Humidity: How low is too low?

[Lefitte]

So one of the reasons I chose a California Kingsnake over other species was because they are found in my area in the wild which meant that the general conditions would be easy to manage. Summer still hasn't lost its grip on us yet though and it's been into the 100s with humidity in the high 20s. During summer, we regularly get humidity levels in the single digits so I have to ask...

Outside of shedding, is there any reason to worry about keeping the humidity the recommended 40-60%? I know the problems it can cause when the snake is in shed but will it cause any problems when she's not actually in shed? I was able to keep the humidity up just fine for her shed last week and had no problems with it at all.

I don't want to raise the humidity too much, I know that can cause problems with the one functioning lung and all, but should I bother to get a moist hide when the humidity is this low but she's not in shed?

[pdomensis]

I think 40 to 60% humidity is way to high for a cali. 20 to 30% is much more realistic. It wouldn't hurt to add a humid hide and let him decide if he wants to use it. or like you said, add some humidity to the hide when in shed.

[sharthun]

I think 40 to 60% humidity is way to high for a cali. 20 to 30% is much more realistic. It wouldn't hurt to add a humid hide and let him decide if he wants to use it. or like you said, add some humidity to the hide when in shed.

I agree I added a small clear sterilte tub with hole cut in lid, with moist spagnum moss to each of my snake's enclosures. They all use them all a lot inculding my MBK which is a desert species. Just makes sense to make it available. I let the snake choose. That way, no misting needed during shed.

[Lefitte]

Thanks for the advice! I had some internet issues so it took me a while to respond but I did end up using your suggestion of a humid hide. I used jungle moss instead of spagnum because it was cheaper in a pinch and will last for a very long amount of time.

I think the 40-60% is high for a king too. I feel better when it doesn't go over 55% personally. California, in my neck of the woods, if very rarely that humid. I like when it stays in the 30-40s more. It's an ugly little thing but she's using it. The humidity has been in the 40s ever since. Just earlier today I saw her burrowing in and out of it in knots. Adorable.

http://tinyurl.com/k3n2u75

[sharthun]

Thanks for the advice! I had some internet issues so it took me a while to respond but I did end up using your suggestion of a humid hide. I used jungle moss instead of spagnum because it was cheaper in a pinch and will last for a very long amount of time.

I think the 40-60% is high for a king too. I feel better when it doesn't go over 55% personally. California, in my neck of the woods, if very rarely that humid. I like when it stays in the 30-40s more. It's an ugly little thing but she's using it. The humidity has been in the 40s ever since. Just earlier today I saw her burrowing in and out of it in knots. Adorable.

http://tinyurl.com/k3n2u75

cool!! Much better deal on sphagnum moss here thanks to EZ!:

Reptile Substrate (http://www.reptilebasics.com/substrate)

[Lefitte]

Oh wow! That IS a good deal! That's about what I paid for my jungle moss, same volume looks like too. I'll remember that.