Need help with venting new cages

[Mike.P]

I got my new cages from repti-racks, and on top of the all the other issues I've had with them, it seems they're not vented nearly enough. I put up a post yesterday asking about the accuracy of Herpstat 4 humidity probes, and was able to verify it as accurate today. So the issue must be that the cage isn't breathing. Without misting, on totally dry mulch, I'm getting 80% humidity with just a water dish in there. If someone could give me some advice on how to alleviate this, I would be most grateful...

Do I just punch some holes in the cages? If so, front or back? Through the plastic, or through the acrylic windows? Or should I just try to cut out the little "blinds" insert in the vent on the back? I'm attaching pictures:


Front of cage



Back of cage



Outside of vent



Inside of vent





Would greatly appreciate any input.

[The Serpent Merchant]

I would drill some holes on the acrylic doors, I would use a 1/4"-3/8" drill bit and put some holes along the top and bottom of the doors.start with a few, and add more as needed. it is much easier to add ore holes then take them away.

[2kdime]

Fan in the room

Newspaper or aspen instead of mulch

Are you using a hot side? Some people like to think that a hot spot can help with airflow within a cage.

[Rob]

Don't shoot yourself In the foot and drill too many tho!
It's amazing it took almost a half a year for them to build something that can most likely be built in a few days.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Worst case you can do this:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...n-in-PVC-Cages

But this is a step not t be taken without first trying other less involved methods.

[Mike.P]

I am using a hot side... It's the back half of the cages.

Is there a special bit I should use on the acrylic? I hear it can crack pretty easily when drilled.

Rob, no kidding... Eff them. I am beyond angry. heh

Thanks everyone for the advice.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Just a standard "jobber" bit will do, avoid masonry bits though. The key is to take your time and not force the bit into the plastic. let the drill do its job.

[Mike.P]

Alright, managed not to break anything. lol. Humidity is at 70 now. Drilled 12 holes, rows of three, top and bottom on both sides. Should I add more holes to the rows I have now, or do another row down the middle?

I really like that fan setup too btw.

[The Serpent Merchant]

I would wait a day or so, just to make sure the humidity has settled into its new range then see if you need to add a few more.