Hi,
I have just acquired my first pet corn snake. He is a Ghost Avery and is approx. 2 years old.
I have not blindly taken on this pet, I have had variable experience with snakes in the past, however none of my own.
My concern is, the Viv is set up with a overhead heat lamp which I'm aware cannot be left on overnight as it may cause the snake to become unsettled. However they they do require ambient temperatures to generate from.
As I am in the UK and it is becoming late in the year now,
I have from before when I had my Tarantulas, 2 small square heat mats, (approx 10cm x10cm)
Would these be sufficient to leave on (underneath) the Viv as a basking belly heat for my snake?
The chap (a trustworthy reptile enthusiast) where I purchased my pet from noted that he had not used any heat pads for the snake but his house was moderately warm throughout.
I have done much googling, however referencing from the internet is difficult.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com Could I please gather some views on my proposal.
Many Regards
Kraig
1. I LOVE HOW YOU TALK! Just wanted to say that.
2. Corn snakes need temperatures from 75-85 just as a regular heat, and up to 90 for air temperature.
Leave the heating pads on 24/7 but turn off the light. Make sure the heating pads are set to the right temps. And only put the heating pad on one half of the tank. Snakes need a warm side and a cool side.
Get a temp. Probe, probes are the best and have the highest accuracy.
I do not use heat lamps for cornsnakes as they are a terrestrial species that needs belly heat more than overhead heat. Any heat pad should be regulated with a thermostat (any heat source including lamps should as well) to avoid excessively high temps and burns. Heat should be provided 24/7 so that the snake can thermoregulate. A good thermostat will turn off the heat to the pad should the temperatures under the hide exceed the set temp. They will turn the heat back on if necessary as well. Use the heat mats rather than the lamp, but get a thermostat for them. You should be able to control both mats with the one thermostat. Most will take up to 3 heat sources. Lamps are very drying and they pose a significant fire hazard if they should fall from the holder or off the lid of the cage.
