Hello,

I recently acquired a 4-year-old male ball python from a friend and noticed that during a current heat and dry spell we're having, he's been yawning and making a odd popping noise from time to time. I've been trying to increase the humidity in his tank - his temperature gradient usually ranges from 85 degrees F on one side and 95 degrees F on the other side and the humidity is usually between 30 and 40%. He has coconut husk substrate that I've been spraying with deionized water a couple of times a day to try to increase humidity. He has a large water dish in the tank. Also, I've been bringing him in the shower with me so he can enjoy the humidity in there. He seems to like it quite a bit. It is also noteworthy that my friend lived on the coast and I live about 10 miles inland, so it's a bit drier out here.

My question is, is he at risk for some kind of respiratory infection from the dryness? What else can I do to increase and maintain the humidity in his tank and relieve his yawning/wheezing?

Thanks a million!

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