| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| phlegmatical |
Posted - 11/02/2013 : 20:00:00
Hi all, My royal always seems to climb to the top of the viv and wedge himself inbetween the light cage guard and side wall behind some hanging fake plants. is it normal behaviour for a royal to stay up high rather than on the ground? I have never used the light, it was already in the viv when i bought it (i use a heat mat) so it isnt giving any heat which he could be attracted to. temp at hot end is around 88f humidity 50%-55%. Thanks for any advice |
| 14 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| phlegmatical |
Posted - 19/02/2013 : 19:00:38
I think with using the heat mat alot of heat was trapped under the hot end hide and it was quite a bit hotter than the rest of the viv which is possibly why he was up top. i have moved things around a bit and put his hot end hide only half on the mat and he has started using it again. I have got the ceramic now but i havent fitted it yet as it doesnt fit in the bulb guard i have. I will use it eventually though as i want the mat for my crested gecko! |
| anatess |
Posted - 19/02/2013 : 16:38:32
I see no problem with using a heat mat if the snake is not directly in contact with the mat and the mat has proper airflow. I don't use ceramic lamps because in my neck of the woods, humidity is premium and the heat lamp would zap the humidity to nearly zero.
Snakes are not usually "up top". But, if that area of the viv is more "secure" than the hide, then he'll go there. Maybe the hide is too big for the snake? Or, it could be that the temp under the hide is not ideal and the temp "up top" combined with the security feature is more ideal for him. Do you have 2 or more hides with varying temperatures?
In any case, as long as that area of the viv is not a hazard and I have proper hides and such, I would just let the snake do what it wants to do.
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| boomslang |
Posted - 12/02/2013 : 17:51:12
Take the heatmat out,fit the new holder for the ceramic bulb.
If it's a light bulb gaurd,and only very short,you might find the new bulb will touch the bottom of the gaurd.
Get a gaurd like this http://www.bluelizardreptiles.co.uk/reptilelighting/lightfittings/5060078062534
Don;t have to be that long,but not as short as
http://www.bluelizardreptiles.co.uk/reptilelighting/lightfittings/5060078062558
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| chrisc |
Posted - 12/02/2013 : 17:50:07
no just leave the stat/thermometer probe's on the floor directly under the bulb/guard |
| phlegmatical |
Posted - 12/02/2013 : 08:51:02
Thanks for the info, i have now ordered those! yes its a 3ftx1.5ftx1.5ft.
just 1 more question, as my royal likes to stay right up against the light cage would i need to move my hot end thermometer probe next to the heat lamp as i would assume that will become the hottest area of the viv when my heat lamp is installed?
It is currently ontop of the substrate |
| chrisc |
Posted - 12/02/2013 : 05:04:56
as said the will climb the little one i had would spend most night's climbing around.
you want one of these ceramic fitting's
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CERAMIC-VIVARIUM-HEAT-BULB-LIGHT-LAMP-HOLDER-REPTILE-/220745245960?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Reptiles_Spiders_Insects&hash=item3365712508&_uhb=1
and i use these bulb's, not sure what size your viv is but this 150w will be fine for a 3ft viv
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150-WATT-CERAMIC-HEAT-BULB-LAMP-ES-FIT-REPTILE-/270825873378?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Reptiles_Spiders_Insects&hash=item3f0e7adfe2&_uhb=1
as you say you already have the guard so just want a dimmer or pp stat an your good to go |
| boomslang |
Posted - 11/02/2013 : 22:10:59
They do climb and will climb,Mine climbs up his tree and sits ontop of that most nights.
If there's nothing wrong with the temps,and you don't have the mat across the whole viv floor.Then he's most likely doing what he wants.
and yeah,you'll need a ceramic holder :) |
| phlegmatical |
Posted - 11/02/2013 : 21:22:48
Thanks for the advice, I suppose i need a ceramic lamp holder for a ceramic lamp? The lamp i currently have is just a standard plastic bayonet. Also back to the original question, any thoughts on why he would be spending all his time at the top of the viv? am i right in thinking royals are normally ground dwellers? |
| boomslang |
Posted - 11/02/2013 : 21:14:23
quote:
Originally posted by jbarlow91
Heat mats can cause burns to heavy bodied snakes through thermal blocking even if they are statted
This :) I've had mats with hot spots,failed mats etc etc..Even if the probe is moved by said snake.the mat can get super hot :)
And the snake is in direct contact with the mat.I use them under afew glass vivs,But find heat bulbs better in my wooden vivs :) |
| jbarlow91 |
Posted - 11/02/2013 : 20:30:33
Heat mats can cause burns to heavy bodied snakes through thermal blocking even if they are statted |
| phlegmatical |
Posted - 11/02/2013 : 20:26:12
quote:
Originally posted by boomslang
if it's a wooden viv,you might be better of using a heat lamp/bulb,rather then the heatmat.
If it's only a light bulb,which you're not using and the snake can't hurt himself,then theres not alot to worry about.
thanks for your reply, yes its a wooden viv. whats the advantage of removing my heat mat and using a heat lamp if im achieving the temp i want? (serious question, not being snotty or anything lol) |
| phlegmatical |
Posted - 11/02/2013 : 20:21:36
because my stat isnt a dimmer. so rather than buy another stat or a ceramic im using the mat i have |
| boomslang |
Posted - 11/02/2013 : 20:19:20
if it's a wooden viv,you might be better of using a heat lamp/bulb,rather then the heatmat.
If it's only a light bulb,which you're not using and the snake can't hurt himself,then theres not alot to worry about. |
| jimmer7 |
Posted - 11/02/2013 : 20:13:25
Why are you not using the heat light, its guarded, better for getting air temp up aswell. |
