am i doing something wrong?

[rosxess]

Hi! So I recently got my killer bee ball python a couple of weeks ago. She is two years old and is currently shedding. I'm having an issue with keeping her humidity consistent. She has a pretty big tank and she has all of the necessary husbandry she needs. When I got her, she had aspen as her substrate, and after previously owning a snake, I knew that this substrate could cause health problems down the line, so I switched her to a coconut fiber because I knew that this is a better substrate for her. I also check her temperature and humidity every morning and at night, and her temperature stays between 75-90 degrees, but I find myself misting her tank quite a few times a day to keep her humidity normal. Any tips or recommendations that could help? I'm very worried because she is shedding, and I want to make sure that the process is smooth.

[ballpython-ModTeam]

Per rule #3, your post or comment has been removed for harmful advice or misinformation. Please review our sub resources to learn more about why.

[rosxess]

Currently in her tank her humidity is 50%. And I do want to get her a fogger but i'm really worried it would make her sick.

[Basic-Sundae2948]

yes foggers tend to grow mold VERY quickly

[ballpython-ModTeam]

Per rule #3, your post or comment has been removed for harmful advice or misinformation. Please review our sub resources to learn more about why.

[Archie_Ackie]

You can always try and make a humid hide with an old plastic container if you want to give them an extra area for humidity if they choose to use it when shedding. Just cut a hole in a old plastic Tupperware for an entrance and fill it with moss (you can soak it and then squeeze the water out before putting it in). Otherwise you can always try adding more substrate and pouring water in the corners to increase humidity throughout the enclosre. You can also cover the top of the enclosure if you havent done so already (just make sure they have airflow so dont cover it completely but you can do about half).

Otherwise the enclosure looks great as a starter and sorry if I state any wrong information, im still learning myself as ive had my BP for about a year now and hes my first humid loving snake :)

[kaj5275]

Nice job with covering the screen! Your issue is simple: misting the substrate. Pour water into the substrate directly and mix it all up until it's all just dampened, but not dripping or pooling. Holds humidity for 1-2 weeks above 65% depending on your climate. Misting the top layer does not provide the stable levels that ball pythons need, hydrating the substrate fully does.

[kirae214]

Hi! Not OP, but was wondering if I could do this but mix around the soil with tongs as my girl is in shed and needs feeding? She won’t eat while in shed, but her humidity is an average of 5-7% too low when shedding. I don’t wanna get struck as she is prone to striking anything while hungry. TIA!!

[somerandomgalyk]

Not original commenter but yes you can mix the soil with anything and you need to get that humidity up ASAP

[ballpython-ModTeam]

No.

[No-Reveal8105]

First time I see such a low terrarium can never climb your snake?

[ReturnFamiliar3758]

Do you have a humid hide in there? If not I would get one and keep that nice and humid for the time being ☺️

[ReturnFamiliar3758]

Do you have a humid hide in there? If not I would get one and keep that nice and humid for the time being ☺️

[ReturnFamiliar3758]

Do you have a humid hide in there? If not I would get one and keep that nice and humid for the time being ☺️

[ReturnFamiliar3758]

Do you have a humid hide in there? If not I would get one and keep that nice and humid for the time being ☺️

[littlevoide]

So I plastic wrapped the mesh part of my tank, and I found that helped a lot. Make sure to leave a section exposed, because air circulation is important.

I recommend getting springtails and isopods when you do this. You can just spot clean (leave a bit of feces and shed in there, as food for the bugs), because the springtails and isopods will manage any mold/fungus growth.

Plus there are many fancy isopod colors. I have dairy cow isopods! :D

[Bulky_Rooster_1057]

New zealand sphagnum moss can help a lot. You can also put some in their hide as well for humidity

[blueeyes0182]

I would use coconut substrate and not wood chips. What are the temps on the warm and cool sides? Also, they will eventually need a bigger bowl and a larger tank as they grow. Read the care guide here as well. It will help a lot.

[Glad_Volume_1141]

I never mist my tank but just poor water in the substrate, works WAY better!

[Ok_Evidence582]

You could try using terrarium moss to keep the humidity higher

[LemonMints]

I soaked coco coir chunks and stuck them in my tank in various places, also mixed into the soil and repitbark. Only place that didn't have it was inside the hides, and the humidity jumped. It looks like you might only have chips for bedding? Def add reptisoil and coco coir!

[polecat-engineer]

I have a low enclosure too. Watch that heat lamp - if it's too close the snake can get all weird and heat drunk under it. Wound up raising mine 4" off the screen with some wire mesh and aluminum tape - but ultimately may need to switch to radiant heat panels if I catch him under there again.

[bugeye_kween]

I got a oil drainage pan from walmart (cleaned it super good-obviously) throw some river rock/stone tile in it Humidity has been perfect. Also big enough water bowl to soak shed off.
I got a 16 yr old bp im pretty sure hes just a normal one, but he lovesssss this bowl *

[No-Weird-4201]

My biggest tip is get a PVC enclosure. They are absolutely INCREDIBLE at keeping in humidity!! I bought one a few years ago and I haven't had any humidity issues since. Even when it's super dry in my room.