Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I don't understand humidity for a everglades type rat snake. I just picked up a digital thermometer/hydrometer from Walmart and it seems my humidity in my snake tank is pretty steady at 27%. I have read that I don't have to mist this snake but it should have a humidity level anywhere from 50-65%. I don't see how I get a level that high at all times in my tank. I am not 100% sure I need a level that high either. I am really confused!

I know the Gecko had some shedding problems and now that it has a meter we now know why. I am not sure how to get that tank level up and maintained either.

first off, that cheapo hydrogmeter is near bout worthless. Saying 27% you could be anywhere from 20-35 or so. To get one that actualy works you'll be spending about $50 just for that one gauge.

what part of the country do you live in? If you live up north where your heat is running all the time.. that's your problem. Heaters tend to dry out the air in your household. I would reccomend to go get yourself a humidifier for the room the snake is in. This will help you also.

However, when you first notice your snake going into shed... like just a little whitish on the scales... spray one squirt a day on your snake (on the mist setting) from a CLEAN NEW squirt bottle (not an empty old tilex bottle or something.. it's nearly impossible to get those clean. Plus, they only cost about a buck at home depot.) One squirt a day directly on your snake will help with a shed in that low of a humidity.

However I've noticed my cages constantly going down to 35-40% during the winter with the heat running... and it really doesn't bother them as long as you'll mist every now and then.
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-Chris

The reason mainstream thought is thought of as a stream is because it's so shallow. -George Carlin

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Wow that is a bummer that the gauge is so crappy. I do live in Pittsburgh, PA where this morning is was a nice 17 degrees so yes my heat is running. I don't think it will vere be warm here again! Anyway, I usually have a humidifier running upstairs all the time but I will move it into my room where the snake is. I have been misting the reptibark everyday and the snake when he's out but I wasn't sure it was good to get him wet like that.

After reading on another section of this forum, I am now thinking my snake is a girl. I need to find someone to probe it and put it to rest once and for all.

That is a good idea to mist the snake once a day with clean water. You can also put a vaporizer in the room that he is being kept. Keep in mind that how much water there is in the air is directly related to the air temperature. The higher the air temperature, the more water it will hold. I provide my Everglades with a bowl of water that he can soak in when he wants, and he has been doing fine for almost two years.