I will be careful..........(msg)

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Posted by nanci on October 24, 2001 at 13:11:40:

In Reply to: a few thoughts on Heating Pads msg posted by IC on October 24, 2001 at 08:12:25:

: While heating pads can provide some great temprary warmpth, they should not be the primary source of it. Yes, they are safer than hot rocks but John is right in saying that the majority of heat for an iguana needs to come from above and not below.

: I implore you to be very careful when placing any heat device, pad, rock or other, under an light bulb that also gives heat. This can cause hot spots just as easily one device to the next. You also need to be conerned of the build up of heat which in your case can potentially build up in the towel and cause fire.

: It has always been my opinion that heating pads should not be used in cages and they should definetly not be left on when no one is home. I seem to remember a warning on our old heating pad (before our puppy used it as a chew toy) that said not to leave it on for extended periods of time.

: we use heating pads in carriers during the winter on trips to the vet, etc. and have one set up in the living room so when one of the igs decides to come watch some TV, they have a warm cozy place to stretch out on the sofa. In every cage we have, the heat is provided via a mervury vapor bulb and a radiant heat panel. We've saved substatially on the electric bill switching to this set up!

Yes, I see what you are saying. I was advised on my other board to use the heating pad in addition to the light. I try not to keep the light too close because I don't want the iguana getting burned or trying to jump from the cage top to the light. Also, the cage is set up next to the window and since it's the north side of the house, it can get cool. I never put the heating pad any higher than the low setting to lessen the risk of anything catching on fire. I am home all day (unless I go out shopping or to the market) and then I turn it off. If I go away for the weekend, the iguana is put into the cage (my "sitter" won't watch it any other way) and I use the light and don't use the heating pad at all during that time.

Thanks for the advice......nanci

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: : While heating pads can provide some great temprary warmpth, they should not be the primary source of it. Yes, they are safer than hot rocks but John is right in saying that the majority of heat for an iguana needs to come from above and not below. : : I implore you to be very careful when placing any heat device, pad, rock or other, under an light bulb that also gives heat. This can cause hot spots just as easily one device to the next. You also need to be conerned of the build up of heat which in your case can potentially build up in the towel and cause fire. : : It has always been my opinion that heating pads should not be used in cages and they should definetly not be left on when no one is home. I seem to remember a warning on our old heating pad (before our puppy used it as a chew toy) that said not to leave it on for extended periods of time. : : we use heating pads in carriers during the winter on trips to the vet, etc. and have one set up in the living room so when one of the igs decides to come watch some TV, they have a warm cozy place to stretch out on the sofa. In every cage we have, the heat is provided via a mervury vapor bulb and a radiant heat panel. We've saved substatially on the electric bill switching to this set up! : Yes, I see what you are saying. I was advised on my other board to use the heating pad in addition to the light. I try not to keep the light too close because I don't want the iguana getting burned or trying to jump from the cage top to the light. Also, the cage is set up next to the window and since it's the north side of the house, it can get cool. I never put the heating pad any higher than the low setting to lessen the risk of anything catching on fire. I am home all day (unless I go out shopping or to the market) and then I turn it off. If I go away for the weekend, the iguana is put into the cage (my "sitter" won't watch it any other way) and I use the light and don't use the heating pad at all during that time. : Thanks for the advice......nanci

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