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Husbandry Question (kinda)

PlatinumRosePythons

PlatinumRosePythons

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I was just wondering if any of you that have a snake room keep the snakes at a room temperature instead of using heat tape? Eventually I'm going to have a snake room and a LOT more snakes than I have now, but heat tape and thermostats make me nervous, especially when I heard about Pro Exotics fire :nonod: I had an idea to maybe keep the snake room warm (around 85-88 degrees) and not have to use heat tape at all. What do you all think?
 
Heating the entire room to 85+ degrees will not only be very costly but also they ned a temp gradient. A cool side and warm side. As they are cold blooded and do not regulate own body temps . PE fire was a freak accident!!! As long as used properly and regulated w a t-stat youre chance of a fire is miniscule.
 
I've done that in the past - and it works okay with some species. In my experience, ball pythons didn't feed as consistently. You also have to be careful that you don't go too high with the room temp, as the snakes shouldn't be kept in constant high temperatures...84-85 is about the highest I would go with that method.
Don't rush the "a lot more snakes" part.
 
Using a room heater in combination might help. It will allow you to use your other heating "devices" less. or allow for smaller wattage devices.
 
Careful with a room heater though, I went this route when I first started and my 150$ heater shorted out, I got home and my room was 110 degrees, just thankful that there wasn't a fire.
 
I don't use belly heat, just as you're explaining. However, the room heater has just as much potential of malfunctioning, too. I have it on a t-stat, separate from the heater's own t-stat. The snakes eat wonderfully well. Breeding has gone well, too. I'm on my second season with this setup. I used belly heat 2 seasons ago.

I only am doing this because of my snake room setup, and I plan to use belly heat in the next room when I build a little snake shed. ... But this setup seems to be working fine. I keep it between 80-85, from low in the room to the top level of the rack. Females that are building are kept on the bottom levels of the rack. Once they have ovy'd, they get moved up to the top. Anyway, not that you needed all his info...just seems to work every bit as goo as my good friend's setup who uses belly heat.
 
I do the room heat thing, and have for a while. Harald's advice on the temps is correct. I have been happy with my setup, but I have always thought that it seems to work better in some climates than others. Most other BP breeders I know who have had good luck with room heat only are in FL. Although, it could be a coincidence, since I do know more FL breeders than breeders in other states. And, definitely put the room heater (oil filled is best, IMO) on a good thermostat.
 
Personally, I wouldn't do it, because I think if snakes had a choice they'd prefer a wide range to thermoregulate.

BUT. There are some big breeders that don't use belly heat. VPI comes to mind. They only provide belly heat to gravid girls, and apparently they're doing just fine because they've always been one of the leaders in this industry, and have provided us with much scientific information.

To each his own. As long as your snakes are thriving, there's no wrong way.
 
My snake room is at 80-82. And the warm end of my tubs around 89-90.
The heat tape and thermostats work less too.
 
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