Interesting thread on Humidity & Dehydration

[StudentoftheReptile]

Our brethren, the monitor keepers, have similar issues with humidity and dehydration. In this thread, Frank Retes, a well-known varanid enthusiast, shares his thoughts: http://www.varanus.net/forums/read.php?2,23757,23757#msg-23757

I thought it was interesting and worth sharing here.

 

[Tom]

It's interesting, but there is no substance. So how do we prevent dehydration? He talks about some vague concepts, but never makes any recommendations.

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

Great thread! +1

 

[Madkins007]

To recap some of his points...
... Allow natural behaviors (such as nearly air-tight burrows in the case of the monitor lizards)
... Deep substrate to allow lots of mass for humidity control as well as burrowing
... Limit airflow and heat loss
... Drinking and soaking are not the key factor in hydration
... Misting is not a key, and may make things worse

I think there is some good stuff here, but the guy writes a lot like EJ and some of our guys- short, snippy bits that feel like they are missing stuff... and a touch of some of the 'I don't care what people write/publish, I know what I see' attitude we see with a couple people.

He seems to come just short of saying 'a nearly closed box and a really deep substrate will solve all of your problems', and he has a point there. Several inches (like 6" or more) would act like a hydro-thermal mass to help moderate the air space. The mass and air would work together to try to reach the same temp and humidity- but there has to be enough mass, with a certain ability to let water and heat move in it, to do the job.

If the substrate hard and compact, or is too fluffy, or lets the water drain through it too freely (like pebbles), or does not let water flow through the substrate (like a tight-celled sponge or Jello), then things won't work right. In this model, you need a substrate that accepts the water, lets it flow to the bottom, then wicks it back up as needed. Most of the things we like do this, although coconut coir and moss may need some sand or other additives to help break up the spongyiess a bit.

I'm not saying it would work great with all tortoises, but it is a good idea.

 

[Tom]

Great points Mark. I guess I just like things to be spelled out and explained a little more. I've heard the man's name before, and I'm sure he knows some stuff, but I would like more detail and some direct recommendations. Many of your threads are a good example. You explain your points clearly, and I understand what it is you are suggesting or recommending after reading them.

Also to be honest, the poor spelling and grammar, do matter to me. It makes him seem a bit less credible, even though I believe him to actually be credible.