Low humidity issue

[jswjimmy]

So I seem to be having the complete opposite issue as most people. Since it has started getting colder; all of the windows are closed and the heat has gone on our average house humidity is 15-30% which is great for us humans.

Unfortunately because of basking light the humidity inside of our 40G breeder drops to 10-20% if we do not mist it twice an hour which isn't always practical. We have tried bigger dishes and while he appreciates being able to swim now it hasn't helped. I've tried taping off large sections of the screen and placing wet towels on the mesh... still doesn't help past an hour or so. Minus boosting the humidity in the house which I could do but is technically not allowed in our apartments is there much else I can try?

Humidity is being measured by 2 zoomed dials hydrometers and a accurite digital hydrometer.

 

[jswjimmy]

We also have a dubia colony and they have been having unsuccessful molts because of this. We can tell our dragon has been a lot more uncomfortable in its shedding as well due to the low humidity spikes if we go out to a store or something where were not around for an hour or two to mist the tank.

We have even gone as far as adding a live plant to the 40g which didn't help much. Though since he isn't eating it, it looks nice in the tank.

 

[neilkd21]

Where do you keep your water dish in the viv? Maybe try put the bigger water dish closer to the basking light if you haven't already? In theory that should increase the evaporation rate and increase humidity.

Maybe add a water feature I know exo terra do a reptile fountain. It's a re circulating water dish that they say increases humidity but I haven't used one so don't know if does work.

 

[neilkd21]

Could also try some stuff designed for tropical reptiles like terrarium Moss that releases moisture when heated. Not sure how safe it is to have in with a dragon or if tries to eat it but maybe some way to put it in a container that will be safe but also let the humidity rise.

 

[zoiesgrandma]

My grand daughter recently, about 3 weeks ago, got a juvenile. I was told at PetSmart that his humidity shouldn't go above 30 because it could cause upper respiratory, is this true? Just today when I was feeding him I noticed his tail has a rough shed from mid way down, his body also feels dry. I gave him a warm water soak, but don't know if that was the right thing to do. I can't help but feel that the humidity needs to be higher but don't want to do what I was told not to do. How high should I maintain it? We have a Boa Constrictor & I know what to do to raise the humidity, just need to know how high to go. Also, was told I could put Aloe Vera on his body & tail, can I?

 

[CooperDragon]

Normal household humidity should be fine. The general range is 30-60% but if the air doesn't feel too humid or too dry to you in the house it should be no problem. Soaking is good for sheds to help moisten the skin. You can put plain aloe on his skin if he seems to be having a hard time shedding or if an area seems to be cutting off circulation to a finger etc but in general they're good at shedding on their own and don't need intervention, it just takes time.

 

[diamc]

If you do decide to rub aloe vera on him, it's best to put it on at night so it has time to sink in. If applied during the day and he is basking under the lights, it could cause the skin to burn.