Another heating Q...?

sunnymarcie

Celestial Spider
Old Timer
Joined
Feb 13, 2003
Messages
1,294
Just exactly how important is "belly" heat for a snake?

I have read a number of things that say it's ok to use ALL
top heat, and some that say belly heat is a must:confused:

At this point, I have a daytime temp of 86F, all from top heat.
The temp in the room at night has been about 70F, give or take
a degree.
Inside the tank there is a difference from one side to the other
(between the hot spot and the other side) of about 10 degrees.

I'm going shopping today, for another heat source and another
hide. :)
 

Lasiodora

Arachnoangel
Old Timer
Joined
Oct 11, 2002
Messages
852
If the basking spot on the warm side is 86f, then everything is ok. A heat pad or a heat lamp both do the same thing. They provide basking spots. The only difference is that one gives off light and comes from above and the other comes from below and gives off no light. The basking spot is necessary for your snake to bring up its body temp and for digesting food. 70 at night is just fine. Everything sounds good.
Mike
 

atavuss

Arachnoprince
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 16, 2002
Messages
1,031
what it boils down to basically is how is it easier for you to heat the enclosure? as long as the desired temps are maintained then that is all that matters IMHO. I use basking lights, UTH, hot rocks (I only use the hot rocks that have the adjustable reohstats and the temps are adjusted to the proper temps), and ceramic heat emitters.
Ed
 

sunnymarcie

Celestial Spider
Old Timer
Joined
Feb 13, 2003
Messages
1,294
Ok, it's good to know I am on the right track,
now I just have to get her to eat.
She was eating a pre-killed mouse every week
according to the person I got her from.
I have tried 2 times to get her to eat and she will not do it. I even tried a live 5 day old rat!
She won't eat that either.
I know she could go a while with out eating, but I
would feel better if she would just eat for me.
Any ideas?
 

Lasiodora

Arachnoangel
Old Timer
Joined
Oct 11, 2002
Messages
852
Marcie,
I wouldn't worry about it. Remember, the snakes in a new environment. Give it time to adjust. Your snake can safely go without a meal for a long time. Be patient and he will eat when he's ready.
Mike
 

sunnymarcie

Celestial Spider
Old Timer
Joined
Feb 13, 2003
Messages
1,294
Yep, SHE will eat when she is ready.
SO, what am I to do with this little guy?

I've been feeding him kitten milk:)
 

Bry

Arachnodemon
Old Timer
Joined
Mar 22, 2003
Messages
773
Back when I only had one snake, I tried doing the same with a rat that wasn't eaten. My mistake was that I used the regular cattle milk we regularly get in the grocery store. Way too much nutrients for a little rat's body to handle.

Bry
 

sunnymarcie

Celestial Spider
Old Timer
Joined
Feb 13, 2003
Messages
1,294
He seems to be ok with the kitten milk.
I dilute it a little. What goes in, comes out, so I guess he's ok
with it:)
 
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