Question about heating pads and winter time

[infernalis]

There is a mixture of opinions on the forum, I have found everyday room temperatures to be fine with my garter snakes.

I use the logic that they thrive as far north as Alaska and as far south as Mexico, so they can handle a wide range of temperatures just fine.

We have so many snakes I lost count, and none of them have special heaters.

I can't imagine winters get very cold in Arkansas, so the heater may be too warm.

[Stefan-A]

I use the logic that they thrive as far north as Alaska and as far south as Mexico, so they can handle a wide range of temperatures just fine.

And everywhere they thrive, they are able to thermoregulate.

[infernalis]

Very true Stefan.

Thermo-regulation implies that when they are too warm, they seek a cooler place to be, and when too cold they seek a warmer place to be.

To cover my arse, I included the line.... "There is a mixture of opinions on the forum"

Most heat sources I have tried were rather ignored by the garters.

Our whole house is an average of 80F.

Prolly an exception to most.

[brain]

Very true Stefan.

Thermo-regulation implies that when they are too warm, they seek a cooler place to be, and when too cold they seek a warmer place to be.

To cover my arse, I included the line.... "There is a mixture of opinions on the forum"

Most heat sources I have tried were rather ignored by the garters.

Our whole house is an average of 80F.

So then my room heating thoughts are not just of my own.

You also don’t pay particular attention to the heating of a habitat unless the snake comes from an arid region.

i.e.: my flame boas have a heat pad under the tank, water only as the dish dries out and natural light.

Then IYO would the same hold true for the habitats of garters? In regards to heating is there any science backing “this must have heat lamp” propaganda.

Some of my snakes do have heat pads but for the most part I adjust the entire room temp in the summer as well as the winter. I do keep checks on the individual temps of the snake via ReyTec and adjust accordingly.

Now the rats and mice don’t really appreciate the temp adjust …lol. I see them really slow down reproduction as we get into winter and maintain a room temp of 79 deg. The little buggers want to hibernate, but not on my watch.

[Stefan-A]

In regards to heating is there any science backing “this must have heat lamp” propaganda.

Well, the science in this context would be that they do seek out the best available temperature, depending on their needs, in the wild. But sure, the possibility of a good compromise isn't excluded. However, the lack of a heat gradient should also increase the risk of dehydration and heat stroke.

[brain]

However, the lack of a heat gradient should also increase the risk of dehydration and heat stroke.

Point taken. As with living things water is important. So I do keep that offer in all my habitats. TY