Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently acquired my first ball python (6 mo old "normal" male) and I've noticed that, even tho I have holes drilled on either side of his box, the ambient heat from his heating element seems to cause his water to condense in a 2" area around the water dish. Does anyone know if excess humidity can be bad for Balls? I've heard of things like fungal infections and just wanted to be sure, since they are from a relatively "dry" continent. ;^) I could always drill more holes on the water side of his box, if necessary. Thanks!

just make sure the substrate doesn't stay soggy on a continuous basis. raise the humidity near the second half of shed phase for a nice one piece shed. other than that , dry substrate will keep your ball in good shape.
good luck,
ck

Thanks. I only use paper towels..more hygienic (sp?) and I get them REALLY cheap. ;^) I haven't noticed it being soggy, only humid in there. Are balls prone to any kind of fungal infections?

Not the same way that, say, a chameleon would be. Keep em clean, keep em fairly dry...you're good. Things like scale rot only pop up when the snake is kept pretty much continuously on dirty, wet bedding. Keep the bedding clean, and even if it does get damp sometimes...you're not going to have a problem.

I use papertowels in tubs too, and have the same 'problem' on the waterbowl side of the tub. My snakes have been in there for ... at least eight months now, I think longer, and I haven't had any problems. If anything, I have the best sheds ever.

~jenny
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