Need help with venting new cages

I got my new cages from repti-racks, and on top of the all the other issues I've had with them, it seems they're not vented nearly enough. I put up a post yesterday asking about the accuracy of Herpstat 4 humidity probes, and was able to verify it as accurate today. So the issue must be that the cage isn't breathing. Without misting, on totally dry mulch, I'm getting 80% humidity with just a water dish in there. If someone could give me some advice on how to alleviate this, I would be most grateful...

Do I just punch some holes in the cages? If so, front or back? Through the plastic, or through the acrylic windows? Or should I just try to cut out the little "blinds" insert in the vent on the back? I'm attaching pictures:


Front of cage

http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/y...1522/cage4.jpg

Back of cage

http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/y...1522/cage3.jpg

Outside of vent

http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/y...1522/cage2.jpg

Inside of vent

http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/y...1522/cage1.jpg



Would greatly appreciate any input.

I would drill some holes on the acrylic doors, I would use a 1/4"-3/8" drill bit and put some holes along the top and bottom of the doors.start with a few, and add more as needed. it is much easier to add ore holes then take them away.

Fan in the room

Newspaper or aspen instead of mulch

Are you using a hot side? Some people like to think that a hot spot can help with airflow within a cage.

Don't shoot yourself In the foot and drill too many tho!
It's amazing it took almost a half a year for them to build something that can most likely be built in a few days.

Worst case you can do this:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...n-in-PVC-Cages

But this is a step not t be taken without first trying other less involved methods.

I am using a hot side... It's the back half of the cages.

Is there a special bit I should use on the acrylic? I hear it can crack pretty easily when drilled.

Rob, no kidding... Eff them. I am beyond angry. heh

Thanks everyone for the advice.

Just a standard "jobber" bit will do, avoid masonry bits though. The key is to take your time and not force the bit into the plastic. let the drill do its job.

Alright, managed not to break anything. lol. Humidity is at 70 now. Drilled 12 holes, rows of three, top and bottom on both sides. Should I add more holes to the rows I have now, or do another row down the middle?

I really like that fan setup too btw.

I would wait a day or so, just to make sure the humidity has settled into its new range then see if you need to add a few more.