Thermostats And Heater Covers

Hope you are all doing well.

We continue with some of the most commonly asked question I get in regards to keeping our precious reptiles.

Q. Is it important to have a heater cover?

A. The answer to this is Yes. All heat sources should be made safe for your reptiles. Snakes specially love to wrap themselves around any warm spot to absorb the heat needed for them to perform certain functions. If your heat source is a ceramic emitter or even incandescent light your snake will get burnt. Although we may think that they know better, the reality is snakes are slow to react to heat and severe wounds are not uncommon.

I always say, prevention is better than cure and it is up to us as keepers to protect them from any harm.

Q. Why do I need to use a thermostat with my heat sources?

A. This question comes up very regularly. As far as I am concerned thermostats are a must. See, most of the heating sources, be it heating bulbs, heat mats ,heat rocks and heating cords all product unregulated heat. What this simply means is that the temperature given out is not set at the required level. One time it can be too low and at other times can be to high. Under normal conditions the heat source may seem to work fine without regulating. But what happens under varied situations ?

Varied conditions refers to the uncontrolled conditions affecting the heat in and around your inclosure. In the summer months when the weather gets hot many people fail to turn the heat source off causing extreme heat in your enclosure and the possibility of cooking your reptile.

Please, before purchasing heating sources, first check for compatibility with thermostats. I know in

Australia of a product called Oz Brite Globe that needs to be regulated differently to normal globes,

due to internal ballast capable of exploding if used with the thermostat.

Well that concludes today’s posting I hope you get something out this and remember, a healthy

reptile is a happy reptile and a sign of a good keeper.