Keeping snakes without a hotspot

[pet_snake_78]

My snake room is only around 78-80F and most of the snakes only use the hotspot infrequently (save a few species that just really like being warm). My thought is that 80F is warm enough for most species to digest food properly but not so hot that it harms them, but since many do still use the hot spot, I like providing it. tend to put the eggs in the highest locatoin furthest away from AC which is around 82ish which works well for me for many species. O.p.coxi I put in the lowest and coolest part of the room, at 75-79F Ive never given them any additional heat and multiple clutches every year without issue.

[Doug 351]

Originally Posted by pet_snake_78

My snake room is only around 78-80F and most of the snakes only use the hotspot infrequently (save a few species that just really like being warm). My thought is that 80F is warm enough for most species to digest food properly but not so hot that it harms them, but since many do still use the hot spot, I like providing it. tend to put the eggs in the highest locatoin furthest away from AC which is around 82ish which works well for me for many species. O.p.coxi I put in the lowest and coolest part of the room, at 75-79F Ive never given them any additional heat and multiple clutches every year without issue.

I have to agree^. I believe the ONLY reason snakes need to thermoregulate is to digest food, and as long as they appear to be able to do so effectively, they don't need a heat source.

They may be snakes, but trust me, most species are perfectly happy sharing the same wonderful climate control we enjoy!

[Aaron_S]

Originally Posted by dave himself

Also you'd have take into consideration if you have a variety of different reptiles in our collection, all needing different temperatures. Another thing is if you have a heat failure on your system, every animal could be cooked or frozen depending on what goes wrong

The idea behind this 1 temp practice is to use it with the same species or a few species that all have relatively the same temperature requirements. For example, you'd have a room for North American colubrids as most would be able to handle the same temperatures.

I would believe if you go this route you'd have a generator hooked up to the room to stabilize should something happen to the power supply, much like we do with thermostats.

Originally Posted by Doug 351

I have to agree^. I believe the ONLY reason snakes need to thermoregulate is to digest food, and as long as they appear to be able to do so effectively, they don't need a heat source.

They may be snakes, but trust me, most species are perfectly happy sharing the same wonderful climate control we enjoy!

I would disagree with you. Snakes use heat as a way to combat illness as well. Ever keep a snake too cool? What do you think happens to them? RI usually pops up pretty quick.



All in all this isn't a new idea. It was pretty big about 5 - 10 years ago when people were housing large collections. It seems people have less and less animals these days and it's unlikely to occur in all but the larger breeders. It works for some.

I personally believe in heating the racks individually and hooking them up to thermostats. It's probably easier to replace/repair a single thermostat and or rack instead of an entire rooms HVAC system.

[Doug 351]

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

The idea behind this 1 temp practice is to use it with the same species or a few species that all have relatively the same temperature requirements. For example, you'd have a room for North American colubrids as most would be able to handle the same temperatures.

I would believe if you go this route you'd have a generator hooked up to the room to stabilize should something happen to the power supply, much like we do with thermostats.



I would disagree with you. Snakes use heat as a way to combat illness as well. Ever keep a snake too cool? What do you think happens to them? RI usually pops up pretty quick.



All in all this isn't a new idea. It was pretty big about 5 - 10 years ago when people were housing large collections. It seems people have less and less animals these days and it's unlikely to occur in all but the larger breeders. It works for some.

I personally believe in heating the racks individually and hooking them up to thermostats. It's probably easier to replace/repair a single thermostat and or rack instead of an entire rooms HVAC system.

OK....Sooooo....when EXACTLY did you have an HVAC system failure, and how old was it at the time???. Now...you can lie all you want, but everybody here has had one for 15-20 years no problem.

So ...outside of a back-up generator, a viv is gonna get colder than a room a lot faster. I don't know about snakes getting sick from lack of a heat source.

Not saying it's a bad idea to provide a heat source, just that with the right circumstances, and the right species, it's very doable.

My 15 year old Texas ratsnake has spent about 20 minutes of her life on a heat rock....otherwise, she's been perfectly happy.

And I've had quite a few other snakes as well...but I don't do exotics that are maybe used to tropical temps.

[Aaron_S]

Originally Posted by Doug 351

OK....Sooooo....when EXACTLY did you have an HVAC system failure, and how old was it at the time???. Now...you can lie all you want, but everybody here has had one for 15-20 years no problem.

So ...outside of a back-up generator, a viv is gonna get colder than a room a lot faster. I don't know about snakes getting sick from lack of a heat source.

Not saying it's a bad idea to provide a heat source, just that with the right circumstances, and the right species, it's very doable.

My 15 year old Texas ratsnake has spent about 20 minutes of her life on a heat rock....otherwise, she's been perfectly happy.

And I've had quite a few other snakes as well...but I don't do exotics that are maybe used to tropical temps.

I'll go point by point.

1. I haven't had any issues. What I'm saying is if there IS an issue with it it'll cost more than a single thermostat or a new probe.

2. In general, rooms aren't insulated like an enclosure to keep in the level of humidity and heat that is required to keep these animals. Most people don't check into that sort of stuff and end up with mold or mildew in their walls because they didn't seal/check for proper insulation. We are talking exotic snakes, not a local Texas one.

3. Snakes get sick from a lack of proper heat. Again we aren't talking about catching a snake in our backyard. Common sense would dictate that for the most part (aside from when air conditioning is on) that a local snake species can be fine in local temperatures/humidity. But we're on a forum that has people from around the globe who keep snakes from around the globe so we have to discuss big picture here.

4. Yup. You spend 15 years, every minute and hour watching your snake and know it's never spent more than 20 minutes on a "heat rock" (God awful product that is).

5. Again, this is about all species. I accept your premise on your local snakes but that's where the discussion ends for you. When you have more experience in what we're talking about (considering the OP mentioned specifically boas and pythons) you can come to the adult discussion again.

If you'd like to refute my points again and try to point out where/how I'm wrong feel free. I don't think you'll get far.

[RAD House]

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

I'll go point by point.

1. I haven't had any issues. What I'm saying is if there IS an issue with it it'll cost more than a single thermostat or a new probe.

2. In general, rooms aren't insulated like an enclosure to keep in the level of humidity and heat that is required to keep these animals. Most people don't check into that sort of stuff and end up with mold or mildew in their walls because they didn't seal/check for proper insulation. We are talking exotic snakes, not a local Texas one.

3. Snakes get sick from a lack of proper heat. Again we aren't talking about catching a snake in our backyard. Common sense would dictate that for the most part (aside from when air conditioning is on) that a local snake species can be fine in local temperatures/humidity. But we're on a forum that has people from around the globe who keep snakes from around the globe so we have to discuss big picture here.

4. Yup. You spend 15 years, every minute and hour watching your snake and know it's never spent more than 20 minutes on a "heat rock" (God awful product that is).

5. Again, this is about all species. I accept your premise on your local snakes but that's where the discussion ends for you. When you have more experience in what we're talking about (considering the OP mentioned specifically boas and pythons) you can come to the adult discussion again.

If you'd like to refute my points again and try to point out where/how I'm wrong feel free. I don't think you'll get far.

Oh snap. This could be interesting.

[Andy_G]

Originally Posted by Doug 351

I have to agree^. I believe the ONLY reason snakes need to thermoregulate is to digest food, and as long as they appear to be able to do so effectively, they don't need a heat source.

No offence intended, but I disagree strongly with the statement bolded above, as heat is also used by these animals to aid in their immune responses in regards to both resistance to pathogens as well as battling ailments.

Good discussion.