using towels for humidity

[chacha_nehru]

i have a sterilite box setup for my 4 month old BP, with 2 water bowls in it. A big one on the cold side, and another inside a cardboard hide on the warm side.
My problem was, the overall humidity in the cage was pretty low when i turned on the basking lamp in the mornings (25 - 30%). so i decided to spread a damp towel over the mesh top of my setup, to bump up the humidity.
the humidity's kinda OK now, between 55 -60%. My concern is that the towel might induce fungal growth in the setup, cos the towel starts smelling musty at the end of the day. so is it ok if i just wash the towel once every 2 days and use it ?? (worried about inducing RIs here)

Another question was : is it ok if the water bowl in the cardboard hide on the warm side is directly over the UTH? its on top of the aspen bedding of course, but i read somewhere that this may be a bad idea..

[Dianna]

During shedding time I also use a damp towel to bump up the humidity. I put the towel on top of my BP's hide. I haven't had any issues whatsoever. Though you do have to clean the towel every day, or at least every other day.

I use extremely hot water and original flavor Listerine (the brown one) to hand wash the towel. The Listerine kills germs and I feel it keeps the towel smelling fresher for longer.

In my opinion, if you're staying on top of keeping the towel clean you won't have any issues.

[chacha_nehru]

thanks for the advice ! will keep washing the towel .. at least beats misting the setup everyday !

[chacha_nehru]

so about my other question, is it OK to leave a water bowl on top of the UTH?

[mpkeelee]

so about my other question, is it OK to leave a water bowl on top of the UTH?

ya as long as the UTH is controlled my something

[kc261]

You don't want the water bowl covering the entire UTH, because that would mean your snake can't get to the hot spot (unless it can get under the water bowl). However, having the water bowl on the UTH is a good way to raise humidity and there is nothing wrong with it.

I am confused how you have a mesh top on a sterile enclosure?

Also, the cardboard hide you mentioned should only be used short term until you can get a better one. The cardboard could be a breeding ground for germs just as much as the towel could, and you have no way to disinfect the cardboard.

[chacha_nehru]

i had a window mesh screen (wire) with its frame, which fit perfectly onto the box..
and the bowl is not covering the entire uth, since its pretty small; its just a little plastic bowl.
and thanks, i'll remember to change the cardboard hides ..

[j_h_smith]

Be very careful. Mold can form in a short amount of time. This would be bad of course. I see no reason to keep a water bowl on top of the UTH. Humidity will occur naturally.

Good Luck!
Jim Smith