Quote:
Originally Posted by GraceHurst2001
Using a standard heating lamp. Perhaps it should be raised to keep him from further burns? He seems to enjoy being right up to it, always on top of his hide.
|
The trouble with using heat lamps is that they are on top of the cage, and most of the heat rises up & away from the cage, so first of all they are inefficient (wasting energy). Ball pythons need very warm cages...you need to stop using this heat lamp and use appropriate methods to adequately heat his cage. Depending on the ambient temperature in your house (or the room where his cage is) and the size & type of his cage, you may need to use more than one type of heat, but do NOT use this heat lamp, he is already injured & suffering. He "enjoys" being next to it because he is desperate for adequate heat, not because it is suitable. You should be using UTH and/or RHP, both if needed to raise the temperature in the cage to the levels recommended for ball pythons. (and never heat the entire cage, one end should be unheated for safety, so they can thermoregulate as needed) I prefer UTH, because snakes can warm their tummy for digestion. ALL heating devices must be regulated by thermostat so they don't burn your poor snake as you've already done. Until you can fix this cage, you could (in a pinch) use a human heat pad for UTH, but be careful to leave a little air space for safety: better to get quality UTH (or RHP) a.s.a.p. and get this snake some medical attention.