No heat source?

[krn1010]

I have been just wondering why western hognose need a heat source at all. For example, western hognose is found in Alberta, which is pretty damn cold as well. Isn't it much like a gartersnake in care? not requiring any heat source but an ambient room temp of approximately 78 degrees celcius?

[CrotalusR#1]

Originally Posted by krn1010

I have been just wondering why western hognose need a heat source at all. For example, western hognose is found in Alberta, which is pretty damn cold as well. Isn't it much like a gartersnake in care? not requiring any heat source but an ambient room temp of approximately 78 degrees celcius?

They also are native to Arizona, which gets 116F all threw out the summer.
It's always a good idea to give any species a warm side or a hot spot for proper thermoregulation. Having a hot spot won't hurt at all but not having a hot spot can be potentially detrimental so why go with the option that can be dangerous?? Use a have a hot spot or heat lamp.

[sharthun]

Originally Posted by krn1010

I have been just wondering why western hognose need a heat source at all. For example, western hognose is found in Alberta, which is pretty damn cold as well. Isn't it much like a gartersnake in care? not requiring any heat source but an ambient room temp of approximately 78 degrees celcius?

Wow your room temps are quite warm! 78c = 172.4 degrees F!

[krn1010]

Originally Posted by sharthun

Wow your room temps are quite warm! 78c = 172.4 degrees F!

LOL My mistake! haha

[SSSSnakes]

If you are providing no heat and the snake is eating and digesting for you with no issues, then don't worry about it.

[sharthun]

Originally Posted by krn1010

LOL My mistake! haha

LOL, I thought it got colder up north anyway.

[pdomensis]

Here's the problem I see. In the wild the snake can still bask on a rock or hide under it depending on what he needs. In your house it's going to be the same temp everywhere in the cage possibly even day and night. you need a heat source to make the temp gradient to provide at least some options.

[natsirtremraf]

Originally Posted by pdomensis

Here's the problem I see. In the wild the snake can still bask on a rock or hide under it depending on what he needs. In your house it's going to be the same temp everywhere in the cage possibly even day and night. you need a heat source to make the temp gradient to provide at least some options.

I agree, I wouldn't go with no heat at all. Although, I have heard of someone who just keeps their snake room at 80-something degress (F) and his snakes appear to do just fine.