Effectiveness of humid hide?

[Emily Hubbard]

I have a humid hide for my girl that she uses before going into shed. However, it has gotten a little cool at night this week and the ambient temps in my tank are dropping to about 70, though the warm spot stays consistent at 88-90. When this happens, I have a red lamp that I switch on just for the night to keep it warm enough in there. HOWEVER, I am fairly certain my girl is going to go into shed in the next few days, so I am hesitant to do that (she is over due for a shed and she looked a little dull today, so I expect her to go into blue within a few days).... every morning after the lamp is on, the humidity drops to 40, so as soon as I get up, I switch it off and mist. I can't think of anything worse for a shed cycle, though I don't like the idea of low ambient temps either.

So, my question is, exactly how effective is a humid hide in solving humidity issues? Right after my girl ate tonight, she went right in the humid hide, so she is smart enough to know she needs it. The humidity in the tank is at 55 currently, so I plan on starting to mist tomorrow and get it to shed levels. But if I use a lamp at night, I will loose that, but I feel like higher temps are important too, especially if she is sitting in a damp (though warm) hide.

Basically, any advice would be great. In general, and for a shed cycle, should I worry more about low humidity, or low temps (keeping in mind that the UTH IS maintaing a warm enough spot, it is the ambient and cool side temps that are low)? I will do whatever you guys think is best for the snake, I just want her to be warm enough and have a good shed.

[zn394]

If you have a humid hide for her, the humidity in the tank wont matter as much. She should shed fine with the hide you have.

[kitedemon]

The snake will always choose temps over humidity. 70 is too low for ambient temps for any length of time, regardless of hot spot temps. If you get the temps under control it is likely that the snake will start to use the humid hides.

[Emily Hubbard]

The snake will always choose temps over humidity. 70 is too low for ambient temps for any length of time, regardless of hot spot temps. If you get the temps under control it is likely that the snake will start to use the humid hides.

I fully agree that it is too low. With the lamp on, ambient is 80. I will leave the lamp on tonight and make sure the humid hide stays moist. Thank you!

[jfmoore]

Hi Emily,

In general, with ball pythons if you have to choose between ideal temperatures or ideal humidity - always go with maintaining ideal temperatures. You can always assist with an adhered shed by soaking or otherwise providing moisture if your low humidity causes shedding problems. On the other hand, humid, too-cold temps can lead to respiratory (and other) illness - a much worse fate.

Ball pythons are pretty tough, long-lived critters if you can provide the basics for them. And good temperatures are at the top of the list of basics for keeping them healthy.

[Strick]

I have 1 in a tank and i covered most of the top screen with a piece of plexiglass. Foil will work to. I also use a large water bowl to help with humidty. To bump up humidity for shed time I wet a wash cloth folded so it does not dry out to fast and place it on top of the screen. Works very well and I only have to wet the cloth maybe once a day...