BP only on the cool side

[Afei]

So my friend recently got a hatchling from my clutch and it lets itself get cold, it won't go on its heating pad at all. The temps are all normal and the snake is eating every week. My friend is really concerned and I don't really know what to tell him. Any advice?

[Luciferskeeper]

You should double check your temps especially your hot side temps. Its possible that the hot spot is too hot.but if hes eating well I wouldn't worry much they know to thermoregulate their temps. Just be sure to provide identical hide boxes on each side.

[nachash]

Very true!

Hatchlings are so small compared to adults. The mass to surface area ratio of a newborn vs a breeding adult is probably a staggering difference. My point is a small snake can heat up quicker and loose that heat quicker than a larger snake. A hatchling wouldn't require the same metabolic heat boost that an adult would simply because the snake is also eating smaller animals with a smaller mass to surface area ratio than the adult eating rats. Therefore breaking down the meals aren't as time consuming. I have an adult that will be in the warm end for 2-3 days after a meal, and my small ball and corn snakes are out and about a day later.

You said the snake is still eating and is always on the cold side. Tell us something about how it poops. Eating is only one end of the digestion process and the end result is just as critical to ensure good health as the beginning appetite.

[Afei]

Thanks I will let him know!

[kitedemon]

Small snakes generate heat while digesting this is enough to raise ambients a few degrees in a hot hide. Often it is suggested that the hot side be dropped for sub adults to 88ºF.

The fact the snake is eating indicates the temps are basically correct. It could just be the animal is likes the cool side.

What exactly are the temps (under hot hide, under cool hide and ambient air temps)?

How are they measured?