There is a common captive belief that a reptile should be basking for long periods. Which could not be farther from the truth. They want to gain the heat needed to "live their life" Their life is not basking its going about their business. So they gain the heat needed as fast as possible, then go about their business, then heat up again is needed, etc. How this is done depends on the species/need, and season.

But no reptile lives to bask. In fact, if they can obtain the heat needed in any other way they will. If basking means to expose themselves to danger, then they avoid it. But at times and under certain conditions, they have to risk being exposed. With regional basking like what is being done in this case, they expose as little as possible.

For instance, the AC season is about over, once the surface heats up enough, snakes will avoid surface basking and start to move at night. It will be simply too hot to sit under tin and wood. Then it will be too hot to get near the surface in the day. Hmmmmmmmmmm a little puzzle we have yes? Cheers

[ Show Entire Thread ]