New Hermann Hatchling

[Perkins6]

Hello,

Yesterday I got my first Hermann Hatchling, he's settling in really well. He's in an open top tortoise table, with a MVB lamp and has a humid hide with moss inside (which he hasn't used yet). The basking spot temp is around 32 degrees but the humidity is always around 30%? Which from what I understand is way to low for a 9 month hatchling?

I spray down the substrate (top soil and sand) but it never changes? I have also read not to make the substrate to damp as then it causes respiratory issues?

Is there anything else I can do to increase the humidity?
I am going from the Komodo thermo- hygrometer, is it worth buying just a hygrometer to see if it is more accurate?

Thank you

 

[Yvonne G]

Change out your substrate from top soil and sand to either small particle fir bark or coco coir, then pour a pitcherful of water over it and mix it up with your hand. Pat it down to make it easier to walk on then cover the enclosure, lights and all.

 

[Perkins6]

Okay that's brilliant thank you, I'll get some Coco coir! How would you suggest I cover everything?

 

[haydog_99]

Hello,

Yesterday I got my first Hermann Hatchling, he's settling in really well. He's in an open top tortoise table, with a MVB lamp and has a humid hide with moss inside (which he hasn't used yet). The basking spot temp is around 32 degrees but the humidity is always around 30%? Which from what I understand is way to low for a 9 month hatchling?

I spray down the substrate (top soil and sand) but it never changes? I have also read not to make the substrate to damp as then it causes respiratory issues?

Is there anything else I can do to increase the humidity?
I am going from the Komodo thermo- hygrometer, is it worth buying just a hygrometer to see if it is more accurate?

Thank you

I tried and gave up trying to keep humidity and temprature up in an open table after about a week, I even covered to open area at night to help with humidity and temprature. My little guy ended up with a respiratory infection because the temps wouldn't stay up. I went to a fully enclosed enclosure and now temp and humidity is much easier to maintain. I also went to coconut fiber substrate and everything is working out now. My humidity runs from mid 70's to 80 and I don't let my ambient temperatures drop below 82, so far so good. Good luck.

 

[Perkins6]

I tried and gave up trying to keep humidity and temprature up in an open table after about a week, I even covered to open area at night to help with humidity and temprature. My little guy ended up with a respiratory infection because the temps wouldn't stay up. I went to a fully enclosed enclosure and now temp and humidity is much easier to maintain. I also went to coconut fiber substrate and everything is working out now. My humidity runs from mid 70's to 80 and I don't let my ambient temperatures drop below 82, so far so good. Good luck.

Aw thank you, everything I read prior to getting him suggested a open top table rather than enclosed but seems as though maybe enclosed is better!!!

 

[haydog_99]

Aw thank you, everything I read prior to getting him suggested a open top table rather than enclosed but seems as though maybe enclosed is better!!!

Yea, same here I wish I found this forum before I got Max.