first heat lamps for hatchlings?

[DebbieK]

I have read no heat lamps for hatchlings during the first months. My Hatchlings are almost two months old . Any information on how to introduce heat with out harming the babies would be greatly appriciated.What kind of fixture and strength of heat bulb would be best. The cages are 16X16X30 and I use a zoo Med hood containing a Compact Fluorescent 5.0 UV Bulb. Thank You.

 

[reptoman]

Use a regular incandescent bulb (40 watt usually is enough) in a clamp light fixture and raise or lower it to get a basking spot of no higher than 82F at the daytime high temp. When I keep my babies initially, they have a 2 bulb flourescent fixture with a used reptisun 5.0 and a 6500K bulb just over the top of the baby bins. That fixture is enough to get the top of the bins to around 80-81 so no additional basking light is required. When they go into screen cages at around 2.5 months I use a basking bulb to achieve a slightly higher temp for the basking spot. just check with a digital temp probe or temp gun.

 

[jannb]

Use a regular incandescent bulb (40 watt usually is enough) in a clamp light fixture and raise or lower it to get a basking spot of no higher than 82F at the daytime high temp. When I keep my babies initially, they have a 2 bulb flourescent fixture with a used reptisun 5.0 and a 6500K bulb just over the top of the baby bins. That fixture is enough to get the top of the bins to around 80-81 so no additional basking light is required. When they go into screen cages at around 2.5 months I use a basking bulb to achieve a slightly higher temp for the basking spot. just check with a digital temp probe or temp gun.

I do the exact same thing except I start with a 25 watt first and normally in my location that will get the basking spot up to 81 or 82. In the winter or a cold climate it might take a 40. Just be sure to use the temp gun.

 

[DebbieK]

Thank You so much for the great information. It is just what I needed as I was very anxious not to do anything wrong to hurt the babies.

 

[fluxlizard]

Just curious- how large are your hatchlings at 2 months without a heat lamp. I've never done mine that way so I'm curious.

(Not trying to start a debate- I've already voice my opinion about temps and hatchlings here on the forums, just curious how growth rate compares as I have some right at that age at the moment so I can make a quick and easy comparison for my own info).

Thanks.

 

[fluxlizard]

OH and I guess I should ask what species hatchlings?

 

[DebbieK]

Hi , My hatchlings are Panther Cham. I am not great at measuring, I guess they are a few inches.

 

[yankfanthom]

Hi , My hatchlings are Panther Cham. I am not great at measuring, I guess they are a few inches.

What are your temps in the bins without using heat lights?