thank you so much for the information. i have already sepperated them. i am in fact a veterinary technician but ive never worked with exotics. the fact that the head doctor at my practice is deathly afraid of snakes may have something to do with that. im actually trying to get part time work at an exotic practice to learn more about caring for them on a medical level. i do have a UTH as well as a heat lamp. ive heard several suggestion on what is the best temp for them. please tell me what is correct. also the research i have done is more along the lines of thier health care so any additional pointers would be greatly appreciated. thanks again both of you for your help.