Reptiles are a great addition to any home. They are fascinating creatures that can be fun to watch and easy to take care of. However, one question many people have is whether or not they need a heat lamp. The answer, as it turns out, is no! Many reptiles don’t require a heat lamp to stay healthy and happy. This blog post will discuss five types of reptiles that don’t need a heat lamp.
1. Bearded Dragon
The Bearded Dragon is a type of lizard that originates from Australia. These reptiles are famous pets due to their docile nature and relatively easy care requirements. While Bearded Dragons require a basking spot to soak up some heat, they do not need a heat lamp as they can regulate their body temperature.
2. Blue-Tongued Skink
The Blue-Tongued Skink is a type of lizard that originates from Australia and Indonesia. These reptiles make great pets as they are relatively easy to care for and very docile. Blue-Tongued Skinks require a basking spot where they can soak up some heat, but they do not need a heat lamp as they can regulate their body temperature.
3. Leopard Gecko
The Leopard Gecko is a type of lizard that originates from the deserts of Asia. These reptiles make great pets as they are relatively easy to care for and very docile. Leopard Geckos require a basking spot where they can soak up some heat, but they do not need a heat lamp as they can regulate their body temperature.
4. Red-Footed Tortoise
The Red-Footed Tortoise is a type of turtle that originates from South America. These turtles are great pets as they are relatively easy to care for and very docile. Red-Footed Tortoises require a basking spot where they can soak up some heat, but they do not need a heat lamp as they can regulate their body temperature.
5. Yellow-Bellied Slider
The Yellow-Bellied Slider is a turtle that originates from the southeastern United States. These turtles are great pets as they are relatively easy to care for and very docile. Yellow-Bellied Sliders require a basking spot where they can soak up some heat, but they do not need a heat lamp as they can regulate their body temperature.
The benefit of not needing a heat lamp
Electric Bill
Reptiles aren’t costly pets regarding care and supplementary needs, but one thing that might surprise you: your electric bill! Pets that require a 24-hour heat lamp tend not to lean towards the energy-efficient.
Especially if you’re looking to house a few reptiles, this is a significant consideration to take into account.
Access to Power
You might also consider your living environment. For example, in older houses with few electrical outlets, you might not have the option to plug in any items where you want to. Or maybe you’re a drifter living in a sprinter van and have no extra battery power to spare.
Go for an alternative.
Harness the sun: In nature, reptiles use sun-basking to provide them with body heat. Another method of getting toasty is lying on hot rocks or warm ground. If you have a substantial sunny window that gets loads of rays, you might be able to place the tank nearby to provide natural sun heat.
Make sure there is a cool shaded area for your scaly pal to rest in.
The species you choose might need a heat source but be able to thrive without a whole heat lamp. Another alternative would be a heating pad to replicate hot rocks or an under-tank heating element.
Set the stage
Whichever reptile you choose to add to your family, ensure you do them right by providing them with the ideal environment. They’ll be spending most of their time in their tank, so it’s got to be perfect. You can find species-specific information for tank setup to guide you. But remember the basics:
- Check the temperature: You can use a thermometer sticker on the side of the tank
- Hiding places: rocks, little caves, small logs
- Branches or climbing unit
- Misting 2-3x a day (if your species needs it!)
The Thrill of the Chill
Already relatively easy to care for pets if you don’t mind bug-handling, reptiles that don’t require a heat lamp are even more accessible.
Keep them happy by ensuring the rest of their home is as they need it! Using a tank setup when you don’t want to, or can’t, accommodate a heating lamp doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get a slithery little pal.
