humidity

[reptiman93]

hello everyone!!
i was wondering if it is really necessary to keep track of humidity in ball pythons tank if you have a full water bowl at all times

[starmom]

Yes, it is very important since you have no idea the amount of evaporation taking place and don't know how well the environment is retaining that humidity. Humidity is important for the snakes physical health as well as permitting complete sheds each and every time

[Argentra]

Yes, quite important. These snakes require 50-60% humidity at all times and a boost to 60-70% at shed times. Normal average room humidity is 35-40% and a full water dish doesn't always mean high humidity.

[reptiman93]

how can you raise the humidity in cage. i heard spray mist every week and cover top of screen is that good enough or more

[kc261]

how can you raise the humidity in cage. i heard spray mist every week and cover top of screen is that good enough or more

There are really 2 ways to raise humidity. One is to get more water vapor in the air in the first place, and the second is to keep it there once it is there.

For the first, you can mist, use a water bowl with more surface area, put the water bowl in the warmer end of the tank, etc.

For the second, avoid using lamps and CHEs which tend to zap the humidity, and cover most of the screen top, or use an enclosure such as a plastic tub which doesn't have a screen top in the first place.

To know if it is "good enough" you need to have something that will accurately measure your humidity. Those dial gauges sold at pet stores aren't very good. I use an accurite (brand available at walmart) digital indoor/outdoor temp & humidity gauge, which is great cause it gives me warm side temp, cool side temp, and humidity.

[starmom]

You can also keep damp sphagnum moss in containers in the hides and in the cage to help bump humidity

[TanyaL]

how can you raise the humidity in cage. i heard spray mist every week and cover top of screen is that good enough or more

Sometimes I have to mist a couple times a day depending on our temperatures and we live in Florida! You will want to keep an eye on your humidity (and temps for that matter) on a daily basis and better yet, several times a day. There is no way that I could get away with misting only once a week...but if you can, that's great.