Watering Rosies*pics*

[Removed_2815]

Hi all,
Just thought I'd share some insight on my watering techniques for Rosy Boas. Since Rosy Boas are apparently so susceptible to increased humidity levels, I have decided to opt for an individually monitored watering regime. Basically, once a week, I just place a little container of water in the enclosure. She usually comes right over to investigate and immediately begins to drink. She'll drink for a couple of minutes and then I remove the water receptacle. Pretty easy! Now I don't worry about spilled water or regurgitation problems due to too high humidity.
Obviously this method isn't feasible for large collections but I enjoy the control and the added interaction.
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rbolton1/Folder/Drink1a.jpg
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rbolton1/Folder/Drink1b.jpg
Cheers,
Ryan

[BoidKeeper]

Neat. I use very small ceremic bowels with mine which I keep about half full.
Cheers,
Trevor

[proud2bcanadian]

Wow! Beautiful snake!

[Bruce]

Beautiful!

[Double J]

Great snakes... I didn't realize how gorgeous rosy boas are.

[karmeleon]

Have you ever thought about using a margerine container in which the lid is on with just a small hole cut so the snake can drink. This way very little water escapes. works for me for other species.

[Removed_2815]

The water's surface area in a margarine container is huge, thus the area available for evaporation is correspondingly large. This may work for other species but it's not a great idea for Rosies.
Rosy boas + increased humidity levels (above 60% or so) = regurgitation, respiratory problems, etc.
Some people do leave receptacles in the cages at all times but these are usually very small in size and are only filled with a little water once a week or so (the tiny bit of water evaporates in a couple of days). Some people keep and breed rosy boas without ever offering them water; some say the water in their prey is plenty enough for survival.
I really like this method because it gives me greatest control and she can have a drink if she wants to, whether she actually needs it is unknown, but I like to give her the option.
Cheers,
Ryan

[karmeleon]

True the water surface area is large for evaporation however using a small marg container with just a small hole cut in the lid for the snake to drink would mean very little humidity as most water would condense on the lid falling back in. Just a thought.
Ryan

[Removed_2815]

Unless there's a temperature difference between the solid surface and the water vapor (which, of course, there wouldn't be) then no condensation occurs - just a law of thermodynamics.
It's a good idea for less sensitive species.
Ryan

[Katt]

Beautiful rosy.

I raised my sand boas and rosies without water at all. Occasionally once a month I'd leave a water dish for a few days and then nothing.

I experienced first hand what water dishes and a soaking rosy equals.