GTP & extreme summer heat

[theRAVENv1]

So I've been thinking about adding a GTP to my collection but it's something I definately don't want to rush into. I've ordered 'The Complete Chondro' but I was wondering if anyone in Melbourne keeps them and what they do during summer when temps get up to 35+.

There is no A/C in my herp room but on very hot days I'll put large frozen water bottles in a pillow case in the cold end of my enclosures. They never get used lol

GTP's seem to need a pretty precise mix of ambient air temp and humidity unlike carpets and childrens which can handle extreme heat and cold as long as they have a warmer of cooler place to go. So on a very hot day is it simply a matter of turning the heat off and making sure they have cold fresh water to lay in and maybe a wrapped up ice block on a shelf somewhere?

 

[Waterrat]

Raven, there are many misconceptions about GTP's requirements. They can take 35 degrees without any trouble as long as the cage is well ventilated. If you want to cool the snake down, spray it lightly and the evaporation effect will give them a relief. 35 is a normal temp in their natural habitats for most of the time. I also see that many GTP keepers are overdoing it with humidity. 60 - 70% is enough, in very large enclosures you can crank it up to 80 but again - good ventilation is essential. With little bit of experience, you'll be able to tell just by looking at the snake's skin and sloughs whether it needs more moisture or not.

cheers
M

 

[Owzi]

Good question Raven, I like that you are thinking ahead.
I am a GTP owner in Melbourne & I know what you are talking about. The past two summers we have had a week of 40+ temps with days on end around 45 deg! This season I personally put a large outdoor blind on the outside window of my herp room & keep the inside blinds closed also. That does the trick for one or two hot days in a row, but after that the room starts to get quite warm. I have also purchased a mobile Air Conditioner which I would use in extream heat. Also as Waterrat said, I tend to give them an extra spray or two to cool them down.

 

[Waterrat]

Well, 40 - 45 degrees is different, I was thinking about 35 which shouldn't cause any dramas. 45 would.

 

[smeejason]

I personally would spend the $350 on an air con if your were worried about the heat. would rather have the air con sit there and not come on and waste 350 than have a couple $1000 worth of snakes die from heat exposure.
i have mine set on a cooling thermostat (Hooked up thru a contactor)and it comes on when the room gets to 34deg. i keep BHP and woma so they can handle more being a desert species but why stress them i figure when it probably only cost a couple bucks a day to keep them comfortable on those really hot days.
the air con only runs for 30 min tops to keep the room around 34degrees and i am yet to see any of my snakes stressed. Is good piece of mind.

 

[theRAVENv1]

Yeah, thanks for the replies. Like I said I'm not about to rush out and blow a few thou on more specimens if I can't look after them properly. Melbourne does get the odd 40+ day but it's just very interesting to see my current snakes never go near their water bowl or ice block...then again desert species would differ slightly to tropical. Definately something to think about, the A/C would tend to suck the humidity out of the enclosures if it was on for too long as well which could be as issue I guess.