Heat vs. Size vs. Humidity

[LostElise]

So in taking my new snake to the vet, I was in for a few surprises. Nathan Scott Phillips is indeed Nathanita Scotticia Phillipa, and rather than being a couple of months old, he-to-she is 181g (i think i remember that number?) and between 6mos and a year. I had her in a rubbermaid container, but that wasn't working out because it was either too humid and warm enough or cold but the right humidity. So, I moved her into a 30g aquarium. She has heat tape and a ceramic heater connected to a helix thermostat, which keeps the warm side between 91-93. The cool side is around 85. I've blocked off half of the screen with a towel (draped over the front half as well to give her privacy and hopefully keep my cat oblivious to her existance), but the humidity is still really low--35%. I know the ceramic lights suck out moisture, but I can't keep the heat up ambiently without it. And it isn't on full force due to the thermostat. My plan is to foil&tape the screen tomorrow, so other than misting and taping the screen, any way increase humidity? I am wondering if I should maybe switch substrates. Do the coconut bark types really hold in moisture better than newspaper? Would one be DRAMATICALLY different in terms of cleaning, smell, upkeep, etc?
In the meantime, I am going to soak her tomorrow. When I picked her up today (first time since her feeding monday night) her skin looked paler, like her eyes were about to cloud up. She was also much jumpier and seemed annoyed, so I am thinking she is about to shed (she's yet to in the month I've owned her). Any tips on minimum size of soak box? I have the little critter carrier that i used to take her to the vet in, and it has holes and etc, but it's only 5inches wide by 7inches long by 5inches high. Seems too small for a 45minute soak. Or is it too late to soak?

Jesus christ. Why can't snakes talk? It'd be soooo much easier if I could just let her tell me

Anyway, thanks.


Rachel

[Sadie]

Sounds like you're doing great!

For humidity: other than misting and soaking, you can also add a moist hide (damp moss or paper towels in a hide) and just rewet it when it dries out.

For substrate: I tried the bed-a-beast, cypress and jungle earth (I think). The first was dirty and molded, and the others didn't make much difference for humidity.

I use aspen and prefer to soak personally.

Some snakes I can put in the tub with a wet cloth over top of them and they'll stay there. I can't handle them first though; they don't stay if they're "woken up". Make sure there are no holes, etc. for him to get away if he gets out of the tub. And don't forget him, he'll cool down fast out on the floor. Make sure the door is closed securely. Warn your roommates that the snake is taking a bath.

For the smaller/more active ones, I use tupperware containers. I don't worry too much about air, I figure that there's plenty in there for an hour. I don't worry about drowning either, but both are choices you have to make for your own conscience. I've heard to not fill up the water more than half way up the snake's side. Also don't use water that feels warm to you, it will be much warmer to the snake. Use a thermometer if you want. I think 80 would be good but that's a guess.

Have fun!

Oh also, soaking is great right up to shed time, and most crucial in the 48 hours *after* the eyes clear. If I even soak once in this time period, all is well, but earlier you may have to do it 2-3 times.

Some snakes will have a crappy shed the first time due to stress from acclimating to a new home (my experience), so don't doubt yourself if it's not perfect this once.

Oh and look to make sure the eyecaps and tail tip come off in the shed.

[Sadie]

Sorry should have mentioned a tight container is fine for a soak, I think it makes them more secure, as long as he can still move his head freely (goes to the drowning issue).