Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just looking for suggestions in case that happens.

1.0 Mexican Milk snake
0.1 Gopher snanke
0.0.1 ball python
0.0.1 ringneck snake

You can purchase a power backup system used for computers at pretty much any computer retail store (compusa, microcenter, etc) and can sometimes catch them on sale. Try to get the biggest one you can though so it will last longer. You can set a surge protector to it to control the multiple cages. The lightbulbs don't pull as much power as the computer so it should last much longer than the maximum times given for the computer.

Depending on how many cages you have, I would recommend only putting the ones on that absolutely NEED the heat.

Example: If the power were to go out at my house, I would certainly provide an outlet to my Burm. However, my crocs have two separate heat sources during the winter (1 for the basking spot and the other is a submersible water heater). My alligators spend more time in the water most of the time anywyas, so I make sure that I set the sub. heater on the backup system and completely bypass the basking lamp. I would then provide that spot for my burm as she would most likely need it most. This helps to keep both animals comfortable during that time, as well as preserve a little bit more battery power on the backup device.

Hope this helps,

Chris

P.S> Just beware that backup systems are really damn annoying when the power goes out because the BEEEEEEP frequently. Just thought I would forewarn you!

Chris
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Chris Law
U.A.P.P.E.A.L. (Uniting a Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League)
Herpetoculture Element Representative

It'll keep ya toasty.

Yah could always go low tech and get a 55 gallon drum, turn it into a burn barrel, and let'er rip!!

I do not think it will solve any problems but it does have entertainment value. There might even be a Darwin award in it.
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Randy Hallman

...of a practical way to keep my snakes alive & healthy

I have installed 15kw Generac generators to my reptile facility and home. These are connected to the natural gas line and automatically start should the electricity go down for over 30 seconds. While the generators are relatively expensive to acquire and install, it's nice having all of the comforts of home during power outages, along with teh security of knowing my reptile collection is safe, even if I am away.

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

I live in upstate NY. We have a 2-story house (raised ranch) with well over 2000 sq ft. There's a fairly small wood stove in the basement. A couple of years ago we had a bad ice storm and were without power for a couple of days. That stove alone heated the entire house - the downstairs were toasty, probably around 90 in the same room as the stove, and the upstairs were well over 60. We didn't have snakes then, but they would have been fine (with maybe a bit of temporary relocating for some). On top of that, if you have fire, water, and a good supply of hot water bottles, you should be in good shape, too.

Power outages are a part of life. I guess you can't worry about everything. You can only do your best.If your home you when it happens you can always fire up an emergency generator and box up the herps and move to a nearby hotel with heat for a few days.