Like other exotic pets such as lizards, turtles, tarantulas, and amphibians, ball pythons require humidity to stay healthy and safe.
The use of a fogger for a ball python has divided the opinions of ball python owners. Some believe it is not good for the snake, while others believe it is not harmful to snakes if it is used properly.
Generally, many ball python owners say that foggers are not good for your snake, and this is because they can cause respiratory infection if your snake sits in the fog for long.
However, you can use a fogger for your ball python if the snake is not in the same room as the fogger and the room is well ventilated.
As a responsible ball python owner, you may wonder if a fogger is good for your pet. This article will help demystify everything you should know about whether a fogger is good for your ball python or not.
This article has been reviewed by Dr. Gospel. Read more about our knowledge control process here.
Contents
Can You Use a Fogger For a Ball Python?
Yes, you can use a fogger for your ball python. However, we do not recommend using a fogger for your snake as it is not that good for them. A fogger can lead to respiratory infection if your ball python is exposed to it for a long time.
But if you decide to use a fogger, you need to ensure your ball python does not come in contact with it. Furthermore, you can time it for 15 minutes two times a day. This is because you don’t need to fogger to spray very much to ensure the humidity in your snake enclosure is stable.
Therefore, we recommend you opt for a misting system to help you stay safe.
Ideal Ball Python Humidity
Although ball pythons are tropical creatures, they don’t need excess humidity levels to stay healthy.
Keeping your snake in an enclosure with very high humidity can cause health problems like a respiratory infection to your snake. However, housing your snake in a low humidity enclosure can also cause health problems like shedding problems.
The ideal humidity level for a ball python is between 50-60%. Your ball python will be healthy and shed its skin correctly if you can maintain this humidity level.
Pros and Cons of Fogger For a Ball Python
Here are some pros and cons of using a fogger for your ball python.
Pros
- A fogger helps to create high humidity for your snake.
- A fogger helps to maintain good air circulation.
- It can be used for disinfecting your snake’s enclosure.
Cons
- The fog gathers and can become very thick
- Foggers can cause respiratory infection risk for your pet as they can spread bacteria and other germs from the water droplets.
Tips to Use Fogger For a Ball Python
Here are some helpful tips to follow if you plan to use a ball python.
- Try to research and contact a reptile vet before you buy a fogger for your ball python’s enclosure.
- Ensure your ball python is in a different and well-ventilated room from the fogger.
- Try to put the fogger in the cold part of your snake’s enclosure. This will help to ensure the fog drops as it goes across from the cold end to the hot part of the enclosure.
- Try to test your fogger to see the level it reaches and how long it stays. This can then be used to determine how long you will turn it on.
- Ensure you clean and disinfect your fogger regularly to help reduce infection risk.
Note: it is recommended that you use a fogger only when it is necessary.
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Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Fogger Alternatives For Ball Pythons
As you can see, a fogger is not that safe for your ball python as it can cause health risks, and it is best to only use them when it is necessary. There are other ways to increase and maintain the humidity in your ball python’s enclosure.
Some of them are stated below:
Put a large shallow water bowl in your snake’s enclosure to help maximize atmospheric exchange and increase humidity.
Cover some of the ventilation holes partially to reduce the loss of moisture.
Use high-quality absorbent substrate like reptile mulch or coco peat to improve the humidity levels in the enclosure.
Exo Terra Coco Husk, Tropical Reptile Terrarium Substrate
- 100 percent natural substrate; Ideal for natural terrarium set-ups
- Increases humidity in terrariums
- Stimulates natural digging and burrowing behavior
- 7.2 quarts
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Mist the enclosure and substrate regularly.
Always check the substrate in their enclosure daily to determine if it is moist.
You can also opt for a waterfall, mister, or humidifier if you live in a dry area.
Place a thermometer and hygrometer in your snake’s enclosure to monitor the temperature and humidity level.
Ensure you heat the snake’s enclosure consistently to help maintain constant humidity.
You can buy a mist bottle to help maintain the humidity in the terrarium.
Put a humidity box, also called a humid hide or moisture box. This will help to create a space where your python can go when they need more humidity, like when shedding.
Zoo Med Labs Digital Thermometer Humidity Gauge, Single
- Digital read out
- Quick and easy to read
- Waterproof probe. Uses one LR44, 1.5 v battery
- Country Of Origin: China
- Age range description: All Stages
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Final Words
The use of a fogger for a ball python is an issue that divides the opinion of most ball python owners. Therefore, we recommend that you avoid using a fogger for your ball python as it is potentially risky. You should only use them when it is necessary but after you have consulted with your exotic vet.