Tips on Soaking for Water-Haters

[bbkaren]

Hi, my young burm is in the process of preparing to shed (cloudy eyes etc) and since we're humidity-challenged until recently, I'd like to help him along by soaking.

Problem is he hates it (as does his adopted brother, our rescue ball python). In the tub he poops in the water (which I know is fine) and then tries to climb out. He's miserable the whole time and so am I. I've gotten a large flat bin (blanket box) with a plastic lid I'll put holes in for ventilation.

1. I understand we soak for about an hour once we see they're going into shed--is that an hour a day? A week? And it's just in tepid, lukewarm water, not very warm right?

2. Soaking is important, I assume--important enough to keep them in that bin for an hour with the lid on (yes with holes) even though they hate it and beg to come out?

3. Once they poop in the water, I always take them out just because of the gross-ness. Should I clean the bin and put them back in for the rest of the time? I feel bad but I know it's important--we have yet to have a "pretty" shed.

thanks for any info!