How to Keep Humidity Up in a Terrarium for a Ball Python

People who are new to keeping snakes are often recommended to keep ball pythons as they are easy to care for and seldom bite. While a ball python is easy to maintain, many snake owners often do not keep the right level of humidity in the terrarium housing the python. In the wild, these snakes burrow underground, so they exposed to adequate humidity. However, in a terrarium, if the humidity is not maintained, it can cause excessive shedding and lead to dehydration of the snake.

Things You'll Need

  • Mulch
  • Water bowls
  • Spray bottle
  • Hygrometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Layer the terrarium with mulch. This will soak up moisture and increase the humidity in the terrarium as the moisture evaporates. If you want to increase the humidity still further in the tank, spray some water on the mulch.

    • 2

      Keep bowls of water in the terrarium housing the ball python. In addition, keep one covered water bowl. Make a hole in the cover of the bowl. This bowl will not just humidify the terrarium, it will also allow the snake to enter the bowl and soak in the water, thereby preventing dehydrating. Place one bowl of water directly under the heating light to increase evaporation of the water and humidity.

    • 3

      Keep a hygrometer in the terrarium to regularly check the humidity levels. If you notice that the humidity levels are falling, spray some water in the terrarium. Alternatively, you can add one more bowl of water in the tank. Kingsnake, a website dedicated to care and maintenance of snakes, recommends maintaining the humidity level of the terrarium at 60 percent. If the humidity level is too high, remove a couple of bowls of water from the terrarium.