SEASONAL TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS IN THE MONARO DISTRICT AND THEIR EFFECTS ON THE CAPTIVE REPTILE ENVIRONMENT
Ron Dencio
Animal Technologist
Monaro Amphibian & Reptile Keepers
Canberra ACT
13 Sept. 2000
Changes in ambient temperatures will have a greater or lesser effect on the temperatures within an enclosure depending on heat source and ventilation factors within the enclosure.
Owing to the extreme seasonal temperature variation encountered in this district it is necessary for keepers of reptiles and frogs to be aware of the types of problems that will be encountered.
- Upright cabinets can be prone to various temperature problems
eg, during winter nights the lower portion or compartments
will cool to a considerably lower temperature than expected unless
floor level heating is supplied to counter the problem. Reptile heat
pads are the most practical items available for application in this
case.
During summer the converse occurs when, during the day/evening,
the upper portion of the upright cabinet may overheat depending
on the type, position and controls of the heat source.
- Basements: tend to be very cold in winter and cool during
summer (night temps)
- Upper rooms: tend to overheat in summer but temps are mild
during winter
- Bedrooms: if not temp controlled experience temp extremes
of summer & winter
- Garages: free standing metal / brick, tend to experience
extremes of temperature
- Large buildings: will exhibit very different temperature
regimes to domestic housing
- Relocation of animals to other rooms or buildings will change
temp parameters
- Ventilation of enclosure: over summer / winter may require
considerable variation
- Air circulation: in heated rooms (using fan) to prevent temperature
stratification
- Raise enclosures above coldest air strata, ie., at least 60cm
above floor
- Variable wattage: summer / winter use of rheostats and/or
thermostats for temp control
- Central heating/cooling affords better control
- Refuges placed over heat mat areas gives efficient heat retention
for resting/sleeping herpetofauna
- Large enclosures: greater volume to heat and will require
greater input (wattage) during winter while reducing air flow (ventilation).
Floor heating is the most efficient way to maintain acceptable
winter night temperatures.
- Morbidity & mortality: the outcome of incorrect temperature
regimes.
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