Temps inside hide.

Ok well my cage is a plywood cage that with a ton of help from members on here has been successfully converted to a BP Cage. It's dimensions are 4' x 2' x 2'. Humidity is 50-60% at all times. Hot side is 92 and cool is 78-82 (in the coolest corner). Mid cage is 82-85.

Here is a pic

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/6...62a45d4a2f.jpg
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/52722463@N04/6983492233/]

The hide is a half log on the hot side is only 82 degrees. This seems a little cool. The floor beside the hide is 88-90 and on top of the hide is 92-94 (94 is in a tiny little 3 inch spot). Should I be concerned with the temp inside the hide?

Hope is didn't provide overkill on setup info.

Personally I would use a different hide (something that is thinner) but you should be ok. Your BP can access the correct temperature if needed.

Wow, I am LOVING your cage setup!

It's a tough call, but I'd say you're fine. 82 is unlikely to hinder digestion, and though it is not ideal, I agree that so long as warmer temps are accessible you shouldn't have any issues.

Yes I'd say 82 for a hot spot is too cool. Small royals I try for 88 and adults 90. altering the hide might work or adding a bunch of substrate under the current hide to life it a bit also might work. Different material (ceramic) may also work.

Ceramic caves may be a better choice. I think the 3/4" wood insulates against the heat. I just don't want to change too much too soon. She has only been with us for 2.5 weeks. She just had her first meal last night.

Changing the hide should be ok at this point. Especially if the hide is a more secure one with only 1 entrance and slightly higher temps.

Temps inside with the temp gun are 84-85 right now but I think I would be happier if she had the option to stay hidden with a higher temp.

The half logs are against the wall so there is only one entrance but I think that the entrance is a little too large. I will find new hides this week and hopefully she likes em.

You might also consider adding a himidity box.

Humidity has not been an issue at all. I had a consistent 70-75% during her shed and 50-60% is easily maintained right now. I am only worried that the temp in her warm hide is not high enough. It seems 82-85 is where it stays. I am thinking a few degrees higher would be healthier for her. Maybe a rock-like cave will transfer the heat better than the thick wood?

should. Commercial plastic ones will as well.

Check out the black plastic hides from reptile basics. They are awesome. Also thinner, so should be warmer than the log.

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

should. Commercial plastic ones will as well.

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yeah also I piled up the substrate inside to make it smaller but she has found a spot under that big log/branch that is standing up and keeps snuggling in there. I think she likes the added security. I couldn't believe there was enough room under there. Since she has found that little spot she doesn't use the other two hides too often. I don't want to remove it because she likes it. It is stable but I will be more comfortable if she is using "proper" hides.

Commercial ones? Are those the black boxes? I haven't seen any but I will check the new reptile shop that just opened. They have a ton the other shops don't carry.

Thanks Dr. Doolittle. I didn't see your post because I was answering the one before you and getting ready as well so by the time I actually hit the submit button your post was there. I will check them out and see how much they charge for shipping up here.