How often to use misting system?

KevinGG

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I live in SoCal. I am installing the misting system for an outdoor boxie enclosure. Humidity is usually 40-60% outside. How often and for how long should it mist? Thanks
 

Yvonne G

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I turn on my box turtles' sprinklers on days over 100F. I allow them to run until it starts to run off...usually about an hour and a half or so. But these are regular sprinklers.

I run the misting system in the rain forest for the Asian tortoises all day on those 100+F days.
 

Tom

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Everyone's environment is different. You will have to pick a starting point, run it that way for a while and then make adjustments as needed.
 

KevinGG

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I turn on my box turtles' sprinklers on days over 100F. I allow them to run until it starts to run off...usually about an hour and a half or so. But these are regular sprinklers.

I run the misting system in the rain forest for the Asian tortoises all day on those 100+F days.

Well I have none of those. I live about a mile from the beach. Most days stay at about 70-75. Tortoise and turtle shells can get over 100 when basking though.
 

Yvonne G

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Yes, but in 75F degree weather, the tortoise has the option of cooling down just by moving location. On 100F plus days, he doesn't have that option. I don't see a need for a misting system if your weather doesn't get any warmer than 75F or 80F degrees. Besides adding moisture to the air, the mist also cools the air quite a bit. You don't want to cool your tortoises with mist and make them sick if the weather isn't warm enough.
 

KevinGG

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Yes, but in 75F degree weather, the tortoise has the option of cooling down just by moving location. On 100F plus days, he doesn't have that option. I don't see a need for a misting system if your weather doesn't get any warmer than 75F or 80F degrees. Besides adding moisture to the air, the mist also cools the air quite a bit. You don't want to cool your tortoises with mist and make them sick if the weather isn't warm enough.

So would 50% humidity work? I was under the impression that 60-80% was ideal
 

Yvonne G

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It's different outside where there are no lights to dry him out. Just keep the yard watered. The places where he hides...under a bush, in the hiding place, etc....will hold more humidity than the open spaces.
 

kimber_lee_314

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I agree with Yvonne - I just water my pens enough to keep the plants alive. Some areas stay dryer, some get wetter. My boxies always grow smooth and healthy. I wouldn't worry about the humidity too much if they are outside.
 

johnsonnboswell

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They love rain, so every now and again you can use the hose or mister to give them some. Not for humidity, but for keeping the ground moist & for cooling off the enclosure & giving them some fun. It bakes for better worm hunting
 
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