How can I keep the humidity up?

[sakoch]

I've had my BP for a few months (I named him Draco and I know that's a "dumb name" for a snake but I like Latin names so I don't care) and I got a temp/humidity thermometer for the tank and, unless I spray the tank, the humidity level stays at "desert." Now, that isn't to say that I don't spray the tank-I do, two or three times a day. But the humidity only rises on the thermometer when I actually spray. And I keep the tank pretty warm (the temp is always between 70 and 90-it never gets to 90 though) and there's a sizable water source that's always full and is even under the basking lamp since that was supposed to keep the humidity levels up. I also placed some cardboard over top of part of the tank to help keep the heat in (as instructed at the store-but I thought that might help keep the humidity up as well) but nothing helps. He sheds a lot too and his skin is kind of lose-like, not as in shedding lose but it looks like he has flabs of fat that someone suggested means he's probably dehydrated. I don't know what else to do. I know he goes and drinks because I've seen him do it. Is there anything I can do to keep those levels up? I've seen foggers for this kind of stuff but I worry it would bring the temp down too much. And I've read that a rainfall system won't do much either.

[cletus]

You might want to try a different kind of substrate. The coconut husk based substrates are good for humidity. The size of the enclosure can make a difference as well.

[melcvt00]

I also assume you are not using a digital thermometer/hygrometer. Accurite is a cheap yet ok one to use.

Cover the top with foil, not cardboard. Cover the whole thing but a hole for the heat bulb (if you have one). Otherwise a small space for air will be fine.

Sphagnum moss is wonderful to soak and put in the tank.