ventilation

[mattsnake]

Just picked up a bunch of new sterilite plastic boxes. I need to know how many holes-the size of a nail- that I should make. I don't want to waste my time making too many holes but I need adequate ventilation. The boxes are 2.7qt and 6.2qt.

 

[icejd7]

I do the holes depending on the humidity inside of the boxes. I start off with 2 rows of 4 holes on top then 2 rows of 4 holes on opposite side bottom, for cross ventilation. I then add more holes slowly until I get the humidity level to where I want it. Everyone does it different that I've seen, some are 1 line across the whole box.

If I'm not mistaken, someone can correct me but 50-60% humidity is sufficient, a little more if there shedding. I have enough holes to maintain 55% avg humidity then I tape up some holes (on the outside) when they shed to raise the level to 70%.

I also use a hot soldering iron to make the holes because it's the right size and I don't have to worry about jagged holes from drill bits.

 

[Nanci]

Are you using these for hatchlings? I would make the smallest holes possible. I use a soldering iron, just the straight, solid kind, and my hatchies will press their noses into those holes and push. I haven't had an escape, but they _will_ try.

For hatchlings in an enclosed rack in shoeboxes (I think 6 quart) I do one row completely across the front and the back, and two more rows in the center- 10, 3, 4.

 

[mattsnake]

Yes these will be used for hatchlings on an open shelf/rack system. I dont posses a soldering iron. I make holes by heating up a nail with a lighter and then hammering it through. The holes come out good I just need to know how many to make

 

[Nanci]

This soldering iron is super cheap and works better than the fancy ones. Lowes and Home Depot, at least, have it.

 

[mattsnake]

Great Im gona get one. Hammering a hot nail just isn't working out.

 

[mattsnake]

Does anybody know if that soldering iron makes not too big holes? I will be housing hatchlings and I punched the holes all the way through the tip. Now Im concerned there too big. They are just about 1/4in. in diameteroke:

 

[Nanci]

These are holes made using that soldering iron. I punched all the way through. This is an 8.7g snake, but I have babies down to 4g in those bins. They press their little noses against the holes, but they can't get through!

 

[Nanci]

I've been calling this "girl" Big Red- just because she's the reddest of this clutch. She's going to be bright!!

 

[mattsnake]

What is big red..a miami phase?:shrugs:

 

[Nanci]

Big Red is now a male! Miami Phase. A kind of odd one in the clutch. He's Baby C when you look at the first shed and fed thread.