Do they "need" a basking spot?

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

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.

That's kind of what I was thinking.

Thanks for the fast reply! :)

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?

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

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

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.

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...:confuse:

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.

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.

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

I know a breeder that doesn't provide a hot spot any more just warm ambient temps and winter drop. He made some beautiful blonde pastels last year (I bought one). Sound similar to Barkers theory. I personally stick to the conventional basking area. I've heard some people don't provide a hot spot during breeding season! I have dealt with RI's and would never go that route. My friends theory is in the wild it's all about ambient temps. I have Dr. Seward's DVD with Dan and Collette Sutherland and their breeding routine. It always provides hot spots with night drops of basking and ambient temps. They only change ambient temps during breeding season but never change basking temps(only5 degree night drop), thats the system I use. It's a great DVD, a must have for BP breeders and enthusiasts!

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Originally Posted by 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...:confuse:

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Well, I have a 20g long and I have 2 heat mats on the warm side of the tank, hooked up to a thermostat and have the temps set at ~90-92. The cool side of the tank is around 81, and I am achieving that with an infrared lamp. I was worried that if I put a lamp on the warm side as well, it would get too hot on that side. Is this not the case?

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Originally Posted by ChristyR

Well, I have a 20g long and I have 2 heat mats on the warm side of the tank, hooked up to a thermostat and have the temps set at ~90-92. The cool side of the tank is around 81, and I am achieving that with an infrared lamp. I was worried that if I put a lamp on the warm side as well, it would get too hot on that side. Is this not the case?

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Yeah 90-92 is fine you don't need higher than that. Lots of people use tubs(with holes and lid of course) instead of glass tanks to better control temps and humidity. They are shorter and easier to clean and maintain. Lamps can dry the air alot!

Okay, so if I wanted to supply a basking spot, do I need to lower the surface temps?

Well 'technically' BPs don't really bask so if you're providing sufficient belly heat at the hot end then they should be peachy.

just having the temp gradient is fine...