Humidity Too High

Neon Aurora · 07-26-18, 07:32 AM

I just moved my yellow anaconda to his new home; an Animal Plastics enclosure.

But I'm having huge problems with the humidity. It just maxes out. I baked all of his substrate in the oven until it was bone dry. He has a huge water container because he likes to spend around 80% of his time in the water. This is the only source of moisture in there, but after a few hours the humidity goes up to 99%. I even cut a hole in the lid for the container and have the lid on so less moisture escapes.

What can I do to lower the humidity? I didn't think it would be so much of a problem when I bought the cage.

**Andy_G** · 07-26-18, 07:51 AM

Is the water container over/under a heat source?

kudzu · 07-26-18, 09:13 AM

When I spoke to AP about a custom cage, I asked about adding ventilation later if needed. She mentioned using a router or a drill, with standard wood bits. You can add holes &/or slits to let more moisture out. If needed, you could use a small fan to rig something like an exhaust fan. I've got some little USB powered fans that move a surprising amount of air for their size, yet are very quiet.

Just an idea.

ETA: Also, someone mentioned making sure there are vents in both the lower & upper areas of the walls to encourage more airflow.

bigsnakegirl785 · 07-26-18, 09:19 AM

I've been having the same problems since the temps started to drop, because of the difference in temps in and out of the enclosure. It's still too warm to use a space heater, but once I start running that I'm sure it will dry things out a bit.

I'm not sure of the exact situations of your home, but have you tried a room dehumidifier? How do you heat the enclosure? Do the cages have the normal amount of ventilation?

It's likely that the humidity is just going to stay high with the huge water dish in there, AP cages hold humidity quite well, and a large surface area of water will easily overload the air space with moisture. I would not sacrifice the water dish, however, considering annie's semi-aquatic nature. As long as the humidity is not resulting in mold growth or condensation, honestly, I don't think a high humidity is all that detrimental. Just clean everything regularly and she should be fine.

Neon Aurora · 07-26-18, 09:52 AM

No, the water source is not over the UTH.

I could put holes in it. That might be a good solution, although I'm not sure how things will be in the winter. It gets really, really dry in the winter. I also did consider something like a computer fan to go on the outside of the ventilation slits to encourage airflow.

A room dehumidifier wouldn't be terribly useful. I live in a desert where it's normally like 30% humidity or less. It's been a little more humid lately because of rain, but that's not typical. The enclosure is heated using a UTH. The cages have pretty conservative ventilation. Slits in the corns and on the back of the cage. Only on the top.

I'm definitely keeping his water source. He loves it. I've only seen him out of it for like 10 minutes so far. I don't think mold should be an issue, but I'm just worried about him getting a respiratory infection. Surely 99% humidity can't be good for his lungs long term?

kudzu · 07-26-18, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neon Aurora

I could put holes in it. That might be a good solution, although I'm not sure how things will be in the winter. It gets really, really dry in the winter.

If you chose to add more holes it would seem easy enough to cover those come Winter. Something as simple as small pieces of vinyl or thin plastic attached to the outside of the cage with like Command strips.

Again, just an idea. Not trying to push it.

Scubadiver59 · 07-26-18, 11:16 AM

Duck Tape to the rescue!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by kudzu

If you chose to add more holes it would seem easy enough to cover those come Winter. Something as simple as small pieces of vinyl or thin plastic attached to the outside of the cage with like Command strips.

Again, just an idea. Not trying to push it.

Neon Aurora · 07-26-18, 01:04 PM

You're right, that is an easy fix. I suppose I'm hesitant about altering it permanently. I think I might have to, though. The way that thing holds humidity is insane. Living in a desert, I have always struggled with keeping the humidity high enough, not usually the other way around. Even with more holes, I think I might still need a fan to circulate the air.

Scubadiver59 · 07-26-18, 01:58 PM

The humidity with the gas furnaces (dual zone) in my house takes the humidity down to the 30% range, and I don't have humidifiers attached to my 16yr old systems, so I feel your "humidity" pain.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neon Aurora

You're right, that is an easy fix. I suppose I'm hesitant about altering it permanently. I think I might have to, though. The way that thing holds humidity is insane. Living in a desert, I have always struggled with keeping the humidity high enough, not usually the other way around. Even with more holes, I think I might still need a fan to circulate the air.

Neon Aurora · 07-26-18, 02:17 PM

Okay, I will try some things and let you know what works. A fan might be the first thing I try, and then some more holes if it's not enough.

Here is my guy enjoying his pool. =) It has a lid on it now with a hole for him to go in and out of.

phenyx · 07-26-18, 09:14 PM

The lid should help keep the humidity in the pool rather than evaporating into the air.

Neon Aurora · 07-26-18, 10:30 PM

That's the idea. It's not working that well, though.

craigafrechette · 07-27-18, 02:42 PM

He looks gorgeous!!! A yellow is one my my dream snakes, but likely will never happen. I'd love to see more pics if you can.

As for the humidity, everything I would have said has already been mentioned. Good luck though.

Neon Aurora · 07-28-18, 07:48 AM

Sure! Once I have a minute, I'll post more pics.

I'm loving the new set up. He seems to feel a lot less threatened now that I can come at him from the front and not above (his previous enclosure was top-opening). I've started some hook training with him to make him safer to deal with. The nice thing is that if he gets worried, he retreats into his pool. Since it has a lid, it becomes impossible for him to bite me, so I am free to touch his body with my hands safely. He actually hasn't stuck at me or the hook a single time since he's been in there, so I think with a lot of patience, I might be able to get him comfortable with my hands. Don't think I'll ever really trust him, but it would be nice to make him a little safer to deal with.

Before anyone gets concerned, he is small. Only 6 foot. I'm not endangering myself.

bigsnakegirl785 · 07-29-18, 12:46 PM

Glad to hear he's gotten so settled in! It's way more enjoyable imo to have a happy, comfy snake.

He's a gorgeous annie, so bright yellow!