I have seen too many burns on snakes. I would ALWAYS use one.
I dont see how a thermostat will prevent burns. If you be sensible with the wattage when using heat matts and cords and use cages on globes there will be pretty much no risk of burns without a thermostat
IMO thermostats are rubbish. They are a complete waste of money and provide a false sense of security. I have been keeping reps since i was 10 or 11 and i have never used a thermostat apart from for my incubator. I use low wattage heating so that even on full bore it doesnt get overly hot. If you use an adequately sized enclosure then there is no need for a thermostat, they can regulate their own temp by moving to the cool end. As for those days when the room temp hits the high 30's early 40's whats a thermostat going to do? It wont reduce the cool end temp what so ever. Snakes will actively move to regulate their body temp so if the hot end gets a little too hot for their liking on a warm day they will migrate towards the cool end, they wont just sit on the hot spot and cook like people seem to think they will. Personally i have seen alot more problems (major burns or even death) from a failing thermostat then from one not being used.
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