Proper breathing hole size for 8mo Tarahumara boa

[cwburns32]

Hello all,

I am need of some expert advice on breathing hole sizes. I will be receiving my male 8 mo Tara on Friday and am spending the next few days getting everything prepared for when he arrives. I have a 41 qt tub that is weather sealed so proper ventilation is required as it is air tight. I currently have 7 1/4" holes on each side and 2 1/4" holes on each end for my 8 mo 20ish" long Tara. Will this suffice for this age snake in this tub (roughly 23x17x8)??

Thanks in advance for your help!

[bigsnakegirl785]

I usually put in breathing holes in 3-4 rows all the way across the top, or in 2 3x4 groups of holes on both long sides. I'm not sure how big the holes are, though, I'd have to dig out the drill bit case to tell you. I do not think what you've got is going to provide enough ventilation.

[cwburns32]

Originally Posted by bigsnakegirl785

I usually put in breathing holes in 3-4 rows all the way across the top, or in 2 3x4 groups of holes on both long sides. I'm not sure how big the holes are, though, I'd have to dig out the drill bit case to tell you. I do not think what you've got is going to provide enough ventilation.

This is what I was thinking as well and then I tested it out and saw that my humidity got as high as 82% while I was testing temps so definitely going to need more holes.

[Lefitte]

How do you know how much is enough? I asked this when I originally got my BRB but never really got an answer and when I did it was usually referring to humidity. I only have about ten [total] 1/4" holes drilled into the sides of my bin. I have more but I was losing some humidity and taped over them as recommended. I'm always really curious about this though. Mine's not air tight though so that probably helps.

[Albert Clark]

Originally Posted by cwburns32

This is what I was thinking as well and then I tested it out and saw that my humidity got as high as 82% while I was testing temps so definitely going to need more holes.

That's ok bc you will have to continually monitor the humidity over time and then tweak and do your adjustments. You can never have too many ventilation holes and don't sacrifice ventilation over humidity. Ventilation is way more important. Fluctuations in humidity are easily corrected.

[cwburns32]

Originally Posted by Albert Clark

That's ok bc you will have to continually monitor the humidity over time and then tweak and do your adjustments. You can never have too many ventilation holes and don't sacrifice ventilation over humidity. Ventilation is way more important. Fluctuations in humidity are easily corrected.

Thanks - I made the holes a bit bigger. 26 holes along sides, added 10 to the top (changed my mind halfway through now it looks like crap lol), may need to add a few more as it seems to be sitting around 72-74%. Just put a small fan on top of the enclosure and pointed it into the corner of my room (see attached photo) hoping that it will lower humidity. Probably add another 6 holes to the top or so so I can get to a point where I won't need the fan.

Cool side is a little cool for my liking anywhere from 76.5-78F but I have another smaller Ultratherm on the way to keep the cool side 78-80F. Warm side ranges from 82 to 89F at the basking spot. My Acu-rite digital thermometer/hygrometers are reading temps a few degrees below what I am showing but I used a temp gun to gather a more accurate reading.

[bigsnakegirl785]

Even if Tarahumara boas can have lower humidity I don't see why 70-80% can't be acceptable so long as everything isn't wet. It's not so much high humidity but wet conditions that cause problems in snakes. 70-80% is the norm for most boa constrictors, some of the desert species may do well down to 50-60% but if you can't get it any lower I wouldn't worry too much.

[cwburns32]

Originally Posted by bigsnakegirl785

Even if Tarahumara boas can have lower humidity I don't see why 70-80% can't be acceptable so long as everything isn't wet. It's not so much high humidity but wet conditions that cause problems in snakes. 70-80% is the norm for most boa constrictors, some of the desert species may do well down to 50-60% but if you can't get it any lower I wouldn't worry too much.

A few more holes in top and now it sits at 60% humidity on warm side and 65% on cool side. He is getting overnighted tonight and he is going blue. A few pieces of tape and I have the humidity right at 70% to help with his shedding when he arrives first thing tomorrow morning.

[Albert Clark]

I think you will be fine going forward bc those numbers are acceptable and you can always correct issues as long as you are monitoring frequently. And you most certainly seem to be on top of everything. It really is the excessively high humidity and poor ventilation in enclosed or small spaces for prolonged periods of time that will be problematic. You don't have those issues.

[cwburns32]

He just arrived! Came right out onto from inside of his bag and was being stubborn about going into his enclosure....unfortunately I have to go to work right now but have been observing him from a while and he does not appear to enjoy the substrate (aspen shavings) as he has been all on top of his bowl and hides since he got in there. I will give him a few days and see how he warms up to it.

He just went into the blue yesterday so spiked humidity a bit with a few pieces of tape. Will keep you all posted.

[cwburns32]

Another pic! A little grump and is in hiding as he goes through his shed!

[SWDK]

Congrats on the new boa. Post some pics after the shed to show off that fresh skin.