How to Make a Humid Box

Taking reptiles out of their natural habitat can cause stress unless the new environment mimics the reptile's original habitat. By making a humid box, you give your reptile an area within its living space to adjust to temperature and climate changes. Moisture, ventilation and temperature affect humidity in the living space of the reptile. Since the needs of a reptile differ from the needs of a human, it's difficult for an owner to understand the needs of a pet at a specific time. Instead of playing a constant guessing game, add a humid box for your reptile to get the moisture it needs when it needs it.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Small plastic food storage box, with lid
  • Utility knife
  • Rough sandpaper
  • Aquarium detergent
  • Sponge
  • Sphagnum moss
  • Water spray bottle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the dimensions of the reptile cage, using a tape measure. For example, the dimensions of the cage are 1-by-3-feet.

    • 2

      Make the humid box smaller than the reptile cage. Find a smaller plastic food storage box with a lid.

    • 3

      Cut a hole into one wall of the storage box, using a utility knife. The hole should be large enough for the reptile to freely enter and exit the humid box.

    • 4

      Smooth the cut edges of the hole, using rough sandpaper. Cut edges can cause injury to the reptile. Wash out the inside of the storage box with aquarium detergent and a sponge to remove all dirt, dust and debris.

    • 5

      Open the lid on the plastic food storage box. Spray sphagnum moss with water until it's damp but not wet. Wet moss adds too much moisture into the air and provides an environment for mold and bacteria to grow.

    • 6

      Insert a 1-inch layer of sphagnum moss on the floor of the food storage box. Cover the storage box with its lid and press tightly to secure the lid. Spray the inside of the box with water once a day.

    • 7

      Replace the sphagnum moss layer every week. If there are signs of mold, remove and discard the moss immediately. Wash the humid box with aquarium detergent and water. Reinsert a new layer of damp sphagnum moss and close the lid.