Highest temp a ball python can handle before it is burned?

[kitedemon]

Yes, 'Ball Pythons' Barker and Barker 2006 vpi library pp 171

"Ball pythons that do not have food in their guts usually can tolerate low temperatures to 55ºF and highs to 100ºF for periods of several days."

They also comment that they would NEVER on purpose subject them (balls) to temps below 75 and above 90.

There is a reference about digestion and high low temps on page 172 they continue to speak about ambient air temps and ventilation as well as heat generated from digestion (I have noticed this as well) in smaller snakes.

There is also notes in "Clinical Anatomy and Physiology of Exotic Species" by O'Malay (or something ??) which I don't have in front of me, (library book)

I read an article by Klingenburg on digestion and temps of snake in general but I can't remember where that was exactly where that was a journal I think. I am 70% certain it was Klingenburg but I could be mistaken on that it was a while ago.

I would never suggest that a royal should ever be at 100º but short contact is not going to cause burns. It does have other health impacts that are also very critical. I don't know at what temperature burns will occur or what exact conditions need to be in place for a snake to burn its self, and I do know they happen with depressingly regularity. I do also believe that 100 for an hour or so is unlikely to do lasting damage.

(I have a pet theory on why, too low ambient temps, temperature sensing of snakes in general is crude more an average temp not exact temps, too low ambient temps and too high surface allows the snake to sit and burn. My idea, no reference just a unproven notion on my part)

[jdouglas]

This is awesome information thanks everyone on your input!

[jdouglas]

Ok now I have only one issue all of my temps are perfect, however my warm hide is below my Che and the top is reaching 96 degrees.

The substrate below the hide is 92 and around is 92. I have moved some plastic leaves over the hide but I'm afraid that the snake will move them.


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[Skittles1101]

Plug in lamp dimmer for the CHE?

[jdouglas]

It is on a dimmer but reducing power the temps fall on both the warm and cool sides.


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[kitedemon]

you might try angling it from the side a bit that might help regulating...

[WingedWolfPsion]

Their flesh isn't significantly different from ours--if it would burn you, if you sat on it for 3 hours, then it will burn them.
But burns aren't the only issue--internal temperatures are as well. A ball python cannot handle having an internal body temperature much higher than 95F for any significant period of time--their health will suffer, even if they aren't burned.

Having a 95F hot side temperature, with a normal 80F cool side, however, is not an issue. The snake can move to the cooler area when its body temperature gets too high.

[jdouglas]

Thanks Kite demon I believe your idea worked my putting the light at an angle it appears to be putting out a more even spread of heat.
Instead of super heating the area below it. It seems to have reduced the warm side slightly and increased the cool side temps!

[Mike Schultz]

Short term temp fluctuations aren't bad... You gotta think, does the temperature in Ghana stick at exactly 92 degrees in the sun and 78 in the shade?

I wouldn't purposely go over 92 honestly... I keep them with an 88-89 hot side and a 78-80 cool side. If a snake shows any mild respiratory issues I bump it up to 92 until they go away.

I've had a thermostat fail and (luckily) noticed in time to save the snakes before they got cooked... The temps went over 100 for probably a few hours but once I fixed the problem they all turned out OK. If you are walking through your snake room and notice that in one of your racks, every single snake is pressed up against the front of the tub, you might want to check on the temperatures!

[Vypyrz]

...But burns aren't the only issue--internal temperatures are as well. A ball python cannot handle having an internal body temperature much higher than 95F for any significant period of time--their health will suffer, even if they aren't burned.

I was going to say the same thing. People will see their snake corkscrewing, wobbling, possibly regurgitating, and a general loss of control/coordination, and they automatically think IBD, when they should probably be thinking more along the lines of heat stroke.