Is your snake....DUMB?

[stkkts]

I think my ball python is brain damaged. He has a big water bowl in his tank. When he puts his head in there to drink, on occasion he will forget he cant breather under water. So I see these air bubbles come out of his nose, and he shoots out of the water. If snakes can look shocked, he has that look on his face. I dont get it. I know they arent the smartest animals in the world, but to forget you have to breath air....I dunno, you would have though natural selection would have wiped these animals out long ago. Oh well. Just thought I would share.

[sapphire_moon]

Actually my snake does the same thing...........when he's in shed........Maybe his nose isn't sensive enough to realize that he's stuck his nose underwater?

[snakehunter]

mine sinks his whole head under water until only his nostrils pokeof the water to drink.

[Stockwell]

I think you falsely interpretted your observation.
Bubbles simply means the animal has exhaled. It doesn't mean it has inhaled. When you're swimming you can make bubbles without sucking in water can't you??
Snakes automatically know not to inhale when submersed, and by the way they can go a very long time without inhaling, hours. Snakes have huge lungs and slow metabolismns

[fateamber]

Can all snakes do that? The first time i was washing my bp he put his head under water and stayed there for a few seconds before i took his headout of the water, but now he always keeps his head above water exept when he is drinking.

[Linds]

Yup. Just like Roy said. All snakes, even desert species, can hold their breath under water for in excess of an hour.

[mykee]

When my balls are in shed and relaxing in the water dish, I have observed them with their heads completely submerged for 25 minutes or more.(I was bored). I left before thier heads come up, so who knows how long they were there.

[killaclown]

My snakes dont soak them selves i think baby snakes are dumb i seen mine bite and try to constrict a wood chip.lol

[Stockwell]

it's great to see everyone making observations..
You know, most of all the important stuff learned in Herpetoculture, is learned by private individuals, NOT full time employees at Zoos...

Herp on Garth!LOL