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Urgent (?) question about temperature

JeffDenver

JeffDenver

New member
I just fed my snake yesterday...he refuses to use the hide on the warm side of the tank. He likes the cool side better for whatever reason. I have checked temps and the warm side is not too hot. The cool side is room temp (around 68F to 70F...I have a thermometer at the far edge of the cool side at the bottom)

My question is this: How vital is higher temps for digestion? Will this cause any problems or is it not a big deal as long as I provide a temperature gradient? Should I "force" him onto the warm side?
 
I think as long as you have the proper temp gradient set up, he should be fine. Snakes will thermoregulate on their own, so if he feels like he's too cold, he'll go to the warm side.
 
How hot is the warm side and how are you measuring it? And where are you measuring it?

Bottom line- the snake can find the correct temp, usually, but you need to make sure he can't roast himself on the warm side.
 
What type of thermometer are you using a digital thermometer or one of the dial ones?
Click to expand...

It is a glass one I originally used for an aquarium, but it matches digital readings. I tested it.


How hot is the warm side and how are you measuring it? And where are you measuring it?
Click to expand...

I have a digital one with probe. The probe is against the glass on the bottom, where it measures 91F. He never burrows though...I am sure the top is less than that.

Mainly I am trying to avoid a potential regurgitation because he cant digest the prey item fast enough.
 
i wouldnt worry too much, i have a male snake that in my entire life with him 9 years now, has never sat on the warm side unless there was a random cold spike. Even when the power went out a year ago and it was balls to the walls cold, he just likes to be cold! and Ive never figured it out. let the temp on the hot side drop a bit and dont worry :) as long as you are providing it there is nothing to worry about :)
 
I thought the upper limit was around 90F. I can lower it though.
Click to expand...
90 is thought to be the safe maximum for short periods, not the ideal constant upper temperature. If they stay at 90 for any length of time, it can cause problems.

If you aim to get the floor of the tank to the mid-80s, that gives wiggle room at the top end.
 
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