looking for SIMPLE idea for heating pad for baby python

[iguanaman001]

MY friend who has an 8ft long boa constructed a simple heating pad for his snake, using a heating foil and gluing it to a sheet of glass, then placing it in the corner of his case where the snake could sleep and get necessary heat to digest its food.
I would like to do this for my python but I am concerned about the heating sheet since it has no control to regulate heat. Any comments?
I have a 4ft by 25in (front to back) by 24in unit that I am looking to put my snake in. Right now, my snake is in an old dresser which I ripped apart and filled with ECO-EARTH but I know pythons are not burrowing snakes. I want to remedy this ASAP and move the snake before the end of the month.
I could put my cornsnake into the old dispaly case, without any trouble.
IGUANAMAN001:grab:

[Linds]

Originally posted by iguanaman001
MY friend who has an 8ft long boa constructed a simple heating pad for his snake, using a heating foil and gluing it to a sheet of glass, then placing it in the corner of his case where the snake could sleep and get necessary heat to digest its food.

Was he placing it inside the enclosure? I wouldn't recommend placing any heat mats in the enclosure because of the risk of electricution, fire, etc.

I would like to do this for my python but I am concerned about the heating sheet since it has no control to regulate heat. Any comments?

If you cannot regulate the heat source, it shouldn't be allowed anywhere near your herp. I don't know much about heating foil so I cannot offer much more techinical advice on that.

I have a 4ft by 25in (front to back) by 24in unit that I am looking to put my snake in. Right now, my snake is in an old dresser which I ripped apart and filled with ECO-EARTH but I know pythons are not burrowing snakes. I want to remedy this ASAP and move the snake before the end of the month.


I wasn't sure what you meant by alot of that. Why are you using a substrate that you think isn't suitable in the first place? Also, is this dresser modified to be suitable for snakes? Does it allow some sort of photoperiod or is it totally dark? Is there adequate ventilation? Also, what kind of python is this? Many species of pythons DO burrow. Also, ECO-EARTH and all of its relatives, are not just for burrowing species, although it does permit animals to do so. It can be used to tree snakes and ground snakes alike. However I am not a big fan of that stuff, the particles are too fine IMHO amongst other things. Next time, please have an adequate setup prepared for the animal -before- bringing it home. The animal doesnt need to go through all the unecessary stress that can result if its home isn't ready and functioning already. I hope I am not coming across harshly, as this is not my intent. Take care.

[BurmBaroness]

I have a Precision that is 48"x20"x13 1/4". I used 2 human heat pads, both set on low, and the temps are great. 1 big reptile UTH=$24, 2 Human heat pads=$16.

[Kyle Walkinshaw]

Is there not a greater fire risk though with the human heat pads?

[marisa]

I personally believe that there IS a greater risk. They obviously weren't meant to be used that way. But at the same time I use one. My human heating pad is set up with a reptile thermastat and I have two min/max temp probes in there. The way I use it, the heating pad is not on all day, and since my room is warmer (80) I don't need to have it constantly on and off to maintain a good temp. I have yet to see any problems although I keep a CLOSE eye on it. And any heating source is a fire risk although some higher than others.

I agree with Linds 100% when she said this:

"If you cannot regulate the heat source, it shouldn't be allowed anywhere near your herp"

Nothing, and I mean NOTHING should be left on a reptile unattended without a control device. This is asking for trouble, fire, and dead reptiles. That's good advice.

Another point I wanted to make that Linds also touched on was Eco Earth. I bought this for my Tarantula when I was having a humidity problem and at the same time I had a brand new ATB. I put both animals on this and within a month decided I would never use it again. The ATB ended up having it coming out BOTH ends at the vet (even though he never ever fed on the substrate) and the Tarantulas cage was covered in mold even though I used the spray bottle very sparingly. I don't like it. But some people have had sucsess with it. Maybe you can too?

Some pythons ARE borrowing snakes. If we are talking about a Ball Python, they do indeed live underground. If its something else, well you'll have to say what it is.

Aside from that I'll let others give advice as I am not sure what would work best in the situation.

Marisa

[LdyDrgn]

Eco-Earth will also get into the mouth and/or heat pits. It will cause mouth rot. For a ball python or any other "non water python" a damp substrate will cause scale rot as well.

[Blackwidow69]

:cool: I have been using human heatting pads for the past 12 yrs. and have never had a prob with them at all.. and yes they are cheaper..:D

[Edwin]

I have switched completely to human heat pads, although I still have one reptile UTH. Human heat pads are much cheaper, have added features like different settings and a power on light, dont have to be glued to the bottom of your terrarium and based on my experience, dont break down. I had one reptile UTH die on me. but all my heat pads are still running fine.

Being able to regulate your snakes heat source is important so that they dont overheat or get insufficient heat. Even a simple lamp dimmer would be ok.

Hope this helps.