Boa enclosure advice

[davidhum66]

Hi - new to this forum after reading very helpful advice over past 2 months for a recent enclosure build. I wanted to see if folks way more knowledgeable can further guide on proper boa husbandry and specifics to my setup. I've had various boas for yrs (sand, BCI) and am not a breeder. Just have always enjoyed these fascinating creatures. So purchased a juvenile boa for my son. After several yrs, the snake is almost 5 ft and I researched buying a much better (larger) enclosure. Man did I realize how poorly I've been previously treating my snakes. 29 gal glass tank, red heat lamp on top of screen, UTH on bottom, no temp or humidity monitoring, no regard to humidity levels. Trying to do better now.

So, at first, just wanted to get larger enclosure. Looked online at AP and several others, but didn't like the 2 1/2 mo lead time and figured I could do this myself. Also, even though the research seemed mixed, I really wanted to have a more natural enclosure with more height for my boa which would also serve as a nightstand for kids bed. So built a 48Lx18Wx32H unit out of wood. He does seem to enjoy the climbing height, but spends most of his time in the hide on the cool side.

My setup: herpstat 2, Pro-Heat 125W RHP, 16w UTH zoomed heat mat. Bob at Pro-Heat very helpful in guiding size of RHP for my enclosure. Had the UTH from previous glass tank and wanted to incorporate it given height of my setup and better (??) heat offerings for snake. Researched proper temp/humidity to hopefully achieve the following: Basking surface: ~90°F, Basking air temp: 80-85°F. Cool end: 75-80°F (24-26°C). Humidity 60-75%.

On herpstat: Probe 1 = RHP, Probe 2 = UTH. Using the herpstat night drop for the RHP. Selected 85F during day, 80F during night. Notice the probe is ~6" under the RHP. Too low? For UTH probe, set at 85F. No nighttime drop. Both probe's set to dimming (proportional) heating. Originally had set RHP to pulse mode, but switched back after reading some comments.

Sorry for the long description, just trying to convey the set up which leads to my questions/help:

1.) Is the UTH necessary? Given 32"H set up, I figured it doesn't hurt since I already own this. I incorporated the UTH sandwiched b/w 2 ceramic tiles with air gap between. Still felt too warm. So put a thin piece of acrylic on top to get the 90F surface temp via IR gun measurement. Probe affixed to top of this. Its taped and I know not ideal. Boa can move it and this might overheat the tile. But should not ever get to point of burning him (as long as UTH stays affixed to tile layer). Thoughts?

2.) RHP probe too low?: I read that the probe should be around 2-3" below RHP...and instructions say within 5". Rationale for my placement is that its right around the basking area for boa. So, this is why I lowered temp to 85F. The panel, when at 100%, reads 147F. Wow. But it seems to be doing its job providing radiant heat to enclosure and giving gradient of 85F on hot side...and 77F on cool side. But can move probe higher and dangle closer to RHP if that's what's required.

3.) Humidity control: I noticed after a few days the enclosure dropped below 60% on the hot side (but still above 70% on bottom cool side). I'm using cypress substrate (Forest floor) and have started misting to aid this. Will guide my son to do this regularly. But now I'm finding out the issues with having a taller enclosure. Maybe good in achieving various gradients, but is it bad to have humidity different by as much as 15-20%. Granted, I'm using cheap digital humidity (and temp) sensors and relying on the herpstat to give me the accurate temp readings. Surprised that near the RHP, the humidity read 59% and down on the other (cool) side, the humidity read 77%. Just daily misting to ensure full enclosure is above 60%?

I'll stop here as I continue learning the proper care which I will definitely pass along to my sons. I'm attaching 3 photos of the enclosure. Thanks for any advice and pointers on this helpful forum!

38278

38279

38280

[Zachyboy]

You definitely want that UTH, as boas use belly heat to digest their food. As for the other stuff.... I'm not experienced enough to give an opinion :laugh:

[EL Ziggy]

My boas are small and still in tubs but I have colubrids and pythons in pvc enclosures. My boas will go into pvc enclosures as well when they're larger. I would ditch the UTH and just go with the RHP. I' think they're the most efficient source. Ive found that RHPs give me a nice basking spot and good ambient temps even during the winter months.
I don't pay much attention to humidity for any of my snakes. My humidity ranges from 30-60% on average depending on the season. I believe hydration is more important than humidity for most snakes. Just make sure your boa has constant access to fresh water. I'll mist their enclosures every once in a while just for a rain effect or sometimes during their shedding process.
I keep my thermostat probe a few inches below the RHP. That way there's no way the snakes can move them or pee/poop on them.

[chairman]

I agree that the UTH is probably unnecessary.

If you want a basking spot with good belly heat then put a shelf about 12-14" below the RHP and put a piece or two of slate tile on it. You can inset the tile to make it stay in place.

I also agree that your temperature probe is in a good spot. The only thing that moving the probe would change is the temperature that you have the thermostat set to.

On humidity... water enters a snake's body through its prey, drinking, and respiration. Water exits a snake's body through respiration and defecation. If you notice, respiration is on both lists. Essentially, a snake breathing dry air will lose moisture and possibly dehydrate and a snake with appropriate humidity will neither gain nor lose water while breathing. For most snakes, Ziggy's approach works; I do roughly the same thing as Ziggy for my snakes. It seems like 50% humidity is fine for most snakes, with occasional increases to help with shedding, etc.

If you feel it necessary to raise the humidity then I was going to recommend placing the water dish under the RHP to increase humidity, but it looks like it is already there. Your other option is to buy a potted plant. Pick a shrub or tree that can handle the weight of the snake, tolerates pruning, and will be happy with the amount of light you have available for it. Also buy fertilizer free dirt when you get the plant. Remove the plant from the pot, completely wash all the dirt of its roots to remove all the fertilizer, then repot and put it in the cage.

Honestly, though, remove that UTH and I think you're good. You can always find a way to improve a cage but that doesn't mean every improvement is necessary.

[davidhum66]

Thanks for the feedback! UTH is going away. Too busy on the ground anyway and 1 less item to worry about. And what a great idea regarding basking shelf. It's why I had the large tree branch in there, but a slate (inset) is perfect and would give an additional basking spot.

Good info on the humidity. Our boa hasn't ever had problems with his shed and he was in an open tank w/ small bowl. I've installed a large carry bucket to make it easier to provide water changes. But I've never misted before, but plan on doing that now given it makes sense for increased health/well-being. Besides, my 10 yr old son enjoys doing it.

Appreciate the help!