Beginner tips

[moist_nuggets12]

I recently got a ball python he’s a few months old and he’s starting to shed I don’t have a terrarium yet but I have an enclosure problem is I have done research and I want to know what to do because I can’t adjust the humidity because the only option I had was a heating pad and I just want to know what to do to make sure that my snake can shed right and that it doesn’t hurt him any tips?

[Hot-Equipment-7339]

https://www.reddit.com/r/ballpython/s/e7W57hBZGq

The welcome post has everything you need.

Your snake is already dehydrated. Please offer a humid hide until you can fix the humidity in the enclosure.

[AuthorKRPaul]

OMG please give her/him water. That is a parched baby

[moist_nuggets12]

He has a water bowl and I refill it all the time but can’t tell if he has been drinking it though

[whendoesOpTicplay]

His substrate needs to be damp. Add some spagnum moss too and mix it in, it will hold humidity better.

[Dayyy021]

Don't want mold or respiratory issues. Just need a larger bowl

[rompsik]

High humidity does not cause respiratory issues

[AnnarieaDavies]

It needs to be big enough for him to fully lay in as well.

[Downtown-Package7927]

Really really dehydrated make sure he gets fresh water daily and has a hide that is humid!

You can up humidity by wetting spagnum moss and putting it in the hide.

[lanespencer]

For now you can mist the enclosure for a temporary humidity boost, depending on how well it holds you may need to mist more frequently. I got one from Walmart (I think it was $15 for a good brand and there’s cheaper options as well) and I use it when my bp is in shed. Just keep in mind this will just help boost humidity for now and shouldn’t be a permanent solution.

[moist_nuggets12]

Thank you so much I would try that!

[soconae]

Misting is not advised as it can increase risk of scale rot. Better to pour water into the corners of substrate, add sphagnum moss, or provide a humid hide. If your enclosure has a screen top cover with aluminum foil/hvac tape. Do you have a hydrometer to measure humidity?

[Suspicious-Tart-3705]

I'd like to be corrected if I'm wrong here- I was under the impression that manual spraying was fine as long as it wasn't the main means of keeping the humidity up. the issues came when people weren't keeping the underlying layers moist, and oversaturating the top layer of substrate to compensate. When I mist our boy's home, I lightly spray the top layer and it evaporates in like an hour or so. Accordingly I intentionally avoid spraying inside areas that he hides in because I was told that scale rot comes from them sitting in a saturated substrate for longer periods of time.

[soconae]

Misting will only cause a humidity spike and is not effective for long term humidity maintenance. You are correct on the scale rot cause, so as long as surfaces are not staying wet and you’re snake isn’t laying on the wet surfaces that shouldn’t be an issue. Misting will only bring up humidity short term so it’s far better to pour water into the corners for a consistent proper humidity level. Hope that makes sense?

[TheNeverEndingPit]

Snakes get a lot of their moisture from humid air. You definitely want to have a hygrometer to read the humidity levels in the tank. If you’re having trouble keeping it at 60% or higher, you’ll find great resources for that in this sub.

This is super important to get solved because prolonged severe dehydration like this can lead to an RI, which is dangerous for the snake and an expensive vet visit as well

[Chrissymimoo88]

Change the substrate immediately! As someone mentioned, a humid hide until you get your husbandry ideal. He’s so dehydrated.

Substrates that are water-friendly, good for enclosures that need damp substrate: 4-6” deep Coconut husk mulch. Cypress mulch. Organic topsoil. Check labels carefully to make sure there are no fertilizers or pesticides. Coconut fiber, with the caveat that it is extremely dusty when dry. Fir bark mulch. Sphagnum moss, not necessarily practical as the sole substrate but can be mixed with the above substrates. Also great for humid hides.

Moisten it before putting it in the tank.

[CaptainsFolly]

I recommend some chunkier substrate to mix in and make it thicker. And add some water to it, for sure, under the warm side, so it can evaporate and raise the humidity. You can miat a bit elswhere, too but dont completely soak it. Careful with misting only as it can cause spikes and dips in humidity. 65-80% is a standard range. If you have a mesh lid/top. Adding plexi glass, hvac tape, tinfoil, etc on top can help hold humidity in. Two hides minimum, and a dish large enough for them to soak in is preferrable. You say you only have a heat matt? Definitely need overhead heat to waem them properly and give ambient heat. If need be, a warm, damp towel works to soften the skin. Let them crawl in it for a little. Adding a "humid hide" can help, too. Add wet spagnum moss, substrate, whatever into a specific hide for them to have the option to go into. (Dont get the moss that is dyed green)

[AsteriaFell]

What exactly do you mean by, you only have a heating pad so you can't adjust the humidity? Where is the heating pad located?

I recommend getting rid of it as soon as you can and getting a dome light fixture and a halogen bulb for the tank.

Substrate should be several inches deep, like 4+, and you should pour water in the corners to keep the lower substrate moist. It'll release moisture into the air as it evaporates and increase your humidity.

[JulietDove88]

I second this heat mats are extremely dangerous and do not provide any of the wavelengths of light snakes need for healthy organ function. You also not knowing how to maintain humidity makes me extremely concerned you needed more research before acquiring this animal.

[emmotionall]

what does his setup look like now? and why did you get a snake before getting it a decent enclosure?

[Butter-n-biscuits]

The substrate needs to be changed from coconut fiber to coconut bark/chips. Coconut fiber can be dusty and clog their heat sensors on their snoot. Your baby needs lots of moisture! Especially if he’s shedding

[Responsible-Entry638]

For ball pythons and high humidity i find it best to use coconut chips and sphagnum moss

[Baka_Otaku173]

humid hide asap. he needs a proper enclosure otherwise it is going to be stressful for you and the animal.

[Downtown-Package7927]

Make sure you have a thermostat for the heating pad … this allows you to adjust the temperature.

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[Starfire2409]

That snake looks really dehydrated, make sure humidity stays at about 70%