New Ball Python Has Arrived but is In Shed!

[dakski]

Without misting at all during the day, the humidity gets down to around 30%, Canada in the winter months is a cold and dry place. Though the substrate I use (coconut husk) is a little old at the moment, since I had needed to stabilize everything before introducing my snake.

Do you think I should refrain from misting today all together? See if I can coax him into looking for the hide on his own? Or mist it as frequently as needed to keep it at around 50-60%. Currently it’s sitting on the very low end of that spectrum.

OP, I think, from other threads, you set up the tank prior to getting your BP, correct? Was it ever stable at proper temps and 50-60% humidity? I see it is glass, is that temporary? Are you planning on going PVC soon?

30% is DANGEROUSLY low for a BP. It can lead to other issues, beyond bad sheds, which I won't get into now. I understand Canada is cold and dry, but as a keeper, it is your responsibility to ensure a proper and safe environment for your BP.

Misting multiple times a day isn't really an option because misting will negatively change/lower the temps in the tank. Additionally, consistent humidity with occasional spikes when in shed are fine. However, misting all winter is not good as humidity will be dropping and rising, dropping and rising, etc. Not a good situation.

I'm not sure what the correct answer is here. You need to leave him alone, but he won't shed well with humidity that low, and misting could do more damage than good.

Please answer on if the tank was stable prior, without misting, and maybe we can try to figure out what was working then.

To be clear, I am not trying to be harsh, and I know you want what's best for your BP. Please keep us posted.