How much humidity is too much for a BCI?

I just brought a Nic BC home (my first snake!) and I'm having some trouble with humidity. I'm using a digital Acurite for measurements and the temps are fine I think, 75 - 86 f with a 93 f hot spot. My humidity won't come down past 80%, sometimes getting to the mid 80s. However, I'd dried out the substrate (cypress mulch) almost entirely beforehand, so I don't see any condensation or feel dampness; everything is seemingly dry and clean. I'm not sure if the current humid weather here may be having an effect, as I'm in an air-conditioned condo - possibly a little?

Should I be concerned about these current conditions, is it necessary to drill more air holes? My main reasons for wanting to keep it as is are a) I don't have a drill and need to ask someone to do it for me (I'll need to figure out how to keep the snake contained for that time, and he's just moved in so I'll have to wait), b) I'm worried added air holes would drop my temps, and c) it gets very dry here in the winter, and I want this tub to be viable then, too.

I've found mixed information regarding how harmful high humidity may or may not be for BCIs - from "it can lead to RIs" to "there isn't a maximum as long as the enclosure's clean and not constantly wet/mouldy". Advice would be greatly appreciated!

I've got a nice hypo Nicaraguan, there really fun snakes
Can I ask what your measuring your humidity with as if your using them little round stick on dials, they often get stuck and can then give false readings

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Originally Posted by richardhind1972

I've got a nice hypo Nicaraguan, there really fun snakes
Can I ask what your measuring your humidity with as if your using them little round stick on dials, they often get stuck and can then give false readings

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Mine's a hypo as well! I'm going to have a hard time not handling or checking in on him for a whole week!

I'm using this thermometer/hygrometer from Acurite:

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...7m-800x800.jpg

I don't think it's faulty as it was giving me other readings fine before, e.g. 50% outside of the enclosure. It does read high when it's touching the walls of the tub, so I've tried to change up its placement a few times, so far it's holding steady in the 80s :(

Just a thought about drilling more air holes (and not saying whether or not you need them, as I have no experience with Nics), but if you do that, they
are really easy to cover up with a piece of tape in seasons when you don't need them. In the past, I've used a couple Prolines & was happy with the
extra ventilation for what I was keeping, & you can always make holes "go away", even permanently with silicone sealant etc.

Oh right, there normally pretty good, yes that is a bit too high,just monitor it and it may settle down,is there weather really humid there at the moment
Do you have any pics here’s my girl she was 3 the other week
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...281fb72062.jpg



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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Just a thought about drilling more air holes (and not saying whether or not you need them, as I have no experience with Nics), but if you do that, they
are really easy to cover up with a piece of tape in seasons when you don't need them. In the past, I've used a couple Prolines & was happy with the
extra ventilation for what I was keeping, & you can always make holes "go away", even permanently with silicone sealant etc.

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That's a good point, and I do already have silicone on hand! Thanks for the tip. I think I'll wait another week or two before I mess with the enclosure again, so hopefully he'll be alright for that period.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by richardhind1972

Oh right, there normally pretty good, yes that is a bit too high,just monitor it and it may settle down,is there weather really humid there at the moment
Do you have any pics here’s my girl she was 3 the other week
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...281fb72062.jpg



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I'll see how it is for the first week - yeah, it's been quite hot and muggy recently (humidex 100 f yesterday), but it's down to 66% now so I'm thinking it didn't have much to do with the tub.

I only got a few quick phone pics before leaving him be -

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...0c4o1_1280.jpg

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...0c4o2_1280.jpg

Yours is gorgeous!! I can't wait to see mine grow up, he's still so little :)

Thanks,her colours are really cool when she has just shed like last week,she’s got all sorts of colours going off
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...82522ca946.jpg
This was mine when I first had her
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f116c504d2.png
Nics are really nice snakes .i find they don’t like to hold on much at all,not like my other boas,I have a pair of corn island Nicaraguans too but there so different to the mainland nics
I look forward to watching his progression


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OP, two thoughts.

First, 93F hot spot is probably too hot and 75F likely too cold - Richardhind1972 - want to chime in? I don't keep dwarfs, but I thought care was very close to a BCI, which I do have. I would say 90F hot spot tops. Ideally 88-90F is the range. Mine stays about 88-89F and my BCI female (Behira) spends most of her time closer to ambient temps or a little above. My ambient temp in her cage is about 82F, the cool spot is about 78F, and her hot side is about 84-89F (the highest being on the hot spot). The cool spot, IMO, should be 77-78F at the lowest. Ideally 78-80F cool spot, 82-84 ambient (give or take a degree), with a 88-90F hot spot.

Secondly, and again, Richardhind1972, or Phillydubs (who also keeps dwarf Boas), should chime in if able, the humidity, as Richardhind1972 said, is probably a little high. HOWEVER, new keepers often get freaked out about spikes and drops in things like humidity and temperature. Obviously, really not desired with temperature, hence using thermostats (for safety as well), temp gauges, etc. However, things like humidity are much harder to keep in range as seasons and temperatures change.

