Enclosure Heating and Humidity

[kyle13404]

Ive been having problems keeping the humidity high enough in my ball pythons enclosure. It rarely goes above 25% - 30%. So she keeps having bad sheds everytime she goes to shed. What are some good ways to keep it at its correct level? Are there any automated machines that will mist the enclosure for me? The temprature stays around 88 degrees, i have a heat pad that stays under the hide but i believe that it quit working. Whats the best way to regulate the temprature? Do i use a heat pad or heat lamps?

[ElliotNess]

You regulate heat with a thermostat. Belly heat is going to be the concensus among members here. Also what type of encloseure do you have?

[kyle13404]

I know im supposed to use a terrarium but mine outgrew hers so i have to use a large aquarium.

[ElliotNess]

What are you using on top ? Cover?

[CptJack]

You definitely need to get a T-stat for the heating bad.

To be honest I'm surprised you're having humidity problems in Georgia. You might try a plastic tub instead of a glass/open tank, and a larger water bowl. That + warm temperatures they need from the heatpad (plugged into a thermostat!) would probably resolve the issue. Obviously the tub should have holes for air to get in, but it's still more enclosed than a mesh/screen top. You want a 41 quart sweater box. Super, super easy and cheap.

[kyle13404]

Where would i get the thermostat and a sweat box at? A place like Pet Smart?

[ElliotNess]

Tstat from Amazon - Hydrofarm Tstat
http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...ords=Hydrofarm

41Qt UnderBed Storage
http://www.target.com/p/sterilite-41..._1_1&term=41qt

Thats what you need to get going....

[kyle13404]

Should i put water or some type moist moss inside of the sweat box?

[CptJack]

Should i put water or some type moist moss inside of the sweat box?

Just for drinking. I use heavy ceramic dog bowls. They're usually big enough for the snake to curl up in, but only bout 1.5" deep.

[kc261]

I also recommend a sweater box type enclosure, and a t-stat for controlling the heat. The t-stat isn't really optional. But, some people like to keep their snakes in tanks for a variety of reasons. In that case, you can do various things to raise the humidity, such as covering part of the screen top, using a bigger water bowl, using a different substrate, etc. If your snake is having bad sheds, put in a humid hide when she goes into her shed cycle until you have the humidity issue straightened out.