Woma Python - Hide Condensation

[SYNeR]

Hi all,

As noted in my other thread (http://www.aussiepythons.com/forum/australian-snakes-37/woma-belly-scales-165509/), I had issues with my Woma shedding. From what the vet gathered, she had damaged scales from a bad shed.

The good news is I've given her several injections of the antibiotic Baytril since Tuesday last week (injections on alternating days), and she has since shed taking off most of the damaged skin with her (I kept the skin and will post up some photos so you can see how it looks - it's not as soft as a normal skin and is white-ish). There's just one little patch of damaged scales that looks like it's still in the healing process.

I have her in a click clack with paper towel, with a 20w heatmat on a thermostat (set at 33 degrees). I initially had issues with humidity, so I put more holes in the lid, and now the hygrometer reads around 30-40% humidity. I'm trying to be VERY careful whilst she's in a fragile state. I'd hate for her damaged skin to become infected or for scale rot to set in due to high humidity or other problems.

My problem, however, is that despite the humidity being low, I've noticed when I pull off her plastic hide/cave which she fits into quite cosily, there's condensation on the inside of it.

Given that the humidity reading in the click-clack is low (especially after poking many holes in the lid with a soldering iron) and around or below that of what a woma is suited to (40%, I believe), is anyone able to explain this? And is it something I should worry about?

The vet did mention something about a mucus that is secreted when pythons shed which helps the old skin lift, thus saying it's not necessary to worry about increasing humidity too much. Given that she's healing and has shed twice within two weeks, could this have something to do with it?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[saximus]

Where is your hygro probe? I found that the end of my click clack with the heat mat was getting a bit of condensation whereas the cool end wasn't. So if the hide is sitting on top of the mat it might be what it is from. Warmer air just holds more moisture

 

[SYNeR]

The hygrometer probe is about half way along the enclosure, a few centimetres off the heat mat. I did put a few more holes in the lid at the cool end (where the water bowl is) than the warm end, so may have to even it out a little.

Must be the weird weather we've been having and due to relative humidity. I've never had issues with humidity in my click-clacks before

I noticed yesterday she was in her hide and had pushed it right up against the front of the click-clack, thus sealing off the entrance.. There was quite a bit of condensation on the inside of the hide when I picked it up.

 

[prettypython]

Try a cardbord box for her hide.

 

[slim6y]

Plastic does tend to hold the moisture - even with air holes soldered through the lid.

An alternative lid design is to use snake wire (aka mouse wire), the original lid with the centre completely cut out and the snake wire replacing that. It can be soldered on as well using the plastic rim. Though it may need some other sealant too.

This was how my click clack was designed.

Another alternative is to double the space available. Use the same click clack and lid design as mentioned, cut a circular hole (large enough for your growing python to fit through) in the side of both containers and join them together using a large enough diameter PVC tube.

One side will have the water bowl and no hide, the other side will have heat and a hide.

Because I was in Cairns the high humidity was just normal - and not a problem as I had snakes that enjoyed the humid conditions. But the lid style and container size will make some big differences to humidity being caught in your enclosures.

--- Edit ---

Just to add - if humidity is being trapped in the hide try a taller hide as well. So you may need taller click clacks (I used to use 50L ones). I had used a clay pot with an entrance hole cut (used a flat head screwdriver and a hammer to shape and sanded back the jagged edges). It adds both a natural feel and something a bit less plasticy in the enclosure and the larger space may help air circulate.

 

[SYNeR]

Many thanks for the great reply.

I put the hygrometer probe in her hide, which has been reading 25-35% humidity (without her in it). When I get home, I'll see what it's at when she's inside.

As mentioned, she fits quite snuggily into the hide, so this may be the issue. I've got a plastic pot which is much larger, so the extra space should help as you mentioned. I knew they feel more secure when they are cosy in their hide and can touch the edges, however I may have to sacrifice this a little to get the humidity down.

I've noticed what look to be a couple of scars or discolouration on her scales, I *think* near where I've been giving her the Baytril injections. Although one looks too far down her body (about half way down, whereas I've been administering injections in the first 1/3 of her body).

I'm wondering if the sudden shed (second within two weeks) has resulted in fragile skin which she has rubbed against something.. One scale just below her spine looks as though it's come off and is an open wound.

The vet said he has given Baytril to 100+ snakes, and only had one instance of scarring. I'm hoping whatever scarring/discolouration is from the Baytril (if at all) clears up in time. I have tried to be very careful with the injections and making sure the needle goes deep enough (intramuscular), as I've read if it's too shallow (subcutaneous), this is what may cause scarring.

Also, I'm using a 50L click-clack. Previously, I used a 30L Starmaid container, which had a bit more floor space but was much lower.

On a more positive note, her belly has cleared up tremendously (still needing to take photos of the bad skin that she has shed). The little remaining patch looks to have dried up, so hopefully should be fixed in the next couple of sheds I hope.