| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| pretty_bunny |
Posted - 08/10/2010 : 02:41:39
Tomorrow I'm getting my very first rainbow boa and snake, I have vivarium already. Unfortunately a lot of the information I am finding on the net isn't really helping when it comes to heat.
I live in the tropics, where rainbows are native snakes and not that many people here keep reptiles to any large extent. Unfortunately the pet store hardly caters to them, so no heating pads for me. From local snake enthusiasts I'm getting different replies because our temperature is hot all year round and I'm concerned that any heating source will be too much for my boa, especially as they could thrive just sitting in my backyard.
What would be a good heating source for it, or will direct sunlight in the morning be okay?
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| 7 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| IncurableFlirt |
Posted - 10/10/2010 : 19:21:53
Hi Pretty Bunny, welcome to the forum.  I definitely concur with what everyone above has told you. Excellent advice there. If Rainbows are native snakes where you live, I would think that you are actually going to have it a lot easier than some of us here. lol! I live in Utah, USA...and it is very dry here. Not only that, it's cold for about 7-8 months out of the year.
I agree with Snakesitter, that you should go ahead and get your heating pad, regardless of whether you need it now or not. There could come a time that you will need it, so it is best to have on hand. It really sounds like you've got everything going well, though. Just keep track of your temps and the humidity and you should be just fine. Congrats on your new friend, can't wait to see photos!  |
| Snakesitter |
Posted - 08/10/2010 : 22:25:18
I'd get a heating element anyway, just in case you ever need it. Plus, that way you can ensure one spot in his enclosure is always at toasty 28C. Not urgent though, so wait for a good deal.
For moss, look for New Zealand Sphagnum. It's the best I've found yet for Brazilians. :-) |
| pretty_bunny |
Posted - 08/10/2010 : 22:15:34
"Average temperature ranges on the coast are from 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) to 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit) all year." Got that from atlapedia. I live closer to the ocean, and in the midst of a lot of trees so it would be about that. When we take the temperature in the city that is when it's about 30C. That and probably because we are in direct sunlight when we see that.
I'm keeping him in my room so out of hot sun. I'll take a daily record of temp per week, one in the morning and one in the evening and see. I assume that it would stay about 26-29C.
Should I tell my aunt not to bother with the heating pad then? Because I know they like the heat to help digest food..
I have two dishes of water for him and I will have to get some moss for his hide :P
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| Snakesitter |
Posted - 08/10/2010 : 18:41:11
Temps are going to be a challenge for you, Gabrielle. Generally, Brazilians, the most commonly kept of the rainbows, prefer a range from the lows 70s (in F; C would be 22) to low 80s (C would be 28). Temps above that range can be fatal. Do you have any way to keep your vivarium cool if it does get hot out? As for heating, how cold does it get there during the night? You may be able to get by without it, or at least a very minimal setup.
Humidity sounds perfect. Surprising for a mesh cage -- normally those are a death sentence for Brazilians, as all the humidity bleeds out. I would still offer a moist hide and large water bowl as emergency retreats/reinforcement, but 75 is pretty much perfect.
I agree with Kazerella that direct sunlight should be avoided like the plague. Fine when you're handling her and can monitor, but otherwise no.
Hope this helps, |
| pretty_bunny |
Posted - 08/10/2010 : 13:14:50
The temperature is anywhere between 26-33C but I find it hovering closer to 28C on a clear day.
General humidity for the island is 75% but I am getting a hygrometer as well.
Oh and the tank is made of glass on the bottom and two sides, the other two sides and the top are made of very fine wire supported by a plastic frame. |
| Kazerella |
Posted - 08/10/2010 : 10:03:33
What temperatures are the average for your climate? Is it around 27-29C?
I wouldn't put it in direct sunlight because the heat can't be controlled and it may overheat the enclosure- especially if the tank is made of glass. |
| pretty_bunny |
Posted - 08/10/2010 : 03:44:45
I asked my aunt to get a under the tank heating pad for me, but I would probably get that around the 20th. What can I do in the mean time? |
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