For example, I keep Behira about 55-65% in the winter and raise to 75-80% for sheds. In the summer, the tank averages 65-70% humidity and I still raise slightly for sheds. However, I take these averages over a long period of time. Weeks or months. Any given day, it can be 75% in her tank in the summer, or 50% in the winter.

I generally do not allow below 50% for more than 1-2 days and get the humidity up fast when it's really dry. However, 55% - 60%, although a little low, is fine for a week (assuming she's not shedding), when it's really dry in the house.

My point is, 80% humidity won't kill your Boa for a day or two. Let things stabilize. For two weeks at 80% +, you potentially are asking for higher risk of an RI, etc., but not for a day or two. Make minor adjustments until you have it better, NOT DRASTIC ADJUSTMENTS!

Drastic changes in humidity, and especially temperature can be dangerous. Small adjustments are not. Take your time, get it dialed in, and slowly and prudently. Too often I see keepers get upset because the hot spot is 87F instead of 89F. They turn the thermostat (or worse the heating device without having a thermostat) up too high and that can kill an animal.

Remember, with humidity, small adjustments over time are fine. Don't do anything drastic, as major adjustments can stress your snake. With temperature, this is especially true; slow and steady wins the race.

Stay calm and keep us in the loop. We are here to help.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dakski

OP, two thoughts.

First, 93F hot spot is probably too hot and 75F likely too cold - Richardhind1972 - want to chime in? I don't keep dwarfs, but I thought care was very close to a BCI, which I do have. I would say 90F hot spot tops. Ideally 88-90F is the range. Mine stays about 88-89F and my BCI female (Behira) spends most of her time closer to ambient temps or a little above. My ambient temp in her cage is about 82F, the cool spot is about 78F, and her hot side is about 84-89F (the highest being on the hot spot). The cool spot, IMO, should be 77-78F at the lowest. Ideally 78-80F cool spot, 82-84 ambient (give or take a degree), with a 88-90F hot spot.

Secondly, and again, Richardhind1972, or Phillydubs (who also keeps dwarf Boas), should chime in if able, the humidity, as Richardhind1972 said, is probably a little high. HOWEVER, new keepers often get freaked out about spikes and drops in things like humidity and temperature. Obviously, really not desired with temperature, hence using thermostats (for safety as well), temp gauges, etc. However, things like humidity are much harder to keep in range as seasons and temperatures change.

For example, I keep Behira about 55-65% in the winter and raise to 75-80% for sheds. In the summer, the tank averages 65-70% humidity and I still raise slightly for sheds. However, I take these averages over a long period of time. Weeks or months. Any given day, it can be 75% in her tank in the summer, or 50% in the winter.

I generally do not allow below 50% for more than 1-2 days and get the humidity up fast when it's really dry. However, 55% - 60%, although a little low, is fine for a week (assuming she's not shedding), when it's really dry in the house.

My point is, 80% humidity won't kill your Boa for a day or two. Let things stabilize. For two weeks at 80% +, you potentially are asking for higher risk of an RI, etc., but not for a day or two. Make minor adjustments until you have it better, NOT DRASTIC ADJUSTMENTS!

Drastic changes in humidity, and especially temperature can be dangerous. Small adjustments are not. Take your time, get it dialed in, and slowly and prudently. Too often I see keepers get upset because the hot spot is 87F instead of 89F. They turn the thermostat (or worse the heating device without having a thermostat) up too high and that can kill an animal.

Remember, with humidity, small adjustments over time are fine. Don't do anything drastic, as major adjustments can stress your snake. With temperature, this is especially true; slow and steady wins the race.

Stay calm and keep us in the loop. We are here to help.

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Thanks so much for the detailed response. I've lowered the hot spot to 90, and by keeping an eye on the AC I should be able to maintain around 78 which it's at now. Ambient at the warm side is right at 84, phew! So I do think my biggest problem right now is humidity; you're right, I've realized that it's much harder to control than the temps. My plan now is to get some holes drilled in the lid ASAP and hope it won't affect the temps too much (also a bit worried it won't help much at all, we'll see). If that doesn't work, I might switch the substrate out for paper towel or newspaper, or try digging out a fan I know I have somewhere. Crossing my fingers that extra ventilation will be enough!

So I guess the consensus is that constant 80+ humidity is bad, even when the environment is kept clean and dry? I honestly never imagined I'd have trouble with too high humidity, throughout my research I'd come to associate high humidity requirements with high difficulty, lol.

As long as the enclosure has good ventilation and the humidity isn't so high that dewdrops are forming, it's fine. High humidity is only a problem when there's poor ventilation or condensation.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

As long as the enclosure has good ventilation and the humidity isn't so high that dewdrops are forming, it's fine. High humidity is only a problem when there's poor ventilation or condensation.

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Would you say that no condensation = good enough ventilation? Or not necessarily? That's reassuring, but I'm probably going to add more holes just to be on the safe side.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by caravaggiooo

Would you say that no condensation = good enough ventilation? Or not necessarily? That's reassuring, but I'm probably going to add more holes just to be on the safe side.

