Question about heating pads and winter time

[IndigoBug1987]

I had to buy a heating pad with my snake. This time of year does he need it more or not at all?? It sticks to the bottom of his tank and his hidebox is over it. Should I make him believe its winter like it really is or should i just leave it be all year long?

At first all he did was stay in his box but now he hangs out anywhere in his tank and spends less time in his box. He's even started to root around and sleep under the straw bedding. Is his box to hot but his tank to cool?

I want him to be comfortable, but i really don't know whats ideal for him.

[infernalis]

There is a mixture of opinions on the forum, I have found everyday room temperatures to be fine with my garter snakes.

I use the logic that they thrive as far north as Alaska and as far south as Mexico, so they can handle a wide range of temperatures just fine.

We have so many snakes I lost count, and none of them have special heaters.

I can't imagine winters get very cold in Arkansas, so the heater may be too warm.

[Stefan-A]

I use the logic that they thrive as far north as Alaska and as far south as Mexico, so they can handle a wide range of temperatures just fine.

And everywhere they thrive, they are able to thermoregulate.

[infernalis]

Very true Stefan.

Thermo-regulation implies that when they are too warm, they seek a cooler place to be, and when too cold they seek a warmer place to be.

To cover my arse, I included the line.... "There is a mixture of opinions on the forum"

Most heat sources I have tried were rather ignored by the garters.

Our whole house is an average of 80F.

Prolly an exception to most.

[brain]

Very true Stefan.

Thermo-regulation implies that when they are too warm, they seek a cooler place to be, and when too cold they seek a warmer place to be.

To cover my arse, I included the line.... "There is a mixture of opinions on the forum"

Most heat sources I have tried were rather ignored by the garters.

Our whole house is an average of 80F.

So then my room heating thoughts are not just of my own.

You also don’t pay particular attention to the heating of a habitat unless the snake comes from an arid region.

i.e.: my flame boas have a heat pad under the tank, water only as the dish dries out and natural light.

Then IYO would the same hold true for the habitats of garters? In regards to heating is there any science backing “this must have heat lamp” propaganda.

Some of my snakes do have heat pads but for the most part I adjust the entire room temp in the summer as well as the winter. I do keep checks on the individual temps of the snake via ReyTec and adjust accordingly.

Now the rats and mice don’t really appreciate the temp adjust …lol. I see them really slow down reproduction as we get into winter and maintain a room temp of 79 deg. The little buggers want to hibernate, but not on my watch.

[Stefan-A]

In regards to heating is there any science backing “this must have heat lamp” propaganda.

Well, the science in this context would be that they do seek out the best available temperature, depending on their needs, in the wild. But sure, the possibility of a good compromise isn't excluded. However, the lack of a heat gradient should also increase the risk of dehydration and heat stroke.

[guidofatherof5]

Nice to have you with us.
Your snake needs both hot and cool in the tank. It will know when and what it needs. Plenty of clean water is needed, changed everyday or as needed. Large enough for him/her to soak. Make sure he doesn't rest directly on the glass where the heater is. He could get a burn. If your snake is eating and continues to eat you don't need to worry too much about winter sleep(brumation). Check out the "Care Sheet" on the home page. Much more detail there.

[infernalis]

Nice reply Steve

[IndigoBug1987]

it gets to about 40 degrees nowadays in ark. we have days where it'll get down to 25. Our house is pretty cold. all we have is a space heater and it gets turned off at night.

[jitami]

it gets to about 40 degrees nowadays in ark. we have days where it'll get down to 25. Our house is pretty cold. all we have is a space heater and it gets turned off at night.

Good thing you got the heat pad, then Do you have a thermometer? If so, I would place it just above the heat pad for a few hours, just to make sure it's not too hot, and then I'd move it over to the other side of the tank to make sure that side stays somewhat cooler....anywhere from 65-75 should be fine for the cooler end. One thing that I keep in mind while I'm figuring out how much heat to add is that snakes can survive pretty cold temps short term, but will expire fairly quickly if things get too hot. What's too hot? Good question! I really don't know... I would guess anything over 100 for any length of time would be dangerously warm for a garter.