Is it necessary to raise humidity for shed?

It seems like when people start asking questions about shedding somebody at some point suggests the humidity be raised. I personally never raise the humidity and get perfect sheds nearly all the time. So is it actually necessary to raise humidity or only for a problematic shed?

It should only be necessary to raise humidity if the humidity is chronically low in the first place. If your humidity is always within the acceptable range, your snakes should shed just fine.

Like Slim said, if you have good humidity and a well hydrated snake then everything else goes smooth. :gj::gj:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Gerardo

It seems like when people start asking questions about shedding somebody at some point suggests the humidity be raised. I personally never raise the humidity and get perfect sheds nearly all the time. So is it actually necessary to raise humidity or only for a problematic shed?

---

If you have ideal humidity probably not.
However, I try to have the humidity on the low side where I can to inhibit growth of nasties to make cleaning easier. Think of a poorly ventilated bathroom. Then when I see a shed coming on I bump humidity to the higher end of "normal" to give myself more leeway if it drops a bit while I;m at work.
But, to be honest I haven't tested it to see if I am just creating more steps for myself this way or not.

Like others said, if you're humidity levels are good then it's not necessary, however I know how hard it can be to maintain good humidity levels in the winter. In any case it certainly wouldn't hurt to supply a little extra moisture.

Just had my first bad shed in a loooong time due to issues with dry winter air, but I have a lot of trouble telling when that albino girl is about to shed anyway. Normally it's not an issue for me, and I get perfect sheds with no special action on my part.

Its funny that alot of people have trouble with humidity in the winter and i been able to keep it in the 50% range with no problem. I think i struggle more in the humid summers.

I live in the desert so humidity is always an issue. However I don't worry too much since as Raven pointed out, it does inhibit the growth of nasties (NIH recommends staying below 50% since mold will readily grow above that). Most of mine shed just fine even with lower humidity, but I do have one that I have to bump up substantially when she's shedding or she's just a mess.

I am a newbie, but I can say that I keep my normal humidity on the low side, but I bumped it to 70% or Matilda's shed cycle. She had a gorgeous shed. I mean, I could see where her eyes, upper jaw, and lower jaw were in the shed skin. It was also in a perfect circle that I was able to unroll when I pulled it from her container. I took it to my school (I am a teacher) to show my students. Like I said, perfect shed.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Raven01

However, I try to have the humidity on the low side where I can to inhibit growth of nasties to make cleaning easier.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Badgemash

as Raven pointed out, it does inhibit the growth of nasties (NIH recommends staying below 50% since mold will readily grow above that)

---

Using an Iris Sweater Box, kraft paper substrate, two RBI hides and a crock water dish, I've never had any issue with these nasties of which you speak. I hold 65% on a pretty consistent basis, but never grow anything in the tub except snakes :D