Humid Hide - Pros and Cons?

[MelissaFlipski]

Last week we got a humid hide with moss in it to help Mr. Snake - we have had two bad sheds with him so far. He loves it! It is also on the warmer side of the tank, so that it's not cold and humid, but toasty and humid. It's his favorite new place - who wouldn't choose a moss bed over Aspen shavings?

Anyway, last night I had him out and I heard the TINIEST little "pop" when he would breath. Could the humid hide be too humid? Could he be getting sick from it? Note: there was a tiny bit of skin from his last shed in one of his nostrils, but it was more of a whistling sound and then I thought I got it out. He does not have any mucus, etc.

Our husbandry: Cool side is 77 degrees / 53% humidity - but we also have an UTH on that side since 77 is a bit low, so it's warmer under his hide w/ belly heat (on a dimmer - both CHE and UTH are on a rheostat). Warm side is 91 degrees / 43% humidity with a regular hide and the humid hide (we mist the moss every day to every two days). A large water bowl is in the middle and other cage accessories for hiding, climbing, etc.

Are humid hides always good? Or can they be too humid? After I heard the tiny pops late last night, I left the humid hide askew to help it dry some and not be too humid.

Thoughts? Thank you!

[lord jackel]

warmth + moisture = mold and possible R.I. (these can happen very quickly)

That is the biggest concern with long term use of a humid hide. I typically only recommend people use them when their snake is in blue and about to shed. Once they shed remove it. Moving your water dish over your UTH will help raise the ambient humidity in the tank without the need for a humid hide all the time.

As for your snake I would keep a close eye on him...if the whistling gets worse or you start to notice any mucus or other R.I. signs get him to the vet ASAP.

Hope this helps

[fishmommy]

I use dried sphagnum in a central hide all the time - the snake really seems to think the moss is comfy and loves to lie in there. However, I only moisten the moss during shedding. The rest of the time it is dry. I'm paranoid about too much humidity causing RI.....

[MelissaFlipski]

Thanks, guys. I will keep a close eye on him and only moisten it during shed. When should I moisten, from blue eyes to shed completion, or eyes clear after blue to shed completion?

The moss does seem like a much comfier bed than shredded wood!

Last night, his little pop was either the same or better - I could not hear it often, but could have been due to some noise in the other room. I first heard it when everyone was sleeping! I'll check him out again tonight.

[MelissaFlipski]

We're taking him to the vet today. Updates will be in a new thread:
http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...321#post668321