Did I make a good setup? Is everything good for my Ball Python?

***The Serpent Merchant*** · 03-04-2013, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by Tes95

Everyone like tells me different info on humidity. Drsfosterandsmith, RalphDavis, RoyalConstrictor, everyone has different (widely varying) humidity recommendations. I can never figure out one to follow. :/ What I've been reading is the general rule of thumb is never drop below 50% around 70%-80% during shed, and higher when gravid. Is this right? Cause I mean, it DOES fluctuate through the 60%'s.

Humidity needs to stay between 45% - 60% normally, and 60% - 80% during shed. anything within those ranges will work. Personally I shoot for 60% normally and 80% during shed. a few % either way isn't going to make a big difference.

**Kaorte** · 03-04-2013, 05:47 PM

Originally Posted by Tes95

Everyone like tells me different info on humidity. Drsfosterandsmith, RalphDavis, RoyalConstrictor, everyone has different (widely varying) humidity recommendations. I can never figure out one to follow. :/ What I've been reading is the general rule of thumb is never drop below 50% around 70%-80% during shed, and higher when gravid. Is this right? Cause I mean, it DOES fluctuate through the 60%'s.

You can absolutely drop below 50%! My normal humidity is around 40%, bumped up to 60-70 during shed. Nothing bad will happen if your humidity dips too low. Maybe some dented eye caps, but that is an easy fix. I think having humidity above 60% constantly is just going to make a great breeding ground for bacteria.

My suggestion to you is to create a humidity cycle, as would occur in nature. It rains, it gets humid, the water dries up, and so does the air. I do this for all my arboreal animals. I spray once in the morning (enough to fog the glass) and once in the evening if the humidity drops below 30%. The tank needs time to dry out or you will get all sorts of gross bacteria and mold growing.

OR you can create a humid hide and then you don't need the fogger at all.

You are correct, there is no exact science to keeping ball pythons. Everyone does things a little differently. In my opinion, high humidity like that is just more likely to cause problems than it is likely to solve problems. Boost your humidity to 70% during shed and thats it!

**KMG** · 03-04-2013, 05:51 PM

With the heat and humidity the tape will give out but still be a danger to your snake should it get stuck on the tape. Just take the item out that needs the tape, its not worth the risk.

What they have already told you for humidity is good advise. Mine stays around 40% and I use two humid hides. My ball sheds just fine.

**Tes95** · 03-04-2013, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

Is this the product you are using?

http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products...rainforest.php

If so do you have a thermostat regulating it? Why is it inside the cage? Those should be mounted to the outside of the cage, and honestly you don't even need it.

**Tes95** · 03-04-2013, 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

Humidity needs to stay between 45% - 60% normally, and 60% - 80% during shed. anything within those ranges will work. Personally I shoot for 60% normally and 80% during shed. a few % either way isn't going to make a big difference.

So would my humidity be a good "safeguard" of sorts because it's midway?

**Tes95** · 03-04-2013, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by Kaorte

You can absolutely drop below 50%! My normal humidity is around 40%, bumped up to 60-70 during shed. Nothing bad will happen if your humidity dips too low. Maybe some dented eye caps, but that is an easy fix. I think having humidity above 60% constantly is just going to make a great breeding ground for bacteria.

My suggestion to you is to create a humidity cycle, as would occur in nature. It rains, it gets humid, the water dries up, and so does the air. I do this for all my arboreal animals. I spray once in the morning (enough to fog the glass) and once in the evening if the humidity drops below 30%. The tank needs time to dry out or you will get all sorts of gross bacteria and mold growing.

OR you can create a humid hide and then you don't need the fogger at all.

You are correct, there is no exact science to keeping ball pythons. Everyone does things a little differently. In my opinion, high humidity like that is just more likely to cause problems than it is likely to solve problems. Boost your humidity to 70% during shed and thats it!

My concern is that that would be too dry.. cause she's never shed in one piece..

**Kaorte** · 03-04-2013, 06:05 PM

What are you using to measure humidity?

I'm telling you, humid hides are your friend!

***The Serpent Merchant*** · 03-04-2013, 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by Tes95

OK, so why is it inside the cage? Attach it to the outside back of the tank. That plastic sheet isn't worth the risk to the snake. If you can't attach it to the outside just remove it.

**KMG** · 03-04-2013, 06:13 PM

My ball is in a 40 gallon too. I do have a mister on the tank but it is more for the live plants, it does not keep the humidity up. With two humid hides keeping the moss damp during a shed I have perfect sheds. I will still mist during a shed but nothing like I used to. Just once every day or two during a shed. I also have most my screen covered with foil tape and use cypress mulch.

During a non shed time I dampen my moss in the hides and let it dry out and then dampen it again. During a shed I keep it nice and moist. I Just place moss in my hides.

**Tes95** · 03-04-2013, 06:44 PM

Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

OK, so why is it inside the cage? Attach it to the outside back of the tank. That plastic sheet isn't worth the risk to the snake. If you can't attach it to the outside just remove it.

It sounded more and more stupid to me the more I thought about it. It's on the outside now.

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