What is the correct humidity?

[swkirrel]

My ball python books don’t mention a specific number, and the various care sheets on the web are contradictory.

What is the correct humidity?

[starmom]

I keep mine at about 55% all the time. They are healthy and shed well.

[Bart]

I also keep my cages at about 55%. When they are going into a shed, I bump it up to about 65%.

[JayBP]

Mine stays at around 70%.

[missi182]

55% to 60% is perfect, 50% minimum. If you are looking for ball python care enlightenment, please check out these care sheets. These care sheets are some of the BEST on the web, and members here would be happy to expand on any explanations that are not clear.

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/f...splay.php?f=62

[evil mechanic]

mine are in racks and stay at 70% without even trying. never had a problem.

[L.West]

Isn't 70 percent too high?? Is it okay if the humidity fluctuates but stays within 50-60 percent. Mine tends to go down to 52% and then mid day will be closer to 60% - is this a problem.

[littleindiangirl]

Isn't 70 percent too high?? Is it okay if the humidity fluctuates but stays within 50-60 percent. Mine tends to go down to 52% and then mid day will be closer to 60% - is this a problem.

The only way I'd consider too low of humidity a problem for BP's is if they don't shed in one piece, or it's so low they develop respiratory problems.

But honestly, yours sounds like it's in a good range.

[Jenn]

There are some varing opinions on this subject. Most people agree that 60% is right in the "ball" park. My racks stay around 60% but I keep my tanks a bit higher (70%+).

I think the reason most people go with 60% is because that's about the lowest humidity that BP's can handle without too many problems (RI etc). Higher humidity levels can also lead to problems if things are not kept very clean.

However, my reasoning is that BP's in the wild live in the ground. Have you ever slept on the ground? It's very very humid. And one has to question why the conditions we keep our snakes in is not appropriate for incubating the eggs they lay. In the wild they LIVE in the conditions appropriate for incubation (very high humidity).

My experience is that snakes kept in 70% humidity are healthier in general than those kept at 60%.

Just my .02

[L.West]

So, what you are saying is that I would not be doing any harm if I keep my tank between 60/70% humidity - correct.

I am always sooo worried about too much humidity and then not enough - its enough to drive someone nuts with worry.