I've got it ingrained into my head that heating from underneath (heat-rocks / heat-mats) is a no-go for beardies as they can burn due to not having heat receptors on their underside? Or something to that effect anyway.
Now I've never bred beardies before and I was never planning on using a heat-mat. However, I went into a local pet shop to ask for a bit of advice, and was told that they need a heat mat overnight to keep them warm - otherwise they will die. "Surely not", I said, "I was told never to use a heat source from underneath for beardies".
I was told it was essential. Upon asking whether it would be too hot for them, I was told it would be fine under substrate or under the tank itself.
I'm still very hesitant about the idea and just done a little test. The basking side of the tank for the babies is at 110-111°F and the cold side just a couple of degrees too warm at about 87°F. I then put the heatmat under the tank itself. I also raised the tank up on legs about 1/2" so the mat isn't pressed against the underside of the tank. After letting the temperature stabalise (with the heat lamp and UV off) I was getting temperatures of 114°F + :!: - and this is for a night-time temperature.
I found a care sheet for baby beardies, which said the night-time temperatures can safely drop to the 60's. The ambient temperature of the room they are in is 72°F, so surely they will be better off without it? Or would I be better putting a heat mat on a thermostat for them?
Sorry for all the questions but I just want to make sure I am doing my best for the little ones.
On a little side note, what is the typical % of deaths in the babies? This pet shop took approx 34 babies in at 2 weeks old (they're willing to take the risk) and said 11 of them died! I was under the impression the majority of those that hatched made it into beardie adulthood.
Many thanks and the advice on these forums has been invaluable to me! :mrgreen:
Now I've never bred beardies before and I was never planning on using a heat-mat. However, I went into a local pet shop to ask for a bit of advice, and was told that they need a heat mat overnight to keep them warm - otherwise they will die. "Surely not", I said, "I was told never to use a heat source from underneath for beardies".
I was told it was essential. Upon asking whether it would be too hot for them, I was told it would be fine under substrate or under the tank itself.
I'm still very hesitant about the idea and just done a little test. The basking side of the tank for the babies is at 110-111°F and the cold side just a couple of degrees too warm at about 87°F. I then put the heatmat under the tank itself. I also raised the tank up on legs about 1/2" so the mat isn't pressed against the underside of the tank. After letting the temperature stabalise (with the heat lamp and UV off) I was getting temperatures of 114°F + :!: - and this is for a night-time temperature.
I found a care sheet for baby beardies, which said the night-time temperatures can safely drop to the 60's. The ambient temperature of the room they are in is 72°F, so surely they will be better off without it? Or would I be better putting a heat mat on a thermostat for them?
Sorry for all the questions but I just want to make sure I am doing my best for the little ones.
On a little side note, what is the typical % of deaths in the babies? This pet shop took approx 34 babies in at 2 weeks old (they're willing to take the risk) and said 11 of them died! I was under the impression the majority of those that hatched made it into beardie adulthood.
Many thanks and the advice on these forums has been invaluable to me! :mrgreen:
