How to Make a Humid Box for a Reptile to Shed

The molt is a vulnerable time for reptiles. As they lose the old skin, they are delicate and cannot defend themselves properly. If anything goes wrong during the molt, the effects could be fatal. To soften the old skin, a reptile often needs increased humidity. Rather than increasing the humidity throughout the entire tank, which can cause its own problems, create a humid or humidity box. This allows the snake or lizard to hydrate and soften its skin as it needs to.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic box
  • Scissors
  • Sphagnum moss
  • Plant mister
  • Hygrometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a plastic box about the size of your reptile's normal shelter.

    • 2

      Cut a hole in the front of the box big enough for your pet to get through easily.

    • 3

      Add an inch or two of sphagnum moss to the box.

    • 4

      Spray the moss with spring water until damp.

    • 5

      Replace the lid on the box and put it in the reptile's tank.

    • 6

      Monitor the humidity level in the box with the hygrometer. How high the humidity should be depends on the species, but about 70 to 80 percent relative humidity suits many reptiles. Raise the humidity in the box as necessary by spraying or misting with more water.