Where can I purchase a heat rock cave for my snake?

Question

I saw in another question someone said they had a heat rock cave for their snake. This sounds like a very good idea since Snakes prefer dark places and need the warmth. I have never been a fan of undertank heaters and heat rocks can sometimes cause burns. A cave with the heat in the top of it would be perfect. Does anyone know where these can be found?

Answer 1

talk to;
www.petequip.com.au - they have really good prices and can help you out with that...

goodluck!

Answer 2

Ok, a heat cave can harm a snake just like a heat rock. They say they only get to a certain temperature... that is a fallacy. What you CAN do if you use one is hook it up to a rheostat (outside the tank) and have the heat cave itself outside the tank for a bit until you have it the correct temperature. Do not put it in until you have it right. You could check it with just your hand, if you are good at such things, or put a thermometer on it (one of those indoor/outdoor things with a probe). Please remember that your snake is going to be inside it, most often, so check it on its inside surface. You can purchase a decent rheostat pretty cheaply. I ran rheostats on all of my heating devices.

If you only have this as a heat source and you have it unregulated, the snake is going to "cosy up" to it and harm itself. Also, if you only use this as a heat source, it is not going to provide enough ambiant warmth for the rest of the tank.

You need more than just that for a heat source.

Definitely get yourself an undertank heater and, again, check on the temperature of it INSIDE the tank. Wherever the snake can get to, check it. If you use astroturf, the snake probably cannot get to the glass. If you are using pine shavings the snake can get to the glass. Etc., and so on.

I am assuming you are referrencing the sort of stick on undertank heaters that are designed for reptiles. Please do not use a human heating pad unless it is an emergency as you are headed out to get correct equipment!

Snakes are not the brightest of creatures, I fear. I have had a few who are downright unintelligent and will spend too much time on the "cold" side of the tank.

You could get the heat cave with rheostat for the cold side and an undertank heater for the warm. Or, just do what I did and get the undertank heater and a heat lamp. And, of course, a nice hidey box.

Answer 3

This is not perfect as it can have the same problems as a heat rock. The heating element is still a little too close to the animal. I would stick with under tank heaters, or heat lamps, they are traditionally used because they traditionally work. A heat rock cave is just a hollow heat rock basically. I know rescuers who have had emergency vet trips as a result of people using these caves and giving up their animals because of the potential vet bills.

Answer 4

What is the problem with an under the tank heater? Heat rock caves are the same deal as a heat rock. Instead, get an appropriately sized heat lamp and create a basking spot on the hide. Get a thermometer gun to make sure it doesn't get too warm.

Answer 5

I got mine at the pet store. I'm in Germany right now though so I doubt telling you which one would help. :) Check out any of the major pet stores that carry snake supplys or even on line.

The caves do have the potential to burn the snake like a rock, but my snakes have never hung out on top of them or had any problems with them. I also use an under the tank heater designed for substraight.

Answer 6

Will you do one thing for me? Put your money away! They are no good, no use, over priced and DANGEROUS due to over heating.

Snakes thermo regulate, in a standard Viv twice the length of your snake you should have one heat mat, one basking area, one hide out and a rock.

If you place your rock just to one side of the basking area it will get warm but not enough to burn. Next get a clay plant pot for the garden, turn this upside down, make the hole bigger and you have the perfect snake hide.

I hope this helps. I have left my email for you if you need further help or advice. Good luck with you snake!