How to Regulate the Humidity of a Snake Cage

The health of your snake depends partially on the humidity of its habitat. If the air is too dry, shedding can be difficult, leading to a loss of blood supply as the snake grows too large for its unshed skin. If the air is too moist, this can cause snakes from dryer climates to stop eating. Controlling the humidity of your snake's enclosure is necessary, but can be very simple and inexpensive.

Things You'll Need

  • Soil
  • Bowl
  • Potted plant
  • Dripper cup
  • Mister
  • Water
  • Sand
  • Stones
  • 2 hygrometers
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Instructions

  1. Increasing Humidity

    • 1

      Mix soil with water to increase the humidity in your snake's cage. The soil should be wet enough to stick together when you squeeze it in your fist, but not so wet that water drips out. Spread the soil to a depth of about 1" to 1 1/2" on the bottom of the enclosure.

    • 2

      Place a wide-mouthed bowl of water on the side of the enclosure away from the light source. A bowl with a wide opening allows water to evaporate into the air, increasing humidity.

    • 3

      Put a small potted plant on the same side as the bowl of water. Water the plant generously, but do not allow puddles to form.

    • 4

      Fill a dripper cup with water and place it above the potted plant. A dripper cup imitates the climate of a rain forest.

    • 5

      Mist the contents of the enclosure regularly.

    • 6

      Keep windows and fans, which carry away moisture, away from the enclosure.

    Decreasing Humidity

    • 7

      Fill a small bowl with water and place it on one side of the enclosure, away from any heat sources. A bowl with a small opening minimizes the water vapor released into the air. Make sure the bowl is wide enough, however, for your snake to immerse itself fully.

    • 8

      Spread sand on the bottom of the enclosure to a depth of about 1 inch.

    • 9

      Place flat, pale stones on top of one other under the light source. Stones reflect light and conserve heat, preventing humidity from staying in the air.

    • 10

      Increase the air circulation by ventilating the enclosure. Use a screen top, open windows or keep a fan blowing in the room.