More Temp Questions

[sgrdolphin]

So there are two parts to this.

1st: I know that belly heat is important so I have a heat pad with temp regulation and the whole bit, but I had someone recommend putting a flat rock in the enclosure under the heat light. They said that the rock will heat up (makes sense) and that the snake can use that to thermo-regulate. What do you more experienced snake owners think of this idea? :confused1:

2nd: I just got a two week old Dumerils Boa (Betty). I have Betty's hot end of her enclosure at 80-82 during the day and 76-78 at night. Her cool end is at about 74-76. The crazy thing is that Betty spends her entire time on the far side of her water dish on the cold side. I put her hide in the middle and a hide in the warm end, temp inside the hide does not get above 85. But she still likes the cool end. She is so young I don't want her to get cold but she is really active (spends a lot of time looking around) and it seems like she might like to move around more. But I don't know if it is the temp could be the reason that she is staying at the one end. So should I lower the overall cage temp?

[X-Factor]

I can see the concern, I've seen this myself. They thermoregulate as you know. They know where the heat is and when they need it. I honestly wouldn't really worry about it. Your temps sounds completely normal to me.

[canadianbacon]

if the snake eats then dont stress about it.....from the years i have been keeping snakes majority of them spend most days on the cold side....and as far as the rock goes its a compleat waist of time and space if you ask me. what you have is perfect, a hide, water bowl, and thats all you need. the rock is ok but not needed at all.

oh and by the way if your useing a heat pad there is absolutly no need at all for a heat light ....i do not recomend useing both heat pads and lights together cause that makes for a very hot hotspot....pick which one you want to go with and stick with it!


with snakes they will tell you something is wrong if they dont eat....when a snake doesnt eat for a month or so usually that means something is up...so if the snake is eating fine and has a good feed response (meaning it hammers down mice or rats as if they are going out of style) then you are doing fine as far as temps and houseing!

[razeraze]

Can you post a pic of the set up? it may be choosing a specific spot for a reason. I find many times when snakes do not properly thermo regulate it is because they do not feel secure in the other spots.

[X-Factor]

I just noticed the flat rock bit, I would be VERY hesitant to do this, even with a thermostat. There is the potential of creating a heat rock which is bad.