Humid Hide?

JinxtheBP · 08-05-09, 10:04 PM

Hello, everyone!

So, I currently use newspaper as substrate in my BP's enclosure, but I want to make a humid hide for him to go in if he pleases. I've heard mulch is a good thing to use to up the humidity. I will probably be using a tupperware or similar container with an entrance cut into it, so that I can easily remove the lid to change the substrate inside of it. Anyway, I have three questions:

1. When purchasing mulch are there any special considerations? For example, toxicity, dyes, etc. (I know that cedar is unacceptable bedding.)

2. Is mulch the best option? I need something that is inexpensive and efficient to help keep humidity in a small hide. Is there something better than mulch?

3. How often does the substrate of a humid hide need to be changed? How often does it need to be re-moistened, if at all?

Thank you so much!

Will1976 · 08-07-09, 06:57 AM

I use aspen shavings for mine and it works well. I wet mine down about two to three times a week and change it about every two weeks as it needs it. You can tell if it is in there too long as it starts to turn black (moldy) dont let it get too far as this is bad for the snakes. I put in about two to three inches in the bottom and moisten it down until its very moist not drenched remove any excess water. Mulch is hard to see if it is going moldy and alot dustier.
Holp this helps and good luck

citysnakes · 08-07-09, 08:23 AM

mold in your humid hide means insufficient ventilation and cannot be good for your animal. you can have adequate humidity within a humid hide while still providing sufficient ventilation. a humid hide, however, for balls is really unnecessary as it is very easy to provide the right amount of humidity for them within the entire enclosure. if you are using a tank with a screen top, try covering up 3/4 of the screen with something and occasionally mist the tank. newspaper is great for holding moisture and slowly releasing it into the air just dont keep it soaked. if you can switch to aspen shavings or cypress mulch as well as covering the majority of the screen then any humidity issues should be solved.

JinxtheBP · 08-07-09, 08:52 PM

Thank you very much.

Very helpful! I was having trouble getting him to eat regularly and the only issue was the humidity, which has now been righted and he's eating much better. Thank you again!

Chu'Wuti · 08-08-09, 01:12 PM

Another common humidity substrate is long-fiber sphagnum moss, just in the humid hide.

I'm really glad that he's eating better now!