Emergency Back Up Cage for Winter

Hello,

I live in Michigan and worry about a loss of power for a few days due to an ice storm or something to that nature during our winter months.

I did a quick google search and also on the forum but didn't really find what I was looking for. Here is what I have come up with so far.

I own an adult male Ball Python (about 1200 grams) and an adult Leopard Gecko.


For my Ball Python:
http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...ing-package-2/

I would also buy the heat packs in bulk (40 of them). I could place the heat pack on the top of the lid and also insulate the box with newspaper just like in the video below the page. I could then check on the heat of the box with my digital infrared thermometer (every 4 hours?) and replace or add the heat packs as needed.

For my Leopard Gecko:
http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...ing-package-1/

I'm not sure if I should place my Gecko in a bag (without shredded newspaper) or find a small plastic container to place him into the box.

I would them move both of them into the basement where the temps would most likely be warmer when I am at work or near to the fire (obviously not too close) when I am at home. I have even considered bringing them to work (if work has power/heat).

This is a 3 day plan, after that I worry about water for them. I understand these are not ideal conditions for the reptiles but I want them to be warm and not frozen.

This is so far the only idea I could come up with. It's also the cheapest and seems to be the most efficient. I'm looking for comments, suggestions and opinions.

Thanks!

-Nick

I would merely wrap the enclosures(if they are not large enclosures) with a couple blankets to insulate them, putting the heat packs on the outside or underneath.

Or if the enclosures are large, get smaller (just big enough for the snake and a water bowl)rubbermaid bins, wrap in blanket, put heat packs underneath the bin(with blanket underneath heatpack too). These would be probably double the size of a shoebox? perhaps larger? so that it's large enough for a little movement and for a water dish.

If the boxes are insulated, putting it near a fireplace won't help keep it warm much. I'd buy a lot of the 40hour heat packs to have on hand for the emergencies. You could store them in the rubermaid bins. LOL.

I live in northern NH where we also have frequent power outages due to storms. My solution which has been tested and works very well is a small styrofoam cooler or bait bucket. I have a stock of the larger "body size" 18 hour "hot hands". You can buy these in the sporting goods section at walmart. I activate one and place it at the bottom of the bucket/cooler. It will get pretty warm so youll want to fold over a couple layers of paper towels or wrap it in a tshirt. I then put my snake in a pillow case and tie it off. Place the snake in the cooler/bucket and put the lid on. The heat packs will stay warm 12+hours. I like to check on the snakes every hour or so just to ensure that they are not too hot/cold. I have actually only ever had trouble with making sure they dont get too hot. Obviously this is not a good long term solution, but if you are looking at no more than 24 hours or so it would work. For longer term possibly you could use a styrofoam cooler with the heatpacks, but also place a water dish in and do not place the snake in a bag. please ensure that the lid is secured though because they will easily push the tops off.

I just recently had to deal with a power outage due to a transformer fire in my small town. The power was only out for about 24 hours and we made due with a kerosene heater. The following day I ordered one of these (much cheaper than msrp) http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/p...elname=EU3000i Handi&modelid=EU3000iHAN.
I will not be dealing with that issue again.