Humidity

[abyrhianl]

Does anyone use a humidifier in their enclosures? We are struggling to keep it at a constant level as the lights are drying it out very quickly, we went to the vet on Saturday who actually told us that he should have a dry enclosure with no humidity so we haven’t sprayed for 2 days and he is a different tortoise, sleeping all the time , not moving much at all so we’re making it humid again. Would we need a reptile specific humidifier or would one intended for humans work?
Thanks [emoji217]

 

[daniellenc]

How old is the tort and what's his set-up (pics help). I use a closed chamber rubbermaid tub and only have to mist it once a day when it's warm and twice a day in winter. He's also soaked 30 minutes a day. I would soak a bit longer if he's been kept dry and address why your enclosure isn't holding humidity. I pour warm water in all 4 corners of his enclosure once a week, mist the substrate, and the sides of the tank daily. I also keep water near his CHE to provide extra humidity. I'm sure if we can see his enclosure we can offer better suggestions of how to control humidity.

 

[wellington]

That's the problem with vets. They don't have a clue. That was very poor advice. Some use humidifiers most don't. It's up to you if you want. Make sure it's a warm mist one.
You should inform the vet that the hot and dry old way is not exceptabke for leopards with the new info that has been collected and tested within the last 8-10 years.

 

[wellington]

Oh, you might want to find a different vet that actually knows something about tortoises.

 

[abyrhianl]

We recently covered his table with a PVC cover to keep the warmth and humidity in as we had been incorrectly told to get an open top table. We think he is around 1 years old (weighs 97g and is 7.8cm SCL). Our vet is supposedly a reptile specialist and is on the list recommended by the tortoise protection trust. We’ve been spraying it down in the morning and evening but it’s definitely not a stable reading, which is possible we would like to create.

 

[daniellenc]

It's hard to see from your picture are there gaps in the cover allowing air in and heat/humidity out? You can dampen the substrate more it looks a bit dry, and place a shallow water bowl under the CHE. I'd check for gaps though in a closed chamber humidity holds very well even with the lights.

 

[abyrhianl]

It's hard to see from your picture are there gaps in the cover allowing air in and heat/humidity out? You can dampen the substrate more it looks a bit dry, and place a shallow water bowl under the CHE. I'd check for gaps though in a closed chamber humidity holds very well even with the lights.

Thanks, we’ll have a look for gaps, we will keep spraying it to! We will give another bowl a try to! Thanks for your help.

 

[Tom]

Does anyone use a humidifier in their enclosures? We are struggling to keep it at a constant level as the lights are drying it out very quickly, we went to the vet on Saturday who actually told us that he should have a dry enclosure with no humidity so we haven’t sprayed for 2 days and he is a different tortoise, sleeping all the time , not moving much at all so we’re making it humid again. Would we need a reptile specific humidifier or would one intended for humans work?
Thanks [emoji217]

I don't like to run humidifiers. I prefer to stop the warm humid air from escaping in the first place.

You need a new vet. This one is clearly subscribing to the decades old incorrect care info. His/her advice will lead to the death and disfigurement of his/her customer's tortoises. I would at least attempt to educate the vet. They need to know. Think of all the people taking their tortoise to this vet and getting this wrong advice, that haven't found this forum. The vet may reject your new info and all of the evidence amassed here, but we have to try anyway. We have to be the voice for these little animals that can't speak for themselves. Invite the vet to come here and read. There is no charge and they don't even have to sign in or register. They can just view and read anonymously if they prefer.

 

[Yvonne G]

Spraying usually doesn't do the trick. You have to start with WET substrate, then spray as needed. I add pitchers full of water, mix it around with my hand and let it sit to absorb.

 

[teresaf]

Lots of water! He won't get shell rot. Must keep temps up above 80 even in darkest corner to combat RI....

 

[MichaelS]

The substrate should be moist enough for an earthworm to happy Make sure you read all of Tom's care threads. Remember to keep the temps above 80 degrees in every corner of the enclosure 24/7. I've raised several leos this way and have yet to see RI in any.

 

[Kaliman1962]

trust these people, they know. i sealed my enclosure, soaked the substrate, humidity holds now, i just as more water ever couple days

 

[abyrhianl]

Spraying usually doesn't do the trick. You have to start with WET substrate, then spray as needed. I add pitchers full of water, mix it around with my hand and let it sit to absorb.

Ah! That’s where I’m going wrong, I was just spraying dry substrate, I’ll take everything out and wet it tonight! Thank you so much! [emoji322]