Heat Rocks, are they dangerous?

[Davo66]

Hi all,
I have read many threads highlighting the dangers of not caging lights - for the obvious reasons. But, What about heat rocks? I have two about 20 something cm x 10-15 cm and to be they get pretty damn hot. I have a thermostat under the one in my bluey enclosure and it keeps the surface temp, (according to my thermometer) about 30-35 deg cel (on the hottest part) but I have used it in my coastal enclosure and I have recorded surface temps of about 40 deg cel. The snake was happy to spend most of the day there but I am concerned it is too hot for her. Can these heat rocks cause damage to skin, scale, and cook the internals of the animal or even the last feed the animal has digesting in its gut?
Sorry about the long winded question, any help would be appreciated.
Cheers,
Davo

[Davo66]

Anyone got anything?
cheer,
Davo

[junglepython2]

They can malfunction and overheat causing problems including fire but this isn't all that common. I use them in beardy enclosures with no problems but have been told not to use them in snake cages. I'm not exactly sure why this is, but snakes don't need excessively hot basking spots anyway.

[MrBredli]

Yep, you don't want them going over 35 degrees (for pythons). It can 'cook' the last meal they've eaten as you suggested among other things. Best to use at least a dimmer with heat rocks, or better yet just avoid them altogether.. too many potential problems IMO.

[Davo66]

Thanks again Mr B, wanna buy a couple of heat rocks? lol

[SlothHead]

Heat rocks are wicked, dont know what you are all talking about.

i usually just chuck a teatowel over them so i dont get burnt while sleeping.

You are talking about using them as medievel hot water bottles. thats what i ues them for anyway

[Davo66]

pmsl

[SlothHead]

pmsl?

yeah its too late

[Hix]

A couple of vets I've heard talking say they are bad news and should be avoided.



Hix