Keeping snakes without a hotspot

[TRD]

Reptiles, or snakes in particular, also thermoregulate to control their digestion and conserve energy in the wild. I don't agree with the want/has to statement due to that, they 'choose to' is probably closer to reality.

It would be an interesting experiment to do, but you need a controlled environment and a medical study behind that so that long terms effects can be established. Going by anecdotal evidence because some people use this method, doesn't guarantee it is healthy for the animal. (most) Snakes can survive their entire live in sub optimal conditions, they are extremely hardy. Actually, most living organisms can.

I for one would rather go with scientific data on this subject before coming to any conclusion here. In the meantime I would continue to replicate their natural environment as close as possible.