Cleveland Veterinary Clinic

Humidity for Herps

A herp is a group name for reptiles and amphibians, and there is a variety of humidity needs within the herp group. Some herps need their environment to be kept hot and extremely moist, while others need a drier, more arid enclosure.

Whatever humidity level your pet requires in their home, it is very critical to their health and well being that you monitor and maintain it continuously. Lizards and iguana could attract a severe fungal infection, pneumonia, or not shed their skin correctly if they are kept in the wrong humidity level.

Controlling the Moisture

There are three variables that determine the amount of moisture in the air of the enclosure or aquarium:

• Ventilation
• Temperature
• Introduction of water in to the atmosphere

Ventilation

Do not use an enclosure made of wood or pressboard for herps that require a high level of humidity. They do best in full enclosure with small vents that conserve heat and humidity. Species that are used to desert conditions thrive in glass and plexi-glass aquariums with wire mesh tops where the heat can escape more readily.

Temperature

Use multiple heat sources to provide your herp an environment with a gradient of heat. Put a basking light or ceramic heater in the corner of the enclosure to give a warmer spot that they can move in and out of as desired.

Introduction of Water

There are several techniques and devices you can add to the enclosure if the humidity is too low. Pools give amphibians the space they need to completely submerge them in water and increase the humidity. A low tech method is to use a spray bottle periodically.

Visit a Cleveland Veterinarian Clinic

If you own a herp and have questions about maintaining the proper humidity in their enclosure, contact your local Cleveland vet clinic today.