What do you do for heat for your reptiles.....

[froggie71]

When the electricity goes out?
Very windy and rainy here today. A large oak took out some powerlines and therefore no electricity. Went out about 11am and wasn't projected to get power back until 9pm. Aside from the boredom factor, the temperature dropped pretty fast in the tanks. 69 degrees. Sent DH out to get some hand warmers to put under the tanks and about 10min after he came home about 5pm, the electric came back on. So my question is does anyone have any better suggestions than this. I know handwarmers can get pretty hot, which is why I wanted them under the tank. Need to be better prepared in case this happens again.

 

[AccentOnHakes]

Umm...maybe one of those heat pack things that you can get in packs at the drugstore? I forgot how they work, I think you snap them or something? They stick to your arm or back or whatever...

ETA: Oops...I guess that's kinda what a handwarmer is.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

A heat pack would work, but you have to be very careful not to burn the reptile either! Those things get VERY hot. If you wrap it in a washcloth though, I think you would be pretty safe.

 

[Terri O]

I dont think that you would have to worry if the electricity goes out for a few hours or even a day. They need the heat to digest their food and if it is just for a short time they should be fine. After all, it probably get a little chilly sometimes where they are from right? Terri O

 

[ConchRepublic]

Quote:
Agreed.

If need be, I would think maybe a small fire and heat something up that you can place under or next to the glass would work. Although unless you got a fire place, can't do much when it rains.

 

[Bebop]

As long as it's not freezing, they'll pretty much go dormant.

 

[Styx]

Well, in an emergency, when out power went out and the temps dropped and I have neonate KSBs, I put them all in snake bags, got heat packs, and packed them in shipping boxes. Just like you do when you ship out a herp. It didn't keep the temps in the ideal but it worked in a pinch and kept them from getting way too cold while at the same time making sure they didn't get burned. If it happens a lot where you are, you may want to consider a back up generator. Not just for your herps, but yourself.

 

[froggie71]

Thanks to everyone for their input. We are pretty new to reptiles, and have already had 1 bad experience with a snake so far. Just want to make sure nothing goes wrong. So far our Leopard Gecko and Albino Corn snake are doing well.