Large amount of time in humidity chamber

[Kade]

Hello! I have a 7 month old ball python, who I’ve had for about a month now. He eat for the first time a week ago which is great news! But seems to be spending ALOT of time burrowed underneath the moss in his humidity chamber. At first I thought okay well he’s shedding but after taking him out and examining I’m not seeing any signs of shedding. The gradient temperatures range from around 95 (hot)- 75 (cool) with the over all humidity around 60. I have a hide on both sides of the tank and the chamber in the center. Is this normal behavior it’s starting to worry me?

[KMG]

It probably feels most safe in that hide vs. the other two. Adding damp moss to each of the hides would do the same thing as a humid hide. Moss in the hides will also make it feel more snug, which means more secure for the snake. Telling us what kind of hides they are may shed more light on it for us.

[KMG]

To answer further as long as the numbers are good it doesn't matter where the snake is in the enclosure. My Ball hardly ever goes in the warm hide.

[dakski]

Look at your temps and you might have the answer.

95F is too hot. 75F is too cold. I assume you are checking ground temps with an IR temp gun and your heating elements are thermostat controlled.

The hot spot should be no higher than 90F (88-90F range is ideal) and the cool side 78-80F, with a temp gradient so the middle is about 82-84F.

Depending on where you moist hide/humidity chamber is, he is probably just trying to get to a comfortable temperature.

He may also, as KMG said, like it in the humidity chamber because it's secure and feels safer than your other hides.

You should have identical hides on the hot and cool side that feel snug to your BP. However, fix your temps first.

[Craiga 01453]

Look at your temps and you might have the answer.

95F is too hot. 75F is too cold. I assume you are checking ground temps with an IR temp gun and your heating elements are thermostat controlled.

The hot spot should be no higher than 90F (88-90F range is ideal) and the cool side 78-80F, with a temp gradient so the middle is about 82-84F.

Depending on where you moist hide/humidity chamber is, he is probably just trying to get to a comfortable temperature.

He may also, as KMG said, like it in the humidity chamber because it's secure and feels safer than your other hides.

You should have identical hides on the hot and cool side that feel snug to your BP. However, fix your temps first.

Agree 100%

Your temps are WAY off. Get your temps sorted out and go from there.

[KMG]

I wouldn't say the numbers are terrible.

From the care sheet provided here.

QUICK REFERENCE


DIET: Rodents
TEMPS: 80-84 F w/ basking 88-94 F
HUMIDITY: 50%-60%
LIFESPAN: 20-30 years or more


I personally do try to have a hotspot 88-90. My snake room is usually between 78-85.

[Craiga 01453]

I wouldn't say the numbers are terrible.

From the care sheet provided here.

QUICK REFERENCE


DIET: Rodents
TEMPS: 80-84 F w/ basking 88-94 F
HUMIDITY: 50%-60%
LIFESPAN: 20-30 years or more


I personally do try to do as the others suggested with a hotspot 88-90. My snake room is usually between 78-85.

That care sheet is likely outdated and obsolete like many of the care sheets floating around the world wide interwebs.

Time has shown hot spots of 88-89 are plenty warm for BPs. Nothing in any of my enclosures hits 90

[KMG]

That care sheet is likely outdated and obsolete like many of the care sheets floating around the world wide interwebs.

Time has shown hot spots of 88-89 are plenty warm for BPs. Nothing in any of my enclosures hits 90

You can see how the OP could be providing such numbers though. Maybe the care sheet is outdated but the OP is not wrong following it.If it needs to be updated it must not be very important since it's been like that for years without anybody doing so.

All that said OP I would reduce it to 88-90. That gives you a cushion for temperature fluctuations.

[Craiga 01453]

You can see how the OP could be providing such numbers though. Maybe the care sheet is outdated but the OP is not wrong following it.If it needs to be updated it must not be very important since it's been like that for years without anybody doing so.

All that said OP I would reduce it to 88-90. That gives you a cushion for temperature fluctuations.

I don't disagree. However, I think it's important to do independent research while cross referencing info. A quick glance at a care sheet is only scratching the surface of due diligence when researching a new pet. The more we know, the better prepared we can be and the better we can provide for our pets.

[KMG]

I don't disagree. However, I think it's important to do independent research while cross referencing info. A quick glance at a care sheet is only scratching the surface of due diligence when researching a new pet. The more we know, the better prepared we can be and the better we can provide for our pets.

For sure.