Hey folks how about sharing tips on surviving winter cold!
Even our southern keepers are facing unseasonable cold early this year and its a great reminder to arm yourself with knowledge to protect your cold-blooded kids.
Most of us rely on electricity to heat so when weather strikes hard, we can be victims of power outages. If you have at risk power supply, consider a backup generator. Even a portable camping generator with a long well gauged extension cord to power accessories could be leveraged.
Heat packs are key to more than just shipping. Don't have any, you can also use hot water. Putting hot water in 1 or 2 liter bottles wrapped in a towel in a storage tote or cooler can be critical when used for transporting short distances during the winter or if you lose power and plan to move the animals elsewhere.
Fire hazards are something we see more off during this time of year. Make sure heat tape is inspected. Watch out for signs of melting, warping or exposed contacts. Electricity is a herpers best friend and worst enemy. Respect it. Cheap and old electrical appliances like power strips and heat emitters can be a fire hazard.
For those of us doing animal rescue, its always a good idea to have a go box. Typically a styrofoam shipper and extra heat packs for when you need to move an animal during these brutally cold times.
For our tortoise friends, hard mount basking lamps and consider removing hot bulbs/emitters from flammable materials like hay and wood decorations.
Got other ideas? Share them with this thread!
But I kept their son alive so I can get away with anything....