Switching from heat tape to RHP

[Wanik4]

Hi all, my Ivory burm has been doing great in his bin, but I finally built him a nice 4x2 pvc enclosure as he has tamed down rather well, and was just outgrowing the bin. He had two pieces of corkbark he used as a sort of hide in the bin, making use of the heat tape underneath to get warm. For my other burm, he never had a hide and still really doesn't to this day.

Now after making the switch for the Ivory, I did give him a large half round cork ad a hide ro not shock him, but I'm a bit nervous about him since he's only ever known bins from the breeder and me, basically never having to utilize or understand heat from above. He was out last night exploring, but in the daytime he's usually under his hide, like he is now. Ambient temp in his enclosure is 80, one side has a basking stone under a DHP at about 88*, and it's 91* on the platform under the RHP.

Do you think he'll ever come out to get heat, or should I remove the hide? I'd hare to do that and I believe they'll go where they need to go, just thought I'd ask yalls opinion.
.thank you

[Homebody]

Now after making the switch for the Ivory...

How long has he been in the new enclosure?

[Wanik4]

How long has he been in the new enclosure?

Since yesterday. I just got him out for the first time today for socializing. Before I did that I put a fake plant on his big platform under RHP.. just may have worked since I put him back into the enclosure leading into the plant...

Anybody else make a switch like this? I see some people saying ypu can use heat tape on PVC, but I can't imagine heat tape being too effective through 1/2" PVC without it being blasted hot.

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[Wanik4]

He made his way on the right side of the platform in the gap. He knows its warm there, so we'll see. Instinct should lead him. He has also never had any lights on him, so I have the light as low as it'll dim.

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[Homebody]

Since yesterday. I just got him out for the first time today for socializing. Before I did that I put a fake plant on his big platform under RHP.. just may have worked since I put him back into the enclosure leading into the plant...

Anybody else make a switch like this? I see some people saying ypu can use heat tape on PVC, but I can't imagine heat tape being too effective through 1/2" PVC without it being blasted hot.

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I moved my ball python from a tub where he had a UTH to a vivarium where he had a RHP. It's been a while, but I don't recall him having any trouble making the switch. I moved him because he was rubbing in the tub and he stopped rubbing in the viv, so I think he approved.

As for you, I think it's too early to be concerned. You've given him access to the temps he needs. That he's prioritizing security over temps isn't surprising, since he's in an unfamiliar environment. Give him a week or so to settle in. I wouldn't handle him either.

As for using a UTH on a PVC, I've never tried it but it may just take a long while to warm up.

[Wanik4]

Thanks for the replies. I take this guy out every day unless it's day of or after feeding day. He's the first snake I've had so young and had to "tame down" for lack of a better term, and it's been working great. Luckily, I just saw him on the platform about 30 minutes ago, so hopefully this post helps somebody in the future worry less.

Chris

[Homebody]

I take this guy out every day unless it's day of or after feeding day. He's the first snake I've had so young and had to "tame down" for lack of a better term, and it's been working great.

I understand the importance of taming down a large snake, but I don't think it would do any harm to hit pause for a week or so and let your snake settle into his new enclosure.

[Wanik4]

I understand the importance of taming down a large snake, but I don't think it would do any harm to hit pause for a week or so and let your snake settle into his new enclosure.

I understand your viewpoint.

[Mistery510]

Any updates?

[Wanik4]

Any updates?

He's already an 8ft gentle giant.

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