Cool side vs digesting

[breadpython14]

Do any of those sources reference natural history and behavior?

Or are they just someone's opinion?

Honestly it's been quality sites that I've seen it on

[Pyrate81]

Long as the cool side is around 80, you should be fine. It may take a little longer to digest but he should pass it. If it was a bigger meal than normal then that could also be a factor to cause slow digestion.

They don't utilize underbody heat to digest. They are nocturnal animals that utilize warm dens....not necessarily hot spots.

Adding to this point:

My BPs for long while didn't have any underbelly heat, they had some type of heat lamp. Some snakes can be kept at room temperature without heat and they will digest/live just fine. Each species requires different requirements. Nothing is set in stone saying belly heat is the end all/be all for heating every snake in captivity. Some snakes live most of their lives in water, do they receive belly heat from the bottom of a pool or lake? The main point is if there is air or a surface around them which allows thermo-regulation, they should be happy little buggers.

Humans with thyroid issues are sensitive to cold weather. In a sense they are ectothermic. Long as they are receiving some type of elevated heat levels, it doesn't matter where the heat comes from.

[Skiploder]

Honestly it's been quality sites that I've seen it on

Ah.

Well, then it must be true.

[breadpython14]

Long as the cool side is around 80, you should be fine. It may take a little longer to digest but he should pass it. If it was a bigger meal than normal then that could also be a factor to cause slow digestion.







Adding to this point:

My BPs for long while didn't have any underbelly heat, they had some type of heat lamp. Some snakes can be kept at room temperature without heat and they will digest/live just fine. Each species requires different requirements. Nothing is set in stone saying belly heat is the end all/be all for heating every snake in captivity. Some snakes live most of their lives in water, do they receive belly heat from the bottom of a pool or lake? The main point is if there is air or a surface around them which allows thermo-regulation, they should be happy little buggers.

Humans with thyroid issues are sensitive to cold weather. In a sense they are ectothermic. Long as they are receiving some type of elevated heat levels, it doesn't matter where the heat comes from.

O ok, that's what I was concerned about. Most sites say they need that underbody heat. As long as he can digest it period then I'm good. So I guess instead of 2 to 3 days, it's probably 3 to 4 days to digest then without a uth.

[MontyAndMelissa]

Honestly I haven't taken those lately. I definitely will once I get home. Does that play a part in it????

All of your temperatures should be monitored. I check my ambient every time I'm in the room and my surface temps twice a day. I may be a little overly protective, but that way I can make sure I have my temps under control.

[MontyAndMelissa]

Ok so I've done had my bp for over 2 weeks now and he always stay in the cool side hide. I fed him on Saturday and it looks like he still has a slight lump in his stomach. I guess my question is, if they don't get the underbody heat does digestion take longer and is that good or bad thing. I do have identical hides and uth on the hot side which he's never been in.

Also, take a surface temp of the uth, ball pythons can't sense heat from their stomach, so they are more prone to burns. Make sure that the surface of the uth is in the lower 90s. Temperatures play a part in digestion. But the fact that he is eating, means he is happy. If the ambient is high, it may be why he is on the cool side of the tank. Keep a close eye on temps especially for the first few months.