Winter care - Tips and thoughts

[Garter_Gertie]

Hand packs! YES!!!! Why did *I* think about that as I've been talking to a couple this weekend about using them to ship snakes.

Sometimes I just can't see the forest for the trees. (smacking self in forehead)

[infernalis]

With our collection, Heat packs would not really be an option.

MK you have a smaller number to worry about, and Id wager you would find some way to snuggle them singlets warm.

Put them all in pillow cases and wrap up in a comforter if you had to..

[reptile3]

power outage, ummm we use flashlights,fireplace...& good ole candles!! LOL

[guidofatherof5]

Stephanie, Great idea on the hand warmers. I never gave it a thought.

[drache]

If we were to heat with wood (free fuel) and use that to also heat our water, . . .

Wayne - I understand you live in the woods, but I used to heat with wood, and I predict your "free" supply to run out sooner than anticipated, since it's not exactly rapidly renewable - some kind of fast growing cane might be a better supply

Stephanie, Great idea on the hand warmers. I never gave it a thought.

are these the kind of pocket warmers, that one sticks little slow-burning bars into? and if so, I think I've got some and where would I be able to get the bars?

[infernalis]

Wayne - I understand you live in the woods, but I used to heat with wood, and I predict your "free" supply to run out sooner than anticipated, since it's not exactly rapidly renewable - some kind of fast growing cane might be a better supply

Rhea, I can understand that, I sell hardwood logs off my property from time to time. I am also a big fan of "Salvage" wood, Whenever a storm knocks down trees & tops from logging.

Out here in farmerville barter is a way of life, I do IT in exchange for truckloads.

We have fires out back almost nightly in the summer. Heck, I'd wager certain folks would probably unload a pickup full in trade for riding on the track.

Well now I'm on a roll...

The valley is situated so that I can get a solar panel in direct sun exposure (maximum output) for nearly 90 percent of the day, On top of my hill, the air-stream moves constantly (you can hear it whistle through the trees sometimes)

So the more my hyperactive brain thinks about it, It seems totally viable to eliminate several utility bills.

Start small, re-invest the saved money into more power.

Another motivating factor, I'd like to spiff up the house, chop off all my land (give the house an acre or two for lawn.) and just sell it outright.

Then put a new house back in the woods at the base of the hill.

The sheer cost of having the electric company run poles and primary lines to the new house is monumental. So spending a few thousand on solar and wind makes more sense.

Then I can get up every morning, walk out on my FRONT porch and see the creek rather than the street

[infernalis]

Keep that humidity up folks, winter air dries out the snakes.

[drache]

I have all that I need to keep all my reptiles safe & warm!! I am prepared. Also you can use those survival heat pads
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA280_.jpg

you can get them at home depot, or other hardware stores.

heat packs are not a bad idea, but in a power outage, I'd go for ones that last longer - like the 72hr ones used for shipping cold-blooded critters
Heat packs - 72 hours
Mantis Place - Where Mantis and Bug Supplies Hang Out! - Shipping Supplies

[infernalis]

Thanks Rhea, Now that is some information many of us can use.

OK especially me......

[drache]

another tip: space blankets, available at any outdoor or camping supply
a couple of heat packs will go a bit further if you group your enclosures and surround them with space blankets
still I hope I don't ever have to do this
it's good to remember that for most of us power outages are really exceptions rather than the norm