Young BCI x BCC won't stop lying on top of UTH.

Sethu · 02-13-13, 08:24 PM

I have a UTH connected to a thermostat and I keep it at 88 degrees Fahrenheit. The ambient air temperatures are 83 which is a achieved using a ceramic heat emitter. She has a hide on both the warm and cool sides, but she keeps burrowing under the substrate (aspen) and lying directly on top of the glass where the heater is. I try to move her, but she keeps going back there. And she doesn't seem to be suffering any ill effects, I don't see any burns or anything else. I'm just extremely paranoid about these things and I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to prevent this burrowing or if I just shouldn't worry about it. When I feel the glass, it feels a little warm, but not hot at all.

**Aaron_S** · 02-13-13, 08:27 PM

Are you measuring the temperatures inside the enclosure? What are they on top of the substrate over the hot side?

Maybe it's just too cold for her.

Sethu · 02-13-13, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

Are you measuring the temperatures inside the enclosure? What are they on top of the substrate over the hot side?

Maybe it's just too cold for her.

The probe is attached directly to the glass on the inside of the enclosure. I was thinking it might be too cold too, but I need to get a temp gun. The thermometers I have in the tank are measuring 82.

**Aaron_S** · 02-13-13, 08:58 PM

I would raise them into the mid 90's.

Either way, that's where she feels comfortable. If she's not getting burned, who cares?

Jendee · 02-13-13, 09:08 PM

My t stats are set at 92

Sethu · 02-13-13, 09:43 PM

Okay, I was just worried to raise the thermostat any higher for now being as he she lies right on top of it.

Terranaut · 02-14-13, 05:17 AM

As long as there is a heat gradient across the viv slightly "too warm" is better. IMHO of course but I have seen a noticeable difference in the overall look and activity levels after I bumped up the hot spots. In nature snakes will lay on very hot rocks or even asphalt for a heat burst. Why would we deny them that? When a reptile gets an infection can it get a fever? No so having an extra hot area is almost needed for good husbandry. Again a lot of that is just my opinion. The point is having it a littlewarm is fine if not better so don't be shy and turn up the heat a bit