Simple method to increase humidity... Please critique my resolve

Hello folks,

My bp seems to be going into shed mode with the cloudy eyes which has been that way for about 3-4 days now. I see my humidity level is ranging between 44-47% per my accurite and so I am misting however I decided to add an extra helping hand.

After reading some posts from the past I decided to get a sandwich ziplock bag folded it and poked holes throughout the bag. Got 2 bounties soaked them, strained them enough to remain damp and placed them within the bag which is now under his hide and covered slightly with the repti bark substrate.

Should this be sufficient as a resole to increase the humidity especially in the hide where hes been religiously the past few days? The purpose of the bag was not to risk exposing he damp cloth directly onto the substrate risking mold but venting out into his hide through the holes to increase the humidity(theoretically).

Let me know your thoughts please and TIA.

-Nick

Your humidity is way too low for a snake that is in shed, it really should be between 60% & 80%

That might help, I've never tried it before, but it makes sense.

I think that for the short time that it will take for your snake to shed you wouldn't have any mold issues anyway, but you can never be too safe I guess.

What type of enclosure do you have for your snake?

Sounds reasonable. Not really much different than a humid hide. Moss on the outside edge of the hide would do the same too just for the shed. I have also used terracotta hides that could be soaked and used as well. No 'right' or 'wrong' answer it is what ever works.

Get a big water bowl and put it on the HOT end of the tank. Cover up most of the lid if it's screen. That should help a lot!

I personally have never used paper towels in a bag .I like to use spaghum moss in there hide. I might worry about the plastic bag but that's just me.

Yeah, 44-47 is much too low. Even for a non shedding period.

Your idea sounds logical to me. Is the hide over the hot spot? That will definitely increase the humidity if over the hotspot.

Does your whole tank have Eco earth? You can moisten that to help. A large water dish also helps. In a snug hide I place damp, not sopping wet, spaghum moss. Your humidity should be around 70 for a shed.

Enclosure is 20 gallon long. substrate is reptibark which I plan to change out to cypress mulch.. My bp has been hanging out on the cool side most of the time during this little incubation phase he's going through. I have 1/3 of the lid closed up but it's obvious I may need to do at least 80% with the exception of an overhead night bulb I keep on 24/7 to keep my ambient temps around 82 degrees.

-Nick

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Originally Posted by luvmyballs

I personally have never used paper towels in a bag .I like to use spaghum moss in there hide. I might worry about the plastic bag but that's just me.

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I have success with this too. If the hide is confined enough and you are able to create microclimate within it, the 47% humidity outside shouldn't be a big problem.

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Originally Posted by Danman88

I have success with this too. If the hide is confined enough and you are able to create microclimate within it, the 47% humidity outside shouldn't be a big problem.

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I think bare minimum, (with out shed) should be 55 on humidity, imo.

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

I think bare minimum, (with out shed) should be 55 on humidity, imo.

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I've had mine in the 40's for long stretches and been fine. In fact almost every care sheet ive read calls for between 40 and 60%. But if you can maintain a very humid micro-climate inside the hide then the outside humidity shouldn't have a huge impact on the shed as long as normal humidity is at a reasonable level.

I don't like seeing below 40% but I know an old timer snake (local school) that just has a humid hide and the humidity is rarely above 45% he is very healthy and has been there for well 18+ years anyway. I think too many freak about low humidity and restrict air flow and raise humidity building great homes for bacteria. There is often issues with RI that follow this method. Lots of air flow, snakes breath is not the way to increase humidity. Tanks vent poorly as it is.

I use cypress mulch for all of my snakes and I love it. The only thing to remember is when you're feeding it's a good idea to hold the food item with tongs or your hand or something instead of just tossing it in there because it wouldn't be a good experience for you to have to pull a shard of wood out of your snakes bleeding mouth. been there done that. Other than that cypress mulch is very good for keeping humidity. Spray it down with a bottle so its slightly darker and when it lightens up in a few days spray again. Never had problems when using cypress.

edit: It's cheap too. Lowes/home depot sell 3 cu.ft bags for under 3.00 a bag. It's also very mildew resistant. Not sure why more people don't use it honestly.

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Originally Posted by Twist

I use cypress mulch for all of my snakes and I love it. The only thing to remember is when you're feeding it's a good idea to hold the food item with tongs or your hand or something instead of just tossing it in there because it wouldn't be a good experience for you to have to pull a shard of wood out of your snakes bleeding mouth. been there done that. Other than that cypress mulch is very good for keeping humidity. Spray it down with a bottle so its slightly darker and when it lightens up in a few days spray again. Never had problems when using cypress.

edit: It's cheap too. Lowes/home depot sell 3 cu.ft bags for under 3.00 a bag. It's also very mildew resistant. Not sure why more people don't use it honestly.

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Another good way to avoid substrate ingestion is to use a separate container specifically for feeding. I have rept-carpet and I still do this simply to keep my snake from associating her tank opening with feeding time. It's kinda cool to watch actually how she will go from very docile and mellow to full on hunt mode as soon as I put her in the feed box.

Also, great suggestion on the tongs. My snake refuses to eat unless it's moving and it only took me getting bit once while wiggling the mouse with my fingers to realize that was a pretty stupid idea.

I have used a tupperware container with a wet paper towel shut in the lid and an entrance on the side. In fact thats the type of humid hide our new baby beardie has right now.

sent from my EVO

Your setup is probably different, but here is how I resolve the need to increase humidity during shed.

In my tubs, the humidity is about 55 - 60% when the water bowl is nearer the cool side of the tub. When shedding time comes, I move the bowl more towards (but not directly on top of) the heating. The humidity goes to 70%. Voila!

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

I don't like seeing below 40% but I know an old timer snake (local school) that just has a humid hide and the humidity is rarely above 45% he is very healthy and has been there for well 18+ years anyway. I think too many freak about low humidity and restrict air flow and raise humidity building great homes for bacteria. There is often issues with RI that follow this method. Lots of air flow, snakes breath is not the way to increase humidity. Tanks vent poorly as it is.

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Ding ding ding

Just make a humid hide. Tupperware with a lid on, moss or moist paper towel inside. I guarantee your snake is gonna find it and sit in there till they're good and ready to shed. They're dumb, but they're wired for survival. Snakes and reptiles have been managing their own sheds for millions of years. The only responsibility you have is to give them the option. They possess the ability to seek out a humid micro-climate when they need it.

I place a wet natural sea sponge in over the winter because it is really dry here.