temps for soaking snakes?

Pia · 07-24-03, 01:42 AM

Do any of you soak your snakes in the bath tub? If so, what temperature is the water? I soak my bp when she occasionally has trouble shedding. I use a thermometer to make sure it is at 84 degrees F as this is what I was told by a fellow snake keeper. It works well. Just wondering what other people do.

Zoe · 07-24-03, 01:47 AM

On occasion I need to soak a snake and when I do I just make sure the water is air temperature. Probably 75-80F. 84 sounds like it would fine, but I don't think you need to be that precise

Also, if your snake is having trouble shedding on an occasional basis, there is probably a small flaw in your husbandry. Maybe try increasing your humidity by 5-8%, giving him a rock or piece of wood to rub on (if he doesnt already have one!) and that oughta clear up the problem

Zoe

Lizzy001 · 07-24-03, 05:59 AM

at about room temp.

* WOO hoo....500 posts!!!

Edwin · 07-24-03, 06:27 AM

yup, room temp is good.

07-24-03, 07:18 AM

I just make sure my water dishes are large enough for the snake to lay in and let the snakes soak as they please.

reticguy · 07-24-03, 08:47 AM

Try using a Rubbermaid with holes drilled in the lid for a soaking container instead of your bathtub. FAR less likely for a snake to crawl out. Fill with warm water (warm to the touch, no need to break out the thermometer) high enough so the snake can soak without having to swim in order to keep afloat.

I've NEVER been very precise when soaking snakes, definitely not to the point of using a thermometer, and I've owned 8 Burms (get respiratory infections if you look at them the wrong way) for over a decade. Always had great success with my Burms, never developed resp. issues.

Nathan

Pia · 07-24-03, 09:30 PM

Thanks for the input everyone. Seems I don't have to worry so much about temps, good to know. I do have a large water dish in her enclosure for her to soak in but she also seems to enjoy the space in the tub and I like to watch her swim :-). As for humidity I have been guilty of letting it get to low, no excuse, I do own a humidity gage. Must pay more attention. Thanks again.

Bryce Masuk · 07-24-03, 11:19 PM

And dont be suprised to find feces in water with your snake water helps the bowel move.....

Jeff_Favelle · 07-24-03, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Do any of you soak your snakes in the bath tub?

Just curious, and purely for my own edification: Why do you think saoking your snake is a good idea? ie. why do you need to soak your snake?

Just a very curious individual.

reticguy · 07-25-03, 08:52 AM

Pia said that she soaks her BP when it is having a troublesome shed.

Nathan

Pia · 07-25-03, 12:40 PM

Yes, I do it if she has trouble shedding, she also seems to enjoy it. When I hold her over the water she scoots right in, does a few lengths, soaks awhile, etc. When she raises herself up the side of the tub I take her out. She has a large water dish that she fits comfortably in, and I know about moisture hides but haven't yet made one. So I guess need isn't the right word, it's just another method of helping shed and like I said she seems to enjoy it. Seems not all agree with the tub thing. I would like to hear from people who think it's not a good idea. No animosity here, just curiosity, I want to learn as much as I can:-)

Bryce Masuk · 07-25-03, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pia
she also seems to enjoy it.

Those were the wrong words to say to Jeff. Quickly take it back!! before he pulls off one of your legs!!! LOL

Lisa · 07-26-03, 08:09 PM

if our snakes have trouble shedding we put them in a damp pillowcase, the snake works the skin off trying to escape the bag. as for soaking them, their bowls are big enough for them (some of them have bowls big enough to sort of swim in) and they go in when they want.

lordkovacs · 07-27-03, 10:33 AM

i have heard of people making little hides that have damp papertowels inside when the snake starts shedding...just to moisten the skin. I don't personally because I believe I have decent humidity in the tank in the first place. try that...
cheers,
MIKE

Yve · 07-27-03, 11:53 AM

My b.p. dips in and out of his water bowl for a few hours everytime i change it. Neat to watch because usually he hides only moving to change hide boxes occasionally. I don't think it is necessary to soak them during shed, I find that dumping a bit of water on his paper towel substrate is enough to give him a good shed.