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No not necessarily. If you already have a bunch of holes, your house may just have higher humidity to begin with. But then it wouldn't hurt one way or another to add more holes.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by caravaggiooo

I just brought a Nic BC home (my first snake!) and I'm having some trouble with humidity. I'm using a digital Acurite for measurements and the temps are fine I think, 75 - 86 f with a 93 f hot spot. My humidity won't come down past 80%, sometimes getting to the mid 80s. However, I'd dried out the substrate (cypress mulch) almost entirely beforehand, so I don't see any condensation or feel dampness; everything is seemingly dry and clean. I'm not sure if the current humid weather here may be having an effect, as I'm in an air-conditioned condo - possibly a little?

Should I be concerned about these current conditions, is it necessary to drill more air holes? My main reasons for wanting to keep it as is are a) I don't have a drill and need to ask someone to do it for me (I'll need to figure out how to keep the snake contained for that time, and he's just moved in so I'll have to wait), b) I'm worried added air holes would drop my temps, and c) it gets very dry here in the winter, and I want this tub to be viable then, too.

I've found mixed information regarding how harmful high humidity may or may not be for BCIs - from "it can lead to RIs" to "there isn't a maximum as long as the enclosure's clean and not constantly wet/mouldy". Advice would be greatly appreciated!

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OMG Caravaggiooo, CONGRATS! I remember you talking about maybe putting down a deposit on a Nic BC and you finally did it... Did you get the snake from "Tails&Scales"? I am so excited for you because I knew you were doing your research and trying to figure out which species was going to be best for you. Did you get a male or female? Any names picked out yet?
Please do not hesitate to PM me, I would be happy to help with questions but everyone here on this site is super friendly and always willing to give their advice...Oh BTW, you do know there is an Expo next weekend Sunday..!!! Are you gonna go? I could introduce you to some vendors if you do go, since now you are formally an official snake owner....I promise you, it's a well worth addiction my friend :peace:
HAPPY CANADA DAY (July 1st) :fest2:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jus1More

OMG Caravaggiooo, CONGRATS! I remember you talking about maybe putting down a deposit on a Nic BC and you finally did it... Did you get the snake from "Tails&Scales"? I am so excited for you because I knew you were doing your research and trying to figure out which species was going to be best for you. Did you get a male or female? Any names picked out yet?
Please do not hesitate to PM me, I would be happy to help with questions but everyone here on this site is super friendly and always willing to give their advice...Oh BTW, you do know there is an Expo next weekend Sunday..!!! Are you gonna go? I could introduce you to some vendors if you do go, since now you are formally an official snake owner....I promise you, it's a well worth addiction my friend :peace:
HAPPY CANADA DAY (July 1st) :fest2:

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Thank you!! :D :D It's a boy from Tails & Scales, yes - I gotta thank you for pointing me to a good local store! I'm calling him Rembrandt, after the artist :D

I'll keep in touch for sure! So far everyone's been nothing but kind and helpful here, I don't know what I'd do without all the info and advice. Oh, I recently found out about the expo and I'm not 100% sure I can make it yet, I'll let you know, I'd love to go with a buddy :)

I hope you had a great Canada Day as well!

Sorry big time difference to the UK,
That temperature looks a lot better and he should be better off that, hopefully the humidity will stabilise it's self and as already said as long as there isn't water droplets firming on the roof and keeping everything moist it should be fine, the extra vent will help with this
I keep my nics 88-90 so should be fine and they pretty much in the cool side most if the time except after a feed normally



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I like that name for your little guy :thumbsup:

Tails and Scales is a pretty good go to source for reptiles. Like I said, i got my hognose from them and he has been great, especially when it comes to feeding (knock on wood). Once again, I am very happy for you as I know you are super pumped about your new purchase. I just got another snake myself this past Saturday and I needed him like I needed a hole in my head ( LOL ) Oh well, at least my collection is still small at 6 ( for now ) :giggle:

Hey, so I have an update... After lots of fiddling I finally got the humidity to stabilize (so far) in the 60s! I'd made more air holes as suggested and it didn't make much of a difference, so I turned to the substrate instead. I dried out another batch of cypress mulch, this time thoroughly in the sun for a few days. Swapping it in and moving the water bowl to the warm side did the trick! I'll probably look into misting or humid hides when his shed comes along; I'll also have to see how it holds long term because I just got it to this point a day ago.

And even better, the little guy ate his first meal with me yesterday! Or so I think.... he didn't take it when I dangled it so I left it in his cage and I think he ate it a few minutes later. I didn't see it happen so he must've been fast - but I don’t see the mouse in there or when I took a quick peek under his hide, so I think it's gone (I hope).

Thanks for all the advice, everyone :)

Really glad he ate for you

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Originally Posted by richardhind1972

Really glad he ate for you

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Thanks, I am too! Especially because my husbandry was admittedly a bit out of whack during his first week. I just double-checked for the mouse under both his hides and nothing, though he's too coiled up for me to see if he has a bump or not :)

Humidity has been steady in the high 60s all day, I'm so relieved!