Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Has anyone looked at greenhouses to permanently house a caiman outdoors right through the Winter? I really have no idea if they insulate or stay warm via the sun's rays.

Would it be warm enough for a couple of heat lamps to be effective?

For those in the know, my question may sound basic, but if you can grow tropical plants in them, why not tropical animals?

Mr. F

PS. I just saw a 10'x6' greenhouse for $575, got me thinkin'
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Real time Rogue, a captive Palp

I think anything is possible but you would have to consider ground temp vs. ambient air temp. While you might keep it balmy on the inside of a greenhouse, the water temp would be influenced by the ground temp. You would have to heat the water as well.
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1.0 Albino American alligator, "Smoke"
1.1 American alligator,"Al Bite Ya & Molly"
1.1 Purple Albino Reticulated Pythons, "Gumbo & Abita"
0.1 Eastern Gaboon Viper, "Gabbie" Recently passed away at 24 years old
Help me find this snake!

I wonder how much effect the sun would have on the water... the ground temp is a constant 15 degress at 2 ft deep isn't it? Isn't that what the geothermal systems are based on?

wish I had the money to spare to buy one and test the temps... or I'll have to find someone who has one for plants.

Mr. F
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Real time Rogue, a captive Palp

Hi
I live just outside detroit. We looked into the greenhouses but felt we would not be able to affordably heat one for this use. Believe me we would love to give em natural sunlight all year round like that. We chose to go with an actual building for all of our enclosures with sunlights. It allows natural light during the winter but also allows us to have a facility that is easy to insulate and heat.
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2 A. Miss at 8'
5 A. Miss at 3'-5'
1 C. Nil at 9'
1 C. Croc at 6.5'
6 A. Miss/C. Croc 2'-3'
1 Naja kaouthia
1 A. c. contortrix
1 Ophiophagus hannah (but not much longer - gettin old and that snake is fast)