- but we're talking a much smaller room here.

I have some other options, but this is the most inexpensive and efficient if its safe. Any thoughts?

RP

i would think propane would be fine for the snake.
I would be worried about the snakes getting burned...what kind of heater are you planning on using

Propane burns clean...the products of the combustion reaction are carbon dioxide and water. Since carbon dioxide can be dangerous, I don't think the heated air from the combustion would be pumped directly into the building being heated...instead, it would be used to heat the air that would be pumped into the building. I think it sounds like a pretty good idea...good luck.
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.Owen.:.

Go Tulane Green Wave!

"That Owen kid...man...he really loves that snake of his." ~Owen

0.1 red blood python (Daphne)
1.1 Borneo pythons (Augmented and Diminished)
1.0 Okeetee corn snake (Ozzy)
0.1 ball python (Caroline)
0.1 common snapping turtle (Fluffy)
0.1 Gulf Coast spiny softshell turtle (Smeagol)
1.0 fish (Hannibal)
1.1 dogs (Beowulf and Honeysuckle)

The snakes shouldn't get burned with the heater. The snakes will not come in contact with the heater at all. It will be mounted on the floor outside of the cages. The cage for my bigger snake is a walk-in enclosure that's 12 feet long and four feet wide. My other cage is six year old large Neodesha cage. The heater will be mounted between the two cages.

RP

I would use and electric oil filled heater that is hooked to a thermostat. I use one in my 8 by 8 building and it works great. I use a Ranco thermostat. You could also use a Johnson Controls thermostat. You can find them both on line for 46-50 dollars but you may have to do some simple wiring.

>>The snakes shouldn't get burned with the heater. The snakes will not come in contact with the heater at all. It will be mounted on the floor outside of the cages. The cage for my bigger snake is a walk-in enclosure that's 12 feet long and four feet wide. My other cage is six year old large Neodesha cage. The heater will be mounted between the two cages.
>>
>>RP
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Thomas Jones
aligatorhunter@earthlink.net

I'm a little curious...How does this floor mounted heater vent itself?
If it is used in an enclosed space, wont it use up available oxygen?