Yet Another Heat Question

[jessran_88]

My room is in the basement of my house--but the entire "basement" is above ground. The temperature is about 68 F all the time. My room is the only space currently occupied in the basement because we are just starting to build the walls to divide everything.--

I need to warm up the area were a hedgehog will be staying and because I don't have walls yet a space heater may not do much to keep the heat up in the area the cage is going to be located. I have an undertank heater I am testing right now--the bottom of the cage isn't getting really warm but the air feels warmer around it. My digital thermometer says its about 72 F--So I added a low wattage ceramic heat bulb and the temperature went up to about 78 F.

Will this set up work until I have my walls finished in a couple of weeks to use a space heater? I don't have my hedgehog yet but I am supposed to pick him up at the end of the week. If this set up isn't going to work I would rather wait another couple of weeks to pick up my hedgehog.

Thanks Again,
Jessica

[mrgew]

As long as it stays constantly between 72- 78 and your hedgehog gets 12 hours of light a day, and has dark time to play at night it will be fine. If the temp is going to flucuate a lot then that won't be good, and if he doesnt get at least 12 hours of light each day that wont be good.

[Ododad]

A very good question and accompanying comments as it shows how much you care about the well being of your hedgie. I commend you on this.
I agree with Mrgew. A constant temperment and 12 hrs of daylight are very important. He/she will also need dark time too. You could also use a human heating pad for spot warmth.

[aprild0727]

My hedgie, Leroy, is kept in my room, which is carpeted, but underneath the carpet is concerte, so I'm constantly worried about the temp. However, I use a huge plastic tub (lid off - of course) and a heating pad underneanth. I find that the plastic holds the heat and I have a happy and healthy hedgie.

[Pippin'sMom]

If your worried about it getting too cold, I'd maybe wait until your room is completely finished and a stable temperature is established. Thank you for caring so much about your new hedgie's well-being!