So I Think I Want a Humid Hide...

[Hawkshadow]

So I've done some research and I think I want to add a humid hide to my ball python's and reticulated python's tanks. I don't want to have to soak both my retic and my ball every time they shed like I did for the retic's last one, it's kind of tedious. My kenyan sand boa is fine, never had an issue with his sheds (never had an issue with the ball's either, but he was in a tub prior to a few days ago).

Now, is it better to line the hide with moss or put a layer of moss on top of the substrate (I have aspen) and then put the hide on top of that?

Also, when do you have to change out the moss? I know you can reuse it for a while, but I don't want to add mold or anything bad to the tanks in the process.

Thank you! ^^

[Bogertophis]

The way I use sphagnum moss is to first completely soak it, then put a good amount (leaving room for the snake ) into a container* of appropriate size that
has a doorway cut into it (on the top). * Food storage containers that are rectangular & overall sorta flat are what you're looking for. If you put such moss just
on top of aspen, you'll just have soggy aspen. You could also use a container* with no top on it for easier access, but it will dry out faster & may not feel secure
enough to your snake. No way to know how long your moss will last...it can be re-soaked a number of times...when it seems old, toss it. If a little mold appears
it's not lethal or harmful...trust me, there's mold in the wild too.

[DandD]

I actually fill up two glad containers full of aspen,then fill them to the brim with water and set the hides right on top of them. Works perfect in a aquarium setting where humidity can be rough during the winter. I was suspicious at first but it seems snakes are smarter than most think. Every time he’s going into shed he really starts to utilize it.

[Shayne]

Quick question....

Does the hide need to be larger than normal to give him/her room to move around in the moss? Or just a standard, snug hide will suffice?

[RickyNY]

Not too snug that you won't be able to put enough moss in there.

[Sonny1318]

Since you say you’re dealing with a retic and a ball, I would add very damp moss to their hides. In my experience it’s easier that way when dealing with larger species. It’ll probably have to re moistened every other day. I use a room humidifier but like supplement with moss as soon as I notice they’re in shed. Hope this helps.

[Zincubus]

Spraying is an easy option
I spray their vivs whenever I'm doing water changes and whenever I think about it but when mine go into shed I spray the viv EVERY day then as soon as their eyes clear and they get their colour back I start spraying a few times each day ... You'll probably find the messy , rolled up lump of skin UNDER his hide afterwards ) .
Note they get their colour back and the eyes clear a few days BEFORE the skin actually comes off .


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[Godzilla78]

I use a room humidifier (a whole bunch of snakes) and I spray/pour water on the substrate in the dry months, as needed.

[Pgoodman]

Hi! I tried a humidity hide and it’s naturally very dry where I live and the hide still just wasn’t enough for my bp. I would recommend getting a reptifogger. I’ve been using it and it’s been consistently keeping the humidity 40-60% and I just turn it up a notch to 70-80 when he’s in shed. Highly recommend it!

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I only have the one terrarium so it’s not worth humidifying the whole room, the reptifogger is very helpful with that I think it’s made be zoo med but I’m not positive

[Bogertophis]

These are all good suggestions, and it just shows that not every "fix" is right for every situation or for every creature.