Is moss safe for my BP?

[stevebidw]

Does anybody use moss in their tanks to help maintain humidity? If so, do you use it as a substrate or put it in a bowl?

Thanks

[stevebidw]

Does anybody use moss in their tanks to help maintain humidity? If so, do you use it as a substrate or put it in a bowl?

Thanks

Also, is it safe to use?

[youbeyouibei]

I use it in a humid hide: Tupperware or similar container with a hole cut in the side with the edges of the hole rounded using a lighter or soldering iron to allow the snake to enter/exit, a secure lid on top and dampened (not wet) moss inside and there you go.

I've not heard of anyone using it as substrate but that's an interesting thought...

[youbeyouibei]

Sphagnum moss is safe, absolutely. If you're buying it in one of the bulk bags from a hardware or garden supply store, make sure that it doesn't have any additives of any kind. Some people still buy it in bulk like that and then bake it on low heat in the oven for an hour or so to kill off anything that might be living in it, such as grubs or insects of some sort. Or the stuff you buy at the pet store is another option. More expensive for a smaller amount of but if that's all you need, well... Hope that helps.

[stevebidw]

I use it in a humid hide: Tupperware or similar container with a hole cut in the side with the edges of the hole rounded using a lighter or soldering iron to allow the snake to enter/exit, a secure lid on top and dampened (not wet) moss inside and there you go.

I've not heard of anyone using it as substrate but that's an interesting thought...

How often do you have to dampen it and how long does it typically last?

Thanks

[youbeyouibei]

How often do you have to dampen it and how long does it typically last?

Thanks

It really depends on your heat source and ambient humidity in your house/area of the country. Sorry, I know that's kind of a non-answer, but it really depends. I dampen mine until it's completely soaking wet, then wring it out so that when I squeeze the moss in my fist, no water comes out but it's still damp to the touch. I just check it periodically (every two days or so) to make sure it's still holding moisture and then repeat as needed as far as soaking and wringing out the moss. If the snake(s) are in the hide(s), I wouldn't mess with them so long as they're inside. They know better than we do when they need higher humidity or not.

If you see moisture/water beading up on the sides and lid of the hide, that's a fairly good visual indication that the moisture inside is still sufficient without having to disturb the snake(s) if they're inside. If not, then obviously none of that applies and you can pop the lid off and just check the moss, lol! Hope that helps.

[Shke0]

I noticed two days in a row my BP prefers to hide under moss instead of his warm hide. Should I remove the moss and relocate the warm hide? Or should I stick some moss in the warm hide?
Help

[Craiga 01453]

I noticed two days in a row my BP prefers to hide under moss instead of his warm hide. Should I remove the moss and relocate the warm hide? Or should I stick some moss in the warm hide?
Help

You're replying to a 7 year old thread.

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