Being ectotherms or “cold-blooded”, reptiles rely on their environmental temperature to regulate the temperature of their body. In their natural habitat in the wild, they naturally seek an area with the temperature they need; they alternately move between sunny and shaded areas whenever the need arises. It is for this reason that a pet reptile’s enclosure should have a temperature gradient so the animal can choose the appropriate temperature.

Temperatures should not be too high or too low in order to create an ideal environment for your pet reptile. Most physiological processes like digestion are only efficient at the right body temperature. A reptile can become sluggish and may suffer from digestive problems when temperatures are too low.

To create a temperature gradient inside the reptile’s enclosure, place a basking light or other source of heat at one end of the enclosure to make the temperature on that end higher than the rest of the tank. The temperature at the other end of the enclosure will be around the lower temperature range. 

Consult with your Suwannee County, FL veterinarian to know more how to meet your pet’s needs.