Reptile & Amphibian Forums

You guys might remember my last post about the shedding problem i had with my snake, and your replies did indeed help; but not fully. I have raised the humidity to keep it level at around 60 , and my temp is around 80 on the hot side. I try to mist it regularly with warm water to raise the humidity up.

Would you guys have any comments or add ons to what i have to do now? I'm wondering if whether the hot side that he spends his whole time basking has a different humidty then the cooler side i placed my humidy gauge? What about soaking? I read that the tap water can dry out the skin. If so, how long and how often should i do it? Thanks for helping me out again guys.

I noticed some major problems:

1) TEMPS: If your warm side is 80, your set up is TOO COOL. the warm side should reach AT LEAST 84-86 deg F with a basking area that reaches at least 88-92 deg F. Cool side should be 80. Improper temps will lead to MANY problems including shedding.

2) HUMIDITY: levels should be at least 75-80%; that might explain why your snake is having shedding problems (and low humidity can also lead to respiratory problems as well).

Hope this helps. Rob

-92>>You guys might remember my last post about the shedding problem i had with my snake, and your replies did indeed help; but not fully. I have raised the humidity to keep it level at around 60 , and my temp is around 80 on the hot side. I try to mist it regularly with warm water to raise the humidity up.
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>>Would you guys have any comments or add ons to what i have to do now? I'm wondering if whether the hot side that he spends his whole time basking has a different humidty then the cooler side i placed my humidy gauge? What about soaking? I read that the tap water can dry out the skin. If so, how long and how often should i do it? Thanks for helping me out again guys.
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

You should be able to get away with 60% humidity, mine just shed with an avg of 65% in one big peice. My temps are a little higher with 88 on the hot side and 82ish on the cool. I think warm air can hold more moisture but don't quote me on that. My humidity is pretty much the same on both sides of the cage. The plastic cages hold humidity very well I have a boaphile and a vision neither ever needs misting to stay above 65-70%
I sometimes will soak them after the cloudy eyes clear up before they shed. Sometimes i don't even do that and no problems. I'll just give the cage extra mistings in that same time period from clearing eyes to actual shed.

Thanks guys. I installed in a 100watt bulb and it is now around 90 degrees. BTW, would you guys recommend one of those fancies UVA/UVB bulbs for snakes? I know lizards need them, but do snakes?

No need to spend that much money (regular spot/flood lamps will do just fine); they really serve no purpose for large snakes who eat whole animal prey. I use them for monitors, crocs, turtles/tortoises, but not for snakes. Most of my herps have Pro Product's Radiant Heat Panels for their primary heat source and I absolutely love them; just something to think about down the road.

>>Thanks guys. I installed in a 100watt bulb and it is now around 90 degrees. BTW, would you guys recommend one of those fancies UVA/UVB bulbs for snakes? I know lizards need them, but do snakes?
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL