Heating not required in hot countries

Anum · 01-16-18, 09:37 AM

I decided to get my very 1st snake. I've done a lot of research online and every website said a heat source is needed for snakes and other reptiles. But when I went to every pet store, they said a heat source was unnecessary cuz I live in a hot tropical country where room temperature is around 28C-32C (82F-90F) all year long. I've also talked to the breeders and they said the same thing. So is this true?

StevenL · 01-16-18, 11:45 AM

Living in Malaysia does have it's advantages. I do not disagree with what you have been told as far as an outside heat source is concerned (not needing one). With that being said though I have never lived in the tropics and if I did I would have an external heat source just in case. During your monsoon season does it get a bit colder due to the rain? I have found limiting a snakes exposure to any chill greatly reduces chances of illness down the road. Great question?

DJC Reptiles · 01-16-18, 11:46 AM

Well it depends on the snake, most snakes require a hotspot, but if it is reaching temps that high, then adding a hot spot will be pointless. I recommend keeping the reptile room a little cooler than that, and then adding a hotspot. This is necessary in order for the snake to thermoregulate properly. Of course, it depends on the snake though.

Anum · 01-17-18, 07:27 AM

The coldest it will ever get would be 25C (77F) during monsoon. I'm thinking of getting a western hognose or ball python

bigsnakegirl785 · 01-17-18, 07:36 AM

I agree, you'll want to lower the room temp to 80-85F (or lower if you get a hoggie), and then offer a hot spot. Many snakes will become agitated at a constant 85F+ ambient, I know mine do.

jjhill001 · 01-17-18, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anum

I decided to get my very 1st snake. I've done a lot of research online and every website said a heat source is needed for snakes and other reptiles. But when I went to every pet store, they said a heat source was unnecessary cuz I live in a hot tropical country where room temperature is around 28C-32C (82F-90F) all year long. I've also talked to the breeders and they said the same thing. So is this true?

I don't have heat sources on in the summer time for the most part and that's here in Ohio. It averages 79-90 or so depending on the time of day/time of the year. I don't see anything wrong with it. Just got to watch the weather.

Cheynei90 · 02-26-18, 09:35 PM

You need to be careful with this. If you are keeping colubrids it is okay not to use a extra heat source besides a very warm room that cools down at night.

If you keep boids you don’t want the ambient temps to be too high. 80-84 is where mine stay at and they have a extra heat source such as heat tape set to 90-94 depending on the species.