Hey Everybody - a couple quick questions, I finally got a hydgrometer for my Hogg Island's Tank (still no name) and its ready about 35-40% humidity on average... Now I know that is too low, should be around 60%, right? So I've been misting the tank a couple times a day, usually twice at least, which seems to be helping, but still doesn't seem like enough.. What can I do to bring the humidity up without spending too much more money, i know they have automatic misting units, as well as foggers and stuff like that, but do I really need something like that?
And now the second question; I was also told by some people I know at the local pet store that I could use some mineral oil on my little guy if it's having problems shedding.. Is this true? How safe is it, and can it be used around the head, and eyes?

Hoggs do require slightly higher humidity levels, around 50-60%, but I don't think you need to do anything but what you are presently doing - just mist a couple of times a day. We keep our Hoggs around 40-50% just by misting every now and then. They have large water bowls, and we increase humidity in shed. They have never had a poor shed and are very healthy.

With the oil question - you shouldn't need to use anything if the snake sheds ok. When s/he is in shed, just increase the humidity, by misting more often, and if you experience shedding problems try giving him/her a warm bath for half an hour each day while s/he is in shed and this should help the shed.

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"If you know everything you may as well blow your brains out because the reason for existence is to learn more everyday." - Mark O'Shea, 2004

If you place a water container either under or over the heatsource depending on what you use this will raise the humidity. If you are using a screen top covering part of the top will help as well. What substrate are you using? Bark substrates like cypress mulch will hold moisture much better than a paper covering. However you don't want it to stay constantly wet.

I agree with Rachel the mineral oil is unnecessary. I would not use it. The best shedding aid you have is plain old water. If the snake has a peicemeal shed take a wet towel and put it and the snake inside a wet pillowcase, tie the end and leave the whole thing in the cage overnight. The extra moisture and the roughness of the towel will help to remove the extra skin.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Thank you both for the info.. Now I don't feel so bad.. I have moved his water dish to almost under the hotspot of the heat lamp to hopefully help with the levels a bit.. I am using a bark substrate, and have been misting frequently to try and keep things at happy levels.. But I'm still considering putting a second container - maybe an old coffee container sort of deal with a mesh over the top filled with water inside the tank... that or just buy a humidifier for my room, which would be nice for me too I guess...
As for the shedding, looks like s/he will be going through that soon enough, so I'll be able to see how that goes soon enough... I was mostly wondering if anyone has heard of using mineral oil before, and knowing whether or not it was safe to use or not... I've heard of the sack and towel idea before, as I've also used a damp towel and spray before to help my Hogg with some "piecemeal" shedding issues before I brought it home.. (Spent a great deal of time going to the store and bringing the little guy/gal out before I decided to bring it home..)
In other news - feedings are going very well, second time since bringing it home... This time it at least took its fuzzy head first, instead of grabbing it in the middle or thereabouts and struggling to fold the rest of it enough to get it down - as it has the last two times I've fed or seen it feed...
Hopefully I'll have more pics soon, and of better quality..

Glad you have things sorted - just curious what your humidity gauge is reading? Your use of a water bowl over the warm side, daily mistings and substrate that holds humidity better sounds like the humidity should be quite high, I'm just a little concerned that you don't have it too high, as this can cause as many problems as too-low humidity.

Also, make sure the water doesn't get too warm - the snake needs fresh, clean water at all times, and you don't want the water to be too warm. Often, when the snake is too warm, it may use its water to cool down. It may be useful to put another water bowl, so there is one on each side, but this may increase humidity too much. What are your temps?

Glad s/he is feeding well, any pics??

__________________
"If you know everything you may as well blow your brains out because the reason for existence is to learn more everyday." - Mark O'Shea, 2004

The humidity levels are still sitting around 40% at best.. I haven't put the second water dish/container in yet, but will handle that today.. As far as temperatures go, hot spot is in the high 80s or even 90, and the cooler corners(far side from the heatlamp) are at roughly 70+...
'll see if I can't get some more pics today while I'm messing around with the tank..