Question about high humidity

the_flaxseed · 10-30-17, 10:08 AM

Ok, so I have a Boa BCI morph and she's doing great. Shedding, eating, pooping, growing etc. All the things that a young boa should be doing. My current question concerns her humidity.

I have her in a melamine enclosure that I bought from a petshop and I have her on coco coir chunk substrate. The substrate is slightly moist, but not wet by any means and her water dish is large-ish in that she can fit in it with some room and it not being cramped. Her temperatures are 78 on the cold side and 88 on the hot side. The issue I am having is that when I change her substrate, the humidity rises above 80% sometimes even approaching 90% for a couple days to a week before dropping to acceptable levels. I've also tried using dry substrate like aspen, with the issue being that humidity drops too low and I find myself constantly misting. I'm using two digital thermometers/hygrometers to measure both.

I've heard that high humidity can cause respiratory infections, but I've also seen people post that this is a myth and comes with other husbandry issues. What are your thoughts on high humidity? If it's a bad idea, how long can a snake withstand this issue without developing issues/discomfort? Best ways to reduce humidity without misting constantly.

**Andy_G** · 10-30-17, 10:26 AM

High humidity doesn't cause respiratory issues, but conditions where pathogens can flourish will. Constant dampness, wetness and stagnant air are some key contributors. Anyone that says high humidity can cause an R.I. has neglected or perhaps not thought out the fact that these animals live in the central american rainforests and well...it's humid and it rains there pretty often...

One thing you can do to avoid this issue is to try and dry out the substrate before putting it in the enclosure, but if it only remains this way for a day or so it's really not an issue.

BillyCostume · 10-30-17, 04:09 PM

I use cypress mulch in a couple of my pvc cages that house boas, when I change their substrate humidity will shoot up to 90% for nearly a week and I have yet to encounter a problem. You don't have anything to worry about

the_flaxseed · 10-30-17, 05:04 PM

Boom! Thanks for the responses, guys!

Andy: That was how I viewed it, but I'm new to snakes and just want to give them the best environment I can.

Billy: That's exactly what I needed to hear because I am one to worry! haha