Cold Lovers

KatandMark · 01-10-06, 10:25 PM

Does anyone know why my 3 corns are almost always on the non heated side of their cage? There is enough substrate so it doesn't get too hot. Even after they've eaten my wild male stays hidden.

**Andy_G** · 01-11-06, 10:03 AM

If your snakes eat and continue to stay on the cool side, the warm side is too hot for them.

ottawaguy · 01-11-06, 10:43 AM

Are your three corns housed together...what kind of heat source are you using
The more info you provide, the better others able to assist you
what are your temps on both sides.

KatandMark · 01-11-06, 12:13 PM

Two of my corns are together, my female & a very young male. My other male has his own enclosure. They both have under-tank heat sources & at least two inches of substrate. The warm end is usually 75-80.

ottawaguy · 01-11-06, 12:25 PM

Well....there should be no problem with the heat...and the substrate shouldn't really be a factor. Your temp for the warm end seems adequate. I can offer no good reason why your corns like to stay on the cool side. Do they seem to digest the food alright..if so it is probably nothing to worry about at all. Perhaps someone else might have something to add
Dave

**Andy_G** · 01-11-06, 04:10 PM

When you say the warm end is 75-80, do you mean ambient(air) temperature or is that the temperature of the hot spot itself? That is a fine ambient temperature but your snakes should have a hot spot of 86-88 degrees. You are using a sub-tank heat pad for heating. Is it hooked up to a thermostat or rheostat to regulate it's temperature? If it isn't, I guarantee you that it is uncomfortably warm for your snakes, which is why they are spending their time at the cooler end. You should be measuring the temps of where the snake can get to, especially if the snakes can burrow, and corn snakes do in fact burrow, so you should be taking the temps of the hot spot with a temperature probe right on the bottom of the cage, not just at the top of the substrate.

gonesnakee · 01-11-06, 07:32 PM

Everyones always concerned about heat & temps which is obviously a possible factor & could be a problem, but no one has mentioned anything about hides. Irreguardless of temps the snake will not go for the heat even if it wants too if there is not an appropriate hide for it there. Hides are a very important factor. One must provide adequate hides not only on the hot side & cold side but in between as well. A snake will not stay where it does not feel safe even if it requires the heat & the same applies to being cool. Not having enough suitable hides affects the snakes thermoregulation process & can also affect feeding etc. Something that is often overlooked. Sure they can always just burrow, but as it has been pointed out it could be too warm to do that on the hot side. Cheers Mark
P.S. Second warm side is a little cool shot for 85 f hot & around 70-75 cold. You also say "my wild male" if it is wildcaught it is likely going to be more skittish than the others if thats the one you mean hides all the time.