Newby here on what appears to be the best forum out there. Just got Lucy (after Lucille BALL) who is 4 years old, 4 ft long, and allegedly a female. I doubt that Lucy has ever been warm in her life and seriously want to change that. Her house is wooden, 5' long, 20" high and 20" wide. Plexiglass front hinged at the bottom with a 12" decorative screen. Previous owner had a mini-heating pad in there that was barely warm. There is an 8" hole cut in the top with a reflector lamp and an older style curly cue (sp?) LED bulb that can be touched bare handed. Heat in previous owner's apartment was at 73 or so; mine is less as I heat with firewood. I have an electric heater in front of the cage in desperation, but we know this is not optimal and temporary. I did add a 20"x20" heating pad with a thermostat which she loves.

So, Lucy and I both need help to give her a much better life. Should I leave the solid roof as is or go with glass or screen? Or half and half? Screen will cause humidity and heat loss, but will tolerate reflector-type heating lamps. I guess glass will be heat resistant enough, but the reflectors will slide all over. Note that she has probably never been in the dark as the LED light has always been on 24/7. I have a daylight bulb for a healthy spectrum, but it produces little heat. I have a Zacro infra red heat lamp for night time use that produces heat but no light. I'm thinking to use the Zacro lamp 24/7 for heat day and night and a second lamp for both heat and illumination on a timer.

Any input will be greatly appreciated. I am a very responsible pet owner and want the best for my kids.