Do they "need" a basking spot?

[ChristyR]

If I provide the correct surface temps, do bp's really 'need' a basking spot?

[Rapture]

The way I see it, providing a warm side of 92-94 degrees is providing them with their basking spot. You also don't want to let the cool side get under 80.

[ChristyR]

That's kind of what I was thinking.

Thanks for the fast reply!

[elevatethis]

There is a very interesting chapter in the barker's book "Pythons of the World: Volume 2 - Ball Pythons" where the Barker's describe their heating setup...

No gradient of any kind is mentioned and they say that they only give supplemental heat to breeding females.

This is contrary to everything I've learned about ball pythons up to this point.

Anyone else catch that chapter?

[ChristyR]

Wow, that is strange...I have never heard of such.

I will certainly be interested to see others replies...

[elevatethis]

If it helps any, the Barkers are in Texas.

If you aren't fortunate enought to live in a tropical-ish climate, you'd probably want to go ahead and hook them up with a basking spot.

I just picture mine laying on the heat tape after a meal, and thats about all the push I need to give them supplemental heat.

[Entropy]

Well the heat gradiant in itself is usually made with a basking spot. I guess I'm just not understanding how you could have the proper gradient with no basking spot...

[elevatethis]

I think the idea is that the barker's do not have a gradient, just a sufficient ambient temperature. I was to re-read the chapter before I say anything else though so we don't blur any key points they might have made.

And again, they live in a very warm climate. Its not like ball python burrows have a thermal gradient perfectly from 92-82. They are very versatile and there are many different ways to keep these animals successfully depending on your setup and local climate.

[elevatethis]

I think the idea is that the barker's do not have a gradient, just a sufficient ambient temperature. I was to re-read the chapter before I say anything else though so we don't blur any key points they might have made.

And again, they barkers' ranch is in a very warm climate.

Its not like ball python burrows have a thermal gradient perfectly from 92-82. They are very versatile and there are many different ways to keep these animals successfully depending on your setup and local climate.

[Entropy]

Sadly I'm not lucky enough to live in a warm climate *sigh*