Ball Python Humidity

[xphoenix23]

hey guys new on this site and just got my first ball python last 2 weeks ago shes a normal and I'm wondering how to keep Humidity what number should it be at as of now its a 80 if its to high how do i lower it. i have one heat mat and just got a second one for free would it help if i have 2?also she isnt eating tried to feed her 3 times and she didn't eat but i think she might be in shed her belly is turning a little pink.

[hunter94]

If she doesn't eat wait tell the next feeding to try and feed her. Another thing is the humidity is way to high. It needs to be 50-60% if your BP is shedding it needs to be 70-80%. A way to lower the Humidity is to put a Heat Lamp over the cage and make sure there is good air circulation. Also make sure the Heat Lamp is not over a Water Dish with water in it. And keep the other Heat Pad off you only need 1 on 1 side of the tank. Make sure to put the Heat Pad under the hide spot to.

Also Welcome to BP.net. =)

(Another thing to keep in mind is if she is shedding your Humidity is perfect. Keep it at that if she IS shedding.)

[xphoenix23]

If she doesn't eat wait tell the next feeding to try and feed her. Another thing is the humidity is way to high. It needs to be 50-60% if your BP is shedding it needs to be 70-80%. A way to lower the Humidity is to put a Heat Lamp over the cage and make sure there is good air circulation. Also make sure the Heat Lamp is not over a Water Dish with water in it. And keep the other Heat Pad off you only need 1 on 1 side of the tank. Make sure to put the Heat Pad under the hide spot to.

Also Welcome to BP.net. =)

thanks also its hard to get a lamp since have her in a plastic bin and the lid is plastic i was thinking of putting the extra heat mat on the side of her hide on the outside of course

[hunter94]

thanks also its hard to get a lamp since have her in a plastic bin and the lid is plastic i was thinking of putting the extra heat mat on the side of her hide on the outside of course

No, I would suggest not putting the other Heat Mat on 1 is perfect as long as the temps are good. If you can't get a Lamp over get more air circulation going. You can do this by poking more holes in the Plastic Bin.

[Vypyrz]

Hello, and to BP.net...

Normal humidity should be around 50%-55% or so. For shedding, it should be around 60%-70%.

As far as how to control it will depend on what type of enclosure you are using and things like how big is your water bowl and where is it located? What are you using to measure the humidity and temps? And what are you using for heat and to control it? And what are you using for substrate?

If you can describe as much about your set-up as possible and/or post some photos of it, that would help. Also, where do you live?...

[Vypyrz]

Ah, I see in your above post that you are using a tub. To control the humidity in my tubs, I use ocscillating fans to blow air across them. Or if there is a ceiling fan in the room, it may help as well. Depending on how many vent holes you have in the tub, you may need to add a few more also...

[xphoenix23]

i have lots of holes on each side of the tub and the top to as of now i have a humidity meter i have the cheap ones at the pet stores the circle ones Where can i get a cheap good one

[hunter94]

i have lots of holes on each side of the tub and the top to as of now i have a humidity meter i have the cheap ones at the pet stores the circle ones Where can i get a cheap good one

Get an acurite Thermometer and Hygrometer from Walmart for like 15 bucks. The Hygrometer Gauges are inaccurate.

[Vypyrz]

The Acu-Rite is an Indoor/Outdoor thermometer with humidity. Some Wal-Marts will have them in the Home Hardware section. You may also be able to find them at Lowes or Home Depot in the Outdoors section. They cost about $12. It looks like this...



This is your best bet, but if you can't find one, then you may need to check at your local pet shops or online for some digital thermometers and a Hygrometer. The Acu-Rite just works because it measures 2 temps and humidity and is contained in one unit...

[kitedemon]

You might also cross ventilate a new tub. put a bunch of holes at the bottom of the cool end and at the top of the hot end, if that is a common problem in your location. I have a similar issue in the summer and opposite in winter the humidity is way higher in the summer more than doubles, so I used (when I used tubs) a summer and winter tub one to increase ventilation and lower humidity and one to raise it.