Misting adult russian

[chase thorn]

I know keeping an enclosure nice and humid is good for growth in baby torts... Does this apply to 4" russians? I mist my little guys enclosure with warm water once a day before feeding, but I am not sure if this will cause a RI... But I think that only is the case when humidity + cold= RI... But is it beneficial to mist my russian everyday for dust control and possible growth?

Thanks!

 

[GeoTerraTestudo]

I know a lot of people like misting, but I'm not a big fan of it. The reason being, either the environment can hold moisture, or it can't. I've found that when I mist, the stuff evaporates away in just a few minutes. Like you, Chase, I keep Russians in Colorado, but I don't think misting is necessary. Russians are one of those species that, as long as they have a moist substrate to provide a humid microclimate, they don't need high ambient humidity. My guys have deep, moist coco coir they can burrow into for nearly 100% relative humidity if they want, while the ambient humidity is only 10%. They're fine with it.

If I were keeping a species with high humidity requirements, like redfoot tortoises, which require ~70%, then I would keep them in a closed terrarium-type environment that seals in moisture. In that case, misting might be a good idea, although even then it would not be a substitute for a good substrate and water dish.

But with an open enclosure, like for a Russian here in Colorado, I don't think misting does much.

 

[Akronic]

you also gotta be careful if you are running high wattage heat/UV bulbs. cuz if you have them on and you mist near them or some water even a little drop gets on the bulb it could cause it to explode or crack. ive seen them pop befor. luckily that was a lesson i learned from someone elses mistake

 

[chase thorn]

you also gotta be careful if you are running high wattage heat/UV bulbs. cuz if you have them on and you mist near them or some water even a little drop gets on the bulb it could cause it to explode or crack. ive seen them pop befor. luckily that was a lesson i learned from someone elses mistake

Yeah! My Girlfriend's brother was misting his snake and the bulb exploded! The debris was trapped by the lamp and screen luckily!