Controlling humidity for a Milk

sleepswthghosts · 05-04-09, 02:55 PM

Hey guys,

I have a 6 year old milk snake in a 50 gallon tank with a screen top that slides out. Her last tank was a wood lid with a screen section. In Calgary [where we used to live] the humidity in my apartment was the right percent for her, so I never had to do anything about it, but I've since moved to Montreal and the humidity is a lot higher, which isn't what's said to be ideal for this type of snake, as they like warmer, drier.

I've heard of partially covering the top to keep humidity in, but how do I keep it out? Or is it even necessary? She doesn't seem to mind one way or the other, but I thought i'd check in just the same.

Chu'Wuti · 05-04-09, 05:13 PM

Some people have used small computer fans to create a breeze going through the tank to dry things out some. Also, if you aren't already using a heat lamp, you might actually want to use one to help dry things out--as long as it doesn't get too hot, of course!

Maybe some other people will have some better suggestions; these are just off the top of my head.

GoodSmeagol · 05-04-09, 07:03 PM

What are the humidity levels currently? Previosuly?
A HUGE range is acceptable depending who you ask, some say 50-60, most say 60-70(I think) some say 80+
So to know what the current level is, would help any one answer the questions.
Me I need to ADD humidity, ALOT (at least in the winter)

Chu'Wuti · 05-04-09, 09:26 PM

For milk snakes, 40-60% is an appropriate range. Above that is not necessary, although it could possibly be raised while the snake is going through a shed cycle. However, I never had to raise the humidity for the milk snake I snake-sat for over two years--it was at about 40% all the time, and he always had perfect sheds.

sleepswthghosts · 05-04-09, 11:25 PM

Yeah, it should be around what Chu'Wuti said, but it's usually around 80% or higher. I could try leaving the heat lamp on, but then she tends to stay on the other side of the tank all the time. :/

Chu'Wuti · 05-05-09, 10:53 AM

Yeah, 80% is really too high for these snakes . . . they're mostly a desert or dryland group. Anyway, see if you can find a small fan you can clamp onto the tank or set above the tank; maybe that'll help.

I didn't realize Montreal is so humid! Good luck, Sarala!

Sandy

siz · 05-05-09, 06:43 PM

Are you are your hydrometer is working correctly? 80% seems very very high for natural Canadian humidity.

GoodSmeagol · 05-05-09, 07:52 PM

Humidity in Onatio(Toronto) in the summer is on average maybe 60-70%, according to weathernetwork measurements.
Last summer my hygrometer read on avg about 40-50%(in the apartment.)
I think this is so because for the hottest days, with the highest humidity, my door was shut with AC on...
So inless you are anti-AC, the inside humidity, will be very different then outside.
Also remember that humidity is relative, 100 degree weather with 80% humidity, is VERY different then 85 degree weather with 80% humidity.

Chu'Wuti · 05-06-09, 02:26 AM

Just to clarify a minor but common confusion, there is a difference between a hyDrometer and a hyGrometer, and to measure humidity, we use the latter, as GoodSmeagol has noted.

Hydrometer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Chu'Wuti · 05-06-09, 02:27 AM

Just to clarify a minor but common confusion, there is a difference between a hyDrometer and a hyGrometer, and to measure humidity, we use the latter, as GoodSmeagol has noted.

Hydrometer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

siz · 05-06-09, 06:30 AM

Good to know, thanks Chu! I've never even noticed that before haha

siz · 05-06-09, 06:31 AM

Oh and I live near Toronto and the humidity inside my house is usually around 30-40 w/o AC

sleepswthghosts · 05-06-09, 09:49 AM

There's no A/C in my apartment. I'll see about getting a little fan though. The meter reads temp and humidity...cost $20 at a reptile store, so it's possible it could just be wrong. Also, my snake knocked it off and into her water dish the other day, which probably didn't help. Maybe I should look into getting a new one?

Chu'Wuti · 05-07-09, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Also, my snake knocked it off and into her water dish the other day, which probably didn't help.

LOL!

Probably not.

Digital hygrometer & thermometers are best. I've heard you can get an Accu-rite at some home & building supply stores for a fairly inexpensive cost; in the States, we'd go to Lowes or Home Depot, but IDK what you have in Montreal. Good luck!

sleepswthghosts · 05-08-09, 12:15 AM

Haha, but it was showing high readings before that as well.
I'll check out the digital though, thanks!