First ball python! Could use some guidance.

[TheBallPython]

What do you recommend for measuring room humidity? I worry because I have her enclosure in the same room as my chinchillas. The chinchillas require constant AC so I'm sure the humidity isn't the highest (although it's a basement so I'm sure there is still a decent amount even with the AC on). I've just been misting the tank and draped a wet towel over the top to try and increase the humidity. My petco guage does say it's 55-65%, but I realize that's most likely not accurate (and when I mist the humidity gauge goes up to 80%).

Also, I found her out this morning completely stretched up along the side of the tank with her nose at the screen, and she just sat there.. is that normal, or is something wrong (like her trying to get to the heat source)?

[scooter11]

I'm not sure if I'm getting this right but your snake is in a glass tank inside an air conditioned room? What is your heat source? A/c makes it tougher to regulate the humidity along with heat lamps. Heat lamps and AC drastically dry out the air making it more work to keep the humidity at normal levels. Also an accurite thermo/hygro will keep room temp and humidity f fine.

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[KMG]

What do you recommend for measuring room humidity? I worry because I have her enclosure in the same room as my chinchillas. The chinchillas require constant AC so I'm sure the humidity isn't the highest (although it's a basement so I'm sure there is still a decent amount even with the AC on). I've just been misting the tank and draped a wet towel over the top to try and increase the humidity. My petco guage does say it's 55-65%, but I realize that's most likely not accurate (and when I mist the humidity gauge goes up to 80%).

Also, I found her out this morning completely stretched up along the side of the tank with her nose at the screen, and she just sat there.. is that normal, or is something wrong (like her trying to get to the heat source)?

That's normal. Especially for a new snake in a new home or after rearranging its home. When you startle them they will freeze in place because they are trying to hide and hoping you can't see them.

You by a weather station for your home but most you will find are Accurite. I still think for the money they are pretty good. The best gauge of your humidity is your snake. After a shed you will see if the humidity was good and the longer you keep them the better you will become at being able to read your snake.

I promise you humid hides will make your sheds great.

[KMG]

Temp guns are invaluable. The problem is finding something to measure humidity. The problem I had with accurite is when I spray the case during shed the humidity goes up as high as 85 just street I spray. The accurite's don't last in the humidity. The screen sips working right. They are crap. I'm still trying to find something to properly measure humidity in my racks. As of now, I rely on the room humidity and adjust accordingly.

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Sounds like you are getting it wet. You should never directly mist any gauge or probe.

[TheBallPython]

I'm not sure if I'm getting this right but your snake is in a glass tank inside an air conditioned room? What is your heat source? A/c makes it tougher to regulate the humidity along with heat lamps. Heat lamps and AC drastically dry out the air making it more work to keep the humidity at normal levels. Also an accurite thermo/hygro will keep room temp and humidity f fine.

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Yes, glass tank in an air conditioned room. The heat source at the moment is just her heat lamp and the temperature reading around the area of the lamp has been 80 degrees. The room never goes below 72 degrees. So, I don't keep it freezing down there. Just cool enough for the chins. I have the UTH, but was told to wait until my thermostat arrives (hopefully in a few days. latest it says will be on the 10th...).

That's normal. Especially for a new snake in a new home or after rearranging its home. When you startle them they will freeze in place because they are trying to hide and hoping you can't see them.

You by a weather station for your home but most you will find are Accurite. I still think for the money they are pretty good. The best gauge of your humidity is your snake. After a shed you will see if the humidity was good and the longer you keep them the better you will become at being able to read your snake.

I promise you humid hides will make your sheds great.

Thank you! Ok, I will get an accurite then to at least keep an eye on the room humidity. I still don't think it's too bad, because most of the time it still feels humid to me down there. It's a basement and naturally humid. I also live on the east coast where it is very humid (most days 70-90%). As far as the humid hides go, should I do that all of the time? Or just in shed? I have moss for my fire belly toads that I could use for that right away. Do I line both hides or only one?

Thank you so much everyone for all of the help!

[scooter11]

Sounds like you are getting it wet. You should never directly mist any gauge or probe.

They're junk. I don't spray them if that's what you mean. I take them out when I spray. After I spray the humidity is getting inside them once it's replaced. The problem being that's what I need it for. I have a temp gun and the temps have always been fine. But I need them to read the humidity and they don't last. I wouldn't advise anyone to buy them.

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[TheBallPython]

Ok, so she hasn't used her hides all day, while yesterday she wouldn't leave them? This is how she's been the entire day, smooshed between her hide and the tank:

[MsMissy]

Did you change the hide or the temps? Mine likes to hide behind hers sometimes.

[TheBallPython]

I changed the clay flower pot the guy had in there out for the two plastic hides I just got her two days ago. She used them the first night and all day yesterday, but now she won't go in them. The temp is the same as it's been.

[KMG]

They may be to tall. You could cut it in half so the ceiling of the hide is lower. Or just put a good clump of moss and maybe it will hide under the moss.

As for the humid hide. I leave the moss in all the time but I only keep it damp during a shed. The rest of the time I will spray it real good and allow it to dry back out.


These are cheap, sturdy, and easy to clean.
http://www.reptilebasics.com/hide-boxes