GTP ThermoRegulating question.

presspirate · 07-27-10, 12:44 PM

I've been hunting all over the web for an answer to this one. I've been considering getting a GTP down the road. I've read all the housing requirements. My question is this.If you had an adult GTP in a cage whose dimensions were say 4'x2' and about 6' tall, with foliage and climbing branches. If you were to heat the top of the cage via ceramic heat emitters or heat lamps to 85-88 degrees f. and the bottom of the cage was heated to around 75-78 degrees with either heat tape, or a uth. Would they thermo regulate by climbing up or down? Or would one side need to be warmer and the other side cooler? Also, what would a good night time temperature drop be? And would that need to be the whole enclosure? Or is the lower temperature good enough. Thanks in advance!

Nafun · 07-27-10, 01:14 PM

I have to imagine they would. That's how my jcp's enclosure is set up. She climbs up to warm up, and down to cool down.

presspirate · 07-27-10, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nafun

I have to imagine they would. That's how my jcp's enclosure is set up. She climbs up to warm up, and down to cool down.

I was wondering, because being arboreal they would probably tend to avoid the ground as much as possible. perhaps having "perches" every foot or so. would be ideal

Lankyrob · 07-27-10, 03:46 PM

Haven't got my GTP as yet but from reading around they use the floor as well - it is a myth that they are permanently on perches.

Jenn_06 · 07-27-10, 04:11 PM

GTP will sometimes go on the ground, mines will use the whole cage, you need a warm side and cold side i have 4 perches in my cage at different levels.

percey39 · 07-27-10, 04:52 PM

Id personally work on a hot side and a cool side still. Most do not go to ground and will stay on a perch, so do as jenn has done and give them a variety of perches at different hights.

presspirate · 07-27-10, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jenn_06

GTP will sometimes go on the ground, mines will use the whole cage, you need a warm side and cold side i have 4 perches in my cage at different levels.

Very nice looking viv! Great reference. What types of heating do you use? Is that eco earth on the ground? I have also read in a few different places that GTP's may benefit from 10-12 hours of uv lighting per day. Some say diffused, some don't mention. have you found this to be the case? Thank you, sorry for the ?'s

Jenn_06 · 07-27-10, 05:35 PM

i use a Radiant Heat Panel, thats top soil on ground and i just use natural light, they dont need UV they get all there nutritions from the prey they eat.

shaunyboy · 07-28-10, 10:25 AM

its only carpets i work with and they're semi arboreal.i always have a hot and cold side.for me all the right side of my tanks are the hot and the left the cool side.this is because i stack my tanks so all the heat has to be on the same side so it does not interfere with the cold sides of the other tanks.i use non light emmiting ceramic set ups,positioned far right side of tank in the centre of the top.

presspirate,thats a very nice set up you have there

cheers shaun

Will0W783 · 07-28-10, 11:13 AM

I have 2 GTPs and 3 ETBs and they live in a divided cage. The cage is a total of 6.5' tall, 6' wide and 3' deep. I have a plexi divider that separates it into two halves of 6.5' tall x 3' wide by 3' deep. I heat using ceramic heat emitters on a thermostat and timer at the top. I have vines and plastic plants stuck to the sides and 5 perches staggered on each side at various heights. I notice my snakes move up and down regularly throughout the day/night cycle. The top portion of the cage gets to 90F while the bottom stays 75-80 daytime. The top portion never drops below 80F at night. I usually find them at the top in the morning and scattered around during the day.

A large cage with various heights and widths of perches gives them ample space to thermoregulate- they will do it if you allow them to.