New bull snake temp question

Knucklesam · 10-14-13, 09:10 PM

So let me start off by saying this is my first snake. I do have experience with feeding and handling them, however. I also have several other reptile and amphibians. I just got a white sided bull snake at Repticon on Saturday and I love her. I'm a little unsure as to whether I need a heat source or not. I keep all my reptiles in the same room and the temperature during the day ranges from 82-85. The temperature in the tank has been around the same, sitting around 85 most of the day. I'm just curious if it matters that there isn't a thermal gradient. I'm just worried if I add heat then it'll be too hot for her.

leper65 · 10-15-13, 06:51 PM

All the caresheets I see show 85 as a high so you're good there. Don't add heat. I myself would prefer to offer a cool end if at all possible. I keep my Pinesnakes at 85 on the high, 75 on the cool end.

Is it possible to keep your bullsnake closer to the floor where it is, I assume, a bit cooler and then add a heat mat to warm one side to 85? Nice looking snake BTW!

Knucklesam · 10-15-13, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leper65

All the caresheets I see show 85 as a high so you're good there. Don't add heat. I myself would prefer to offer a cool end if at all possible. I keep my Pinesnakes at 85 on the high, 75 on the cool end.

Is it possible to keep your bullsnake closer to the floor where it is, I assume, a bit cooler and then add a heat mat to warm one side to 85? Nice looking snake BTW!

I wouldn't necessarily mind putting her lower except the shelf she is on is literally the last place in that room she could go. I think she'll be just fine, but I just wanted to get some feedback from some more experienced keepers. And thanks, I think she's gorgeous and she has a great attitude. I'm looking forward to watching her grow.

Terranaut · 10-16-13, 04:32 AM

Most people have the other issue and hot isn't hot enough. I also agree a heat varient would be best. I doubt it will die or abything with a constant 85 but I would consider a fan or somethng to even just drop the cool side a few degrees. My gopher is only heated by the rhp in the viv below. Her temps are 75ish on the cool and 87ish on the warm.
Enjoy your bull. Pits are fantastic.

**lady_bug87** · 10-16-13, 06:43 AM

Honestly? It'll be fine.
My white sided lives in my 80ish degree snake room. I've had no problems. She has a biggish bowl on the rare times she's hot she has a dip.

Her and I have a love/hate relationship.

Knucklesam · 10-16-13, 09:10 AM

Thanks for all the feedback everyone, I really appreciate it. I guess I won't really worry about it too much for now. It's getting ready to start cooling off here so she will have a thermal gradient for the rest of fall and winter time. Now I just have to think up a name for her.

Terranaut · 10-16-13, 09:21 AM

Whitewall? Ferdinanda? Would be easier if she was a he.
Kinda tough to relate bull and stay female.

**lady_bug87** · 10-16-13, 09:36 AM

I call mine demon spawn

sharthun · 10-16-13, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lady_bug87

I call mine demon spawn

LOL! has to be a story there!

Knucklesam · 10-16-13, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terranaut

Whitewall? Ferdinanda? Would be easier if she was a he.
Kinda tough to relate bull stay female.

Lol, yeah I have a tough time naming females. It's just my like that I always seem to end up with females. That's why about 6 of my 9 herps remain unnamed.

**lady_bug87** · 10-17-13, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharthun

LOL! has to be a story there!

There is. She's a psycho.