How to Keep a Ball Python's Cage Humid

Ball pythons (Python regius) need a certain amount of humidity in their tanks, although not too much. Enough humidity is especially important around shedding time. To maintain the right level of humidity in your snake's tank, you need something to monitor the humidity and something to increase it as necessary. Neither piece of equipment is expensive; both are available from garden centers or general stores.

Things You'll Need

  • Hygrometer
  • Plant mister
  • Different-sized water bowls
  • Plastic box
  • Moss
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Instructions

    • 1

      Monitor the humidity in the python's tank daily with the hygrometer.

    • 2

      Mist the tank if its humidity level drops below 50 percent. You can also add a larger water bowl to help keep the humidity up. A humidity of about 60 percent is right.

    • 3

      Maintain a slightly higher humidity, about 70 to 80 percent, in the snake's humidity box, especially during the shedding period. Spray inside the box to raise the humidity and check levels with the hygrometer. The humidity box can be made from a plastic food container with a fitted lid. Cut a hole in the side big enough to fit your snake, and fill the box more than halfway with moss.

    • 4

      Provide a smaller water bowl and stop misting the tank altogether if the humidity climbs above about 70 percent in the general tank area. Replace the substrate if necessary. Most reptile substrates retain moisture, especially those based on natural substances, such as cork.