
Everyone knows reptiles need heat, but have you ever thought about why they need heat? Why can’t they warm up on their own?
We have all heard about cold-blooded reptiles and how their blood does not warm on their own. But what is really happening to them? Just why are they called “cold-blooded?”

First why reptiles are called cold-blooded? Cold-blooded simply means your pet is unable to heat its own body. Therefore, he must have an outside source for heat. The proper or more accurate term for cold-blooded is ectothermic.
Why ectothermic? Ecto means outer or outside, while therm means heat. To better understand ectothermic, think of warm-blooded animals who can control their own body heat from the inside. They are called endothermic. Endo means inside. So now it can start to become clearer, ecto, outside, endo, inside.

Are reptiles actually Cold-Blooded?
Now, all this brings up a good question, is cold-blooded really the right word? Some reptiles’ ideal internal temperatures can be upwards of 120°F, while others prefer 60°F. Is the reptile who prefers 120°F really cold-blooded?
When an animal, such as your pet reptile, is ectothermic, it relies on outside influences to keep warm and maintain its optimum temperature or “thermal optimum”.
When an ectothermic animal is too cold it will move to a warmer place, for example a hot rock in a sunny spot. Then, when he becomes too hot, he will move to a cool spot under a rock or a shady spot.
So, to sum up “what does cold-blooded” mean? Well, it does not really mean your pet has freezing cold blood. The proper way to think of it is that your “cold-blooded” pet is really ectothermic and can only warm up OR cool down by outside, meaning external sources, such as heat mats, lights, rocks, and ceramic heaters.

The Necessity of Heat
Heat is a necessity of live for reptiles. Heat is essential for them to digest food. Without heat they are unable to digest food and extract the nutrients needed for a healthy life. Proper heat also activates muscles, organs, and the nervous system, therefore allowing them to have a normal life.

In order for any reptile to reproduce optimal conditions must be met with heating conditions being one of the most important factors. Insufficient heat will lead to health disorders, low activity, and increased stress to your pet. So, keeping on top of heat is essential for breeding as well!
Heat for Reptiles
When it comes to keeping your pet reptile warm there are quite a few options. But, how to know which is best for your pet? Part of knowing best is knowing your pet reptiles exact needs. Knowing which part of the world your pet originally comes from will be the place to start. Is it a desert or maybe a tropical rainforest? Reptiles come from all over the world so learning about their natural habitat is a good place to start.
Here is a list of the most common types of heating sources for reptiles.
Basking lamps

Incandescent will provide radiant heat. A good source of Infrared A heat. Infrared A helps reptiles with thermo regulation, circulation and gives them more energy. As well, these bulbs are also good at raising the air temperature in terrariums.
Mercury Vapor

When you decide to use a mercury vapor bulb, this bulb provides heat and lighting. A good choice for many terrariums. providing both UVA/UVB. You may need to add a linear bulb with a mercury vapor to provide additional UV across the entire terrarium.
Ceramic Heat Emitter

Excellent radiant heat, ideal for day and transition to night perfectly. So, a ceramic heat emitter warms the air very well. Also, perfect for nocturnal animals as there is no light to interfere with the nocturnal pets circadian system. You will need to provide additional light as this bulb is for heat only.
Under tank heat pads

Provide low gradient heat best conducted through substrate. Heat mats will not heat up the ambient air temperature so ceramic heat emitters may also be needed.
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