Question about Humid Hide

[Yamaha4x4_19]

I've looked everywhere it seems and I can't find what the temp should be in the humid hide for a Indian Star. Can anybody please answer this for me? I don't want it to be to cool and them end up getting a respiratory infection. Thanks

 

[wellington]

I don't know for specifically a star, but 80 and humid is a safe temp.

 

[Ansh]

I have a closed chamber enclosure and the humidity is 80+ all over.

 

[Neal]

I would recommend slightly warmer for Indian stars. Around 85 degrees is about as low as I dare to go with stars kept in a high humid environment.

 

[Yamaha4x4_19]

Would you say high humidity environments are the best thing for Stars? Or would it be better to not risk them getting a Respritory infection and just keep the humidity not as high?

 

[Neal]

My personal thoughts are that just a humid hide is sufficient for an Indian Star (as in, not maintaining high humidity throughout the entire enclosure) as far as eliminating pyramiding and provided all other husbandry aspects are "good".

A lot of people have had success doing things both ways, so it would be difficult to determine which way would be "best". You'll have to make the determination about which way will work best for you.

 

[CLMoss]

I am with Neal on this topic regarding just a humid hide.

~C

 

[AnnV]

Can someone please explain exactly how you have a dry enclosure and a humid hide.
To keep the hide warm enough, do you heat from underneath?
Thanks!
Ann from CT

 

[CLMoss]

Can someone please explain exactly how you have a dry enclosure and a humid hide.
To keep the hide warm enough, do you heat from underneath?
Thanks!
Ann from CT

You need to buy Jerry D. Fife's book, "Star Tortoise." There is lots of great info regarding how to set up an enclosure with a humid hide.

~C

 

[KenS]

I start all my Hatchlings (Both Burmese and Indian Stars)as follows.
I use plastic cement mixing tubs (Lowes/Homedepot). I use white paper towels for the substrate for the first two months after hatching, then I switch to cypress mulch. I use a med. shoe box that I keep on the cool end of the tub. I use damp Sphagnum Moss with a damp sponge attached to the lid of the shoe box to get AIR Humidity up at least 80%. The heat spot at substrate is 95-100. The cool end during the day is around 80-85 and then will drop down to the temps of whatever my tortoise room is at. At times it will go down to the low 70's, but will warm right up after the lights go on in the morning.

Ken

 

[AnnV]

Thanks for the detailed description, Ken.

Those babies must have a hearty appetite. Do they finish that mighty pile of greens off?!

Ann from CT

 

[KenS]

Thanks for the detailed description, Ken.

Those babies must have a hearty appetite. Do they finish that mighty pile of greens off?!

Ann from CT

Ann,
At that time there were 6 baby Bumese stars in that enclosure and they would eat every last piece everyday. Burmese stars have a HUGH appetite!! I go through about 6-8 POUNDS a day on my adult Burmese.

Ken