is a constant humidity of 68% bad?

the humidity where i live is already higher than 60 I can get the humidity down to 68 with around 60 holes poked in the tub is a constant humidity of 68 really bad for ball python?

Most care sheets call for 40 to 60 percent. A higher number is good during shed. If you can't get it down and it stays high read up on respiratory infection. This way you will know the signs.

How are you heating the snake?

yes sorry.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by devinrw

yes sorry.

---

My fault. I didn't notice you posted under BP husbandry. I re wrote my post.

uth. have a skmall water bowl in the opposite corner.. i had one of those cheap dial hygrometers that told me humidity was perfect switched to accurite and it told me my humidity was way high lol.

Yea, most are junk. I Have found that the Zoo Med dual gauge they sell at most pet stores is actually pretty accurate. I bought one for my cool side but tested it in my cigar humidor first. It was spot on.

I wouldn't say 68 is BAD, but I don't think its best. How are your temps? This is a tub or tupperware? Where do you have the probe in the container?

temps are pretty spot on daytime is 80/90 and night time is 79/88 the probes are above the heat tape and in the furthest corner away from heat tape. it is a tub in a rack.

I wrote this as you posted. Doesn't really all apply to a tub. I use naturalistic terrariums so its alittle different. Maybe a tub user could give you better help. Sorry.


Check your humidity more on the warm side. Keep the probe more to the warm side, you might find it a bit lower and that your setup is good. If your humidity is good on the warm side then it being alittle higher should be fine on the cool side.

I would suggest getting a IR temp gun. When I started using one I found that numbers were not as good as i thought.

If you find your numbers off, and your setup will allow, you can add a heat lamp. This will kill some humidity. Or you might just switch over to a lamp system. Again, if it will work for you and keeps your numbers good. I Keep a cold home and actually use a uth, ceramic heater, and a set of low watt day/night bulbs for alittle extra heat on my 40 gallon tank.



Another thing that can change your humidity is your substrate. Something like Eco-Earth or Forest Floor is very damp in the beginning and will cause higher humidity. Changing to a dry aspen shaving or newspaper will not raise your humidity and may lower your levels.

This is all guessing for you, not being there I can not be sure of anything. If you do change your heat source remove your snake while you get things right.

68 is fine, I have read of people keeping there humidity at a constant number between 60-70 and this is about the range mine stays in and I've had no problem.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ZBP

68 is fine, I have read of people keeping there humidity at a constant number between 60-70 and this is about the range mine stays in and I've had no problem.

---

I agree hoovering between 60-70 is fine but would be cautious about keeping it near 70. I would just keep a close watch over the snake til it proves its fine with that and like I said read up on RI so you will know the signs fast. RI can take out a snake quick if you don't catch it in time.

I wish some more tub users would let us know if they keep their levels this hig constantly. I have a big tank which allows for a wider range of zones. I've never had to worry about to much humidity. Mine is only that high after misting. Mine hoovers between 45-55 regularly.

I wouldn't be worked about RI at all, the parts of Africa that BP's come from averages humidity levels between 65% - 80% year round...

As long as there isn't condensation on the tubs you should be fine. Do keep an eye out for mold growth, I wouldn't expect any issues at humidity levels in the upper 60's, but it is always possible.

My PVC cages stay at 60% (in the entire cage) all the time with no issues. I boost the humidity up to 70% during shed.

*EDIT*

I don't mean to imply that the OP shouldn't read up on RI, that is a very important thing to know regardless... All I was saying is that from my experience I would say that the OP shouldn't have any issues.

What or how did you put holes in the tub?
What is the regular humidity of your home?

If you keep a comfy temp in your house I would guess that the humidity will be lower inside than out so therefor your tub should be closer to your indoor level with better ventalation. Maybe even putting a ocilating fan in the room would help that.

Maybe use a drill and put slightly larger or more holes in just one side of the tub. You said "poked" so I'm getting the picture in my head that the holes may be too small to really allow good ventalation.

Just popped in my head, hope I'm helping!

There you are Serpant Merchant. I'm glad you chimed in. Do you know people that keep it that high constantly. I realize that Africa may get higher but I doubt it stays that way 24/7. We can all live with a high change for a while but I would worry about the long term effect. I try to raise mine during shed but that's just a short time once in awhile.

Mine stay at a constant 60-70 during the summer. I'm about to switch my substrate to indented craft paper so we'll see where it goes then. I haven't had any problems with mine and sheds are perfect.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KMG

There you are Serpant Merchant. I'm glad you chimed in. Do you know people that keep it that high constantly. I realize that Africa may get higher but I doubt it stays that way 24/7. We can all live with a high change for a while but I would worry about the long term effect. I try to raise mine during shed but that's just a short time once in awhile.

---

I know of a local reptile shop that keeps their cages that high, they more or less keep their shop the same as the outdoor humidity level. I live in Orlando, Fl where the outdoor humidity % was 91% today. Of course things like heat lamps will reduce the humidity level in their cages and during the winter (if you consider 60 degrees winter lol) the humidity is marginally lower as well.

As far as Africa is concerned... you also have to consider that BP's will stay in an underground burrow during the day. Even if the ambient humidity level drops down below 60% (which I'm sure that it does) their burrows should stay more humid.