I would use Radiant Heat Panels or Ceramic Heat Emitters inside the cages. If using CHE's, make a wire mesh barrier around it so the snakes and your arm cannot touch the hot element.

Also if using CHE's, use a ceramic socket. I use the little ones made for lamps (with 2 wires attached) instead of those big outlet box models. I use epoxy paste to cover the contacts where the wires are connected, and then I bolt it (#6 screw) to a 1/8 thick 1" wide x 6 long" piece of aluminum extrusion (Home Depot). The aluminum acts as a heat sink. Mount the socket/aluminum assembly to the cage ceiling with bolts and spacers so the aluminum bar does not touch the wood directly.

I'll post a pic in the near future. This setup doesn't heat the wood very much compared to a flush-mount socket.

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