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Snakes always perfer cool side?

L

LackOfBetterWords

New member
I have two corns, and I try to keep their temperatures in the 82-83 range on the warm side. I have digital thermometers in their cages and have heat controllers. The probes are near the substrate, but they always seem to prefer the cool side. My question is, should i try putting the probe in the middle of the substrate? (I put about 2 inches of aspen). Not under the hide, but directly under their lights. My temperatures fluctuate in the room at night which is why I have the lights. Just want to make sure they're completely happy. Any suggestions or education I'd appreciate!
 
A few things;

Are the corns in the same tank? It does not totally sound like it, but I want to double check.

Look into getting rid of the lights. You need to get an under the tank heater and thermostat.

Zoo Med ReptiTherm® Under Tank Heater

And thermostat

Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat For Heat Mats

They will be much better off in the long run. When you do get those, put the probe right on the bottom, under the aspen. That way you can tell the temperature right where the snakes like to burrow.
 
Nope they're not in the same tank. I want them to have their own turf. Only reason I'm hesitant about getting rid of the lights is that it gets kinda cold at night (65-63). So I added the temperature controllers and lights. I don't want to make them uncomfortable. I turn the lights off during the day. They're completely healthy, but i just want to make sure they're happy and comfortable.
 
It's really better for them to have constant temps. That why we provide a cool side and warm side for them to choose from.

Keeping an under the tank heater on the bottom set at around 82-84 is perfect. If they want to be cool, they can chill out on the cool side. If they want to be a little warm, they lay on top if the aspen on the warm side. If they want to be super warm, they burrow down to glass in the warmest (82-84) zone. You actually create a nice gradient with a UTH. Gives them plenty of options to choose what they like best.
 
LackOfBetterWords said:
oh BTW, they both have under tanker heaters that are also connected to the temps controllers
Click to expand...

How are you checking them temps on those?

The probe needs to be right on the glass. If it's 85 on top of the aspen, it's going to be in the dangerous upper 90's to 100 on the glass. That may be the problem. It's too warm with a combo of the light and UTH.

Corns don't really benefit from lights. They make it far too hot. They prefer temps closer to what we think is comfortable. Lights work better for the species that need higher ambient air temperatures like ball pythons and boas.

I think the problem may be your warm side is really too warm.
 
Thanks :) I plan on moving them out of this room and removing the warming lights. They're thriving so I'm probably just thinking too much. Just want to make sure. I don't want to make any mistakes when it comes to the lives that are in my hands.
 
my controllers have them off pretty much all day, but they still prefer the cool.. My controller's are attached to the pad and light.. Even if I see it at 85 I freak out, and immediately correct it.
 
LackOfBetterWords said:
Thanks :) I plan on moving them out of this room and removing the warming lights. They're thriving so I'm probably just thinking too much. Just want to make sure. I don't want to make any mistakes when it comes to the lives that are in my hands.
Click to expand...

No worries at all. It's really easy to over think heating. You did the best thing by double checking and asking for advice. Trust me, you are the type that will make the best keeper in the long run.
 
LackOfBetterWords said:
my controllers have them off pretty much all day, but they still prefer the cool.. My controller's are attached to the pad and light.. Even if I see it at 85 I freak out, and immediately correct it.
Click to expand...

What types of controllers do you have?

I would continue with your plan to drop the lights and then make the temp probes are right down on the glass.

To keep my probes on the glass, I use a bit of hot glue. It's 100% safe and if it pops off during cleaning it's easy to reattach. Plus you don't have to worry about it harm your snakes in any way.
 
Thanks so much! My older is totally comfortable but my little guy is the one that had me worried. Guess he's just comfortable with his little log lol. They both shed perfectly and eat perfectly. I make sure to spray their tanks if they disappear (it usually means they're shedding). I just don't want to make any mistakes by ignorance.
 
All of my probes are against the glass, if they unglue i correct it immediately. Same with the plants. I also have both sides of their tanks blacked out. (it seems to help with getting them with comfortable with their environment).
 
Thank you so much :) I'm glad I joined this site. I posted pics of the little butt heads on the show off forums if you want to see em. My okeetee seems HUGE compared to other her age
 
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