Humidity/Spraying cage

[ProXimuS]

I was reading an older post about some one who had a snake with an RI, and one of the things suggested was to keep up the humidity. When that was suggested, they were told to make sure not to spray the substrate, and focus on the plant/plants. My snake doesn't have an RI, but I spray his cage to keep the humidity around 50%(ish). When I spray I moslty focus on his plastic plant and a little on his wood branch(because it's mostly under the light and I figure it will evaporate rather quickly), but I also lightly mist across the substrate. Not enough to soak it, just a light mist over the top from far above. Like, just one "spritz". His substrate is aspen. Should I stop doing this, and just focus on the plant and/or branch? The substrate seems to dry pretty quick...

[guidofatherof5]

If you can, increasing(more surface area) the water dish size will also increase the humidity.

[ProXimuS]

Hey I hadn't really thought of that. He's already got a little bigger waterbowl than he used to. I'll go without spraying and see what it stays at.

[thamneil]

I wouldn't worry about getting the substrate a little wet. As long as it is able to thoroughly dry between mistings. Personally, I never mist and have never had the need to.

Have you tried using a moist hide? It's a good way to create a humid microclimate without screwing around with the rest of the enclosure.

[snake man]

For me the humidity is Ok normally but when I know she is getting ready to shed I will start spraying until after the shedding process is complete.

[Light of Dae]

I do the same as Neil. Never misted just use a little tub with a hole cut in the top n fill with moist sphagnum moss n Perfection! Let that dry out then re moisten either spray it or add some water n squish it into the moss. That way your snakes can use the hide as needed.

If you want to continue spraying... go for it :) The thread I believe your talking about she uses carefresh which wouldn't dry out properly. So long as the aspen is drying ok I wouldn't worry about it. Its just you don't want Wet substrate that the snake has no dry spot to go n get scale rot. or it could mold n get nasty quick.

[ProXimuS]

With a moist moss hide, do you clear all the substrate from under it so none gets wet? Or use a container with a bottom so it doesn't touch the substrate?

[Light of Dae]

I use containers like cream cheese tubs, or whatever container with a lid that your snake could fit into. Cut a hole in the lid again big enough for your snake to get in(With fully belly, Little extra room to get in don't hurt none.) Buy some Sphagnum moss, and put some in, wet it, pour out any sitting water, Put lid on. Enter tank!

When I first put moss hides in with my babies I put each snake in the moss to be absolutely sure they know what it is n where it is.

I also put it just on the edge of the heat mat keep it little warmer. Doesn't half to be on a heat mat or anything its just how I do it, You could put it on the cold side too, don't really matter.

[snake man]

I had this for a while and my snake tottaly blew it off.

[infernalis]

I think a lot depends on where you live and what type of heating your home has.

I have never misted, but then again my home is radiant heat, so I don't even get "zapped" by doorknobs in the winter.

If humidity is a concern, one of the best methods of control is to do away with those commercial screen tops for tanks and build a solid cover from plywood.

[snake man]

What about ventilation?

[EasternGirl]

You were probably reading my post about Cee Cee...she has chronic respiratory issues. When I need to get humidity up...I mist the plants often...although it is fine to get the substrate a little as long as the snakes aren't lying in wet substrate all the time. I also cover 1/2 the top of the tank with a towel. I have started using moist moss hides in most of my tanks and that helps too. Although that is more for shed purposes than raising humidity. A little moist moss in a corner can help with raising humidity though.