Feedback on temporary method for maintaining humidity

[AmandaB1982]

I live in Michigan and it's pretty dry here in the winters. I have a 7 month old male panther in a reptibreeze cage. (Just fyi, I'm at the point in which I have already draped 3 sides w/ plastic, using a humidifier that I meticulously maintain and clean, I have live plants, so I have already done many of the usual things to help increase the humidity levels) I know some people leave paper towel at the bottom of the cage for easier cleaning, would it be a problem to leave a small towel on the bottom as long as I put it down in the morning and removed it at night to be replaced with a clean one in the morning? I stuck a towel down there on the bottom around the plant pots the other day because I wanted to give an extra long misting and didn't want a ton of water to collect. After misting, I left the towel there for 4-5 hours during the day and the humidity stayed between 60-70% all afternoon, even without another misting. I lightly clean the cage daily, just removing any poop and wiping any excess water, etc. so I have no problem changing it daily. Once we get through the winter, the humidity will come right back up and become less of a concern. Just trying to think of reasons this wouldn't be a good idea? I realize there's a possibility for bacteria growth, etc. but I'm thinking as long as I put it down in the morning and remove it in the evening that shouldn't be a problem. thanks!!

 

[Carlton]

I live in Michigan and it's pretty dry here in the winters. I have a 7 month old male panther in a reptibreeze cage. (Just fyi, I'm at the point in which I have already draped 3 sides w/ plastic, using a humidifier that I meticulously maintain and clean, I have live plants, so I have already done many of the usual things to help increase the humidity levels) I know some people leave paper towel at the bottom of the cage for easier cleaning, would it be a problem to leave a small towel on the bottom as long as I put it down in the morning and removed it at night to be replaced with a clean one in the morning? I stuck a towel down there on the bottom around the plant pots the other day because I wanted to give an extra long misting and didn't want a ton of water to collect. After misting, I left the towel there for 4-5 hours during the day and the humidity stayed between 60-70% all afternoon, even without another misting. I lightly clean the cage daily, just removing any poop and wiping any excess water, etc. so I have no problem changing it daily. Once we get through the winter, the humidity will come right back up and become less of a concern. Just trying to think of reasons this wouldn't be a good idea? I realize there's a possibility for bacteria growth, etc. but I'm thinking as long as I put it down in the morning and remove it in the evening that shouldn't be a problem. thanks!!

I have used some of those tougher reusable towels in small cage bottoms too. To help control bacterial growth I rotate them. After one has gotten wet a few times or soiled, I dip them in a dilute bleach solution, rinse in hot water, and let them dry thoroughly. You could also use a cloth hand towel and run it through the laundry with hot water.

 

[AmandaB1982]

I have used some of those tougher reusable towels in small cage bottoms too. To help control bacterial growth I rotate them. After one has gotten wet a few times or soiled, I dip them in a dilute bleach solution, rinse in hot water, and let them dry thoroughly. You could also use a cloth hand towel and run it through the laundry with hot water.

Okay, great. Thanks. I have 5-6 small hand towels that I have already designated for wiping/cleaning his cage anyways so I could easily rotate to a clean one daily. I just wanted to make sure there weren't any special concerns I wasn't thinking of myself.