Hi

I have some hatchlings (2) which I keep in a large rabbit cage in the conservatory.  I have managed to maintain their temperature very well as I am aware of the downfalls of keeping hatchlings in a conservatory where it can be very hot in the summer (when they can be outside) but very cold on winter nights.

I do have a ceramic night heater overhead but I am concerned that it is not giving the degree of warmth when they tend to dig down at night as they can often be in seperate places and the heat may not radiate to these areas.  I am therefore considering putting a heat may underneath the cage (not in the cage) between the melanine work surface and the plastic base of their cage (which is filled with the soil/sand substrate).  I don't really know if a) this will be safe or pose any fire risk and b) which is the best type of heat mat to go for.

If anyone can give any advice or make any recommendations I would be really grateful as I need to keep my babies warm.  Unfortunately I just have room in my lounge so have not choice but to have them in the conservatory.

Many thanks

Nicole 

Hi Nicole,

What species are your hatchlings and what substrate are you using? Hatchlings do lose heat alot quicker than adults so you need to make sure they dont get too cold at night. This depends on the species you keep? If they are horsfields then they can take colder temperature changes than other species. I never give my babies extra heat at night but they dig down in their sand/soil substrate and this helps to maintain their heat.. Hatchlings are tougher than we think.

Ali