hot rock+ reptibark

Would maybe a spotlamp thing work better than a hot-rock? Or would it cause problems with light, because then the BP wouldn't feel secure because it's too bright.

i use blacklights for my snakes. just dont use a regular incandescent light for it. it does cut down on the humidity though, i find myself misting my snakes cages about 1-2 times a day to keep humidity around 55%

Stephen L. Barten, DVM
From his Burns chapter, in Reptile Medicine and Surgery (Douglas Mader, DVM, ed. W.B. Saunders. 1996. pp. 9-19).

"Thermal burns may result from any source of heat. Heat sources that allow direct contact between the captive reptile and the source, such as hot rocks, heating pads, or spotlights within the cage, are most often implicated in burn cases. Burns may be prevented by keeping heat sources outside of the cage or shielding them to prevent contact with the captive reptile. Backup thermostats should be wired into the system in case the primary thermostat malfunctions."

Hey, Dr Barten is my herp vet! Very cool guy.

I wouldn't use a light because it does suck all the humidity out of the air. If you really want to use one, use a red or black light, as a white light will definitely stress a nocturnal snake such as a BP.

Notice the cage I built around my lamp to keep the snake off. The box has changed drastically since this pic was taken. I am currently researching, and upgrading her cage to make it better for her, this weekend I am cutting two holes in the top and adding a white light and a dark light. I am going to run the wire mesh across the ceiling to keep her even safer from the light. I want to order some "Flexwatt" soon, I just need to find a way to apply it because of the thickness of the wood. I did discover I have about 1/8" paper board/cardboard across the back, so maybe I will place some there. The thing to do Olaf is be willing to learn and accept criticism. Most people here only want to teach you how to do it better. There is a lot of sound knowledge here in these forums.
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../1/0/bp002.JPG

ANY heat producing product for a reptile cage has to have some type of control device on it.. No matter if it is a bulb, mat or coal stove:)

Pet stores continue to sell hot rocks because #1 they "look pretty" #2 people buy them not knowing the risks to their snakes and most pet stores promote them!

So they look pretty. The rescue BCI we have came in with a pretty well started thermal belly burn....direct cause....a heat rock...not very pretty...not very nice for the snake! Would you enjoy a 3 foot sunburn type thing on your tender belly (and mind his was just starting....had he stayed on that rock...it would have been MUCH more serious).

Please don't use heat rocks. Perhaps at one time in the reptile market there wasn't much else to offer but with so many other heating options available at reasonable prices, there's just no logical reason to use these. If people stopped using them, these stupid items would stop being produced.

The best way to use a heat rock is to cut the cord off it....makes a lovely albeit expensive cage decoration!


~~Jo~~

lars5277- you can use flexwatt inside the cage as long as you put a thin sheet of plexiglass over it and then silicone it so no water can get in there wat so ever.

I have pretty much ruled out the hotrock idea;) . But I still have 2 quick questions.
1. What should you use to make a basking spot, if any? (I should have asked that right away, but I though of it last night)
2. What is the best way to heat the air temp?

flexwatt or other UTH will do what you need when controlled properly. It will increase the inside air space not just the floor area. You can easily creat a hot and cool side as for basking...I don't have a basking area per say in my tubs the hot and cool side alow the snake a choice. It isn't written in stone that you need to have a hot spot basking area heated with a lamp. I don't like lamps as everyone has said it will suck the moisture out and these guys are nocturnal so they will be hiding while the lamp was on all day anyway unless your using something like above that does not give off "light".