How to Keep the Humidity Up for My Ball Python

Ball pythons are good starter snakes. They rarely bite and are easy to maintain. Although pythons are simple to care for, many owners overlook an important factor in python health: humidity. In their natural state pythons are accustomed to dwelling underground in tunnels and burrows where moisture levels are much higher than in an aquarium. Arid conditions can cause dehydration and excessive shedding. A snake expert at Kingsnake recommends keeping the ambient humidity level at 60 percent and a hide box at 70-80 percent humidity.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic containers or terracotta pots
  • Plant- or wood-based mulch
  • Spray bottle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide several water bowls such as plastic containers or terracotta pots. Use a covered water container with a hole in the cover. The python can use the covered water bowl as a hide box to soak its skin and humidify the aquarium. Put a water bowl directly under a heat lamp to hasten the evaporation of moisture into the air.

    • 2

      Add plant- or wood-based mulches to the bottom of the aquarium. Mulches retain moisture and allow for more humidity. If you need to add more humidity, spray the mulch directly with water.

    • 3

      Attach a hygrometer to the inside of the aquarium to gauge the humidity. If the humidity is too low add another water bowl or mist the entire enclosure with water. Remove a bowl if the humidity is too high.