HELP!!!! Big time UTH problem!

SteveJor · #1 (**permalink**) 05-16-2002, 07:08 PM

I unplugged it last night when I discovered the problem but I'm not sure what to do now.
I have a BARR's cage that houses a rough green snake. I added a ZooMed Mini UTH to keep the ambient temp in it at 75 degrees at night when the light is off. It seemed to be working fine until I noticed that the snake likes to burrow under the coconut bark at night and the spot directly above the UTH is friggin HOT. I can't touch it for more than a few seconds without it starting to get uncomfortable. It's as if I have a hot rock in there (maybe worse). What can I do to prevent the snake from getting burned? Can I cover the spot with some slate? Should I add astroturf to the bottom and the cork bark on top of it? Should I just bite the bullet and throw out the heater? If I don't use it, the temp drops to between 68 and 70 at night and the snake is cold to the touch in the morning. I don't know what to do.
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eddie · #2 (**permalink**) 05-16-2002, 07:12 PM

Well, a UTH is meant to be on the underside of an aquarium type enclosure, so put it away for now and put a human heating pad in its place.
Start with it on low and check the temps in the morning and go from there on whether to put it on medium.
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Boacephus · #3 (**permalink**) 05-16-2002, 07:17 PM

Two things I can think of.

1. buy a thermostat for it so you can turn it down a bit. If that doesn't keep it warm enough try.

2. Place newspaper down over the UTH. As long as the paper is placed correctly they can't burrow under neath of it. I have to use it for my ball and it works like a charm.
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#4 (**permalink**) 05-16-2002, 07:34 PM

Or you could get a red bulb for nighttime...

68-70 isn't going to hurt it, it experiences those temps in the wild all the time. This is a native north american colubrid...IMO 75 at night is a touch too warm for this snake...

what are the day times temps like?

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SteveJor · #5 (**permalink**) 05-16-2002, 07:59 PM

>>what are the day times temps like?

I have the temp during the day running with a gradient. It is 78 on the bottom and 82 up on top of the branches. All the way up is 84 but that is directly under the light.

I just don't want to freeze it. Not often you get one of these that eats, and can actually be handled.
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#6 (**permalink**) 05-16-2002, 08:07 PM

I think you're doing just fine with it then. I don't think low 70's even 68 at night will bother it.
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