Water snake not basking, is his tank too cool or too hot?

annarawrr · 07-06-11, 11:30 PM

As I've said so many times before, it's difficult to get information about keeping my snake as a pet. He is a plumbeous water snake, enhydris plumbea and native to South East Asia, where I am. There's not much info online and well, his breeder isn't the smartest snake keeper to get help from!

I've had him for about a week and he seems healthy other than the fact that he does not bask. Most care sheets say to keep the snake between 25-30 degrees celsius, on a daily basis room temperature here is about 28. Because of this many care sheets I've read have stated a heating system is not required. I have noticed, however, that the snake prefers to sleep on the side of his hide box that receives more sun but he never comes out in the day time to actually bask.

I'm also a bit concerned cos he's supposed to be diurnal, but he only comes out well after sunset (around 9pm) to have a drink. He'll spend a few minutes outside his little cave, then for the rest of the night he goes inside with only his head showing. He'll continue to peek out like this until sunrise, I assume.

I'm not even sure if it's his enclosure of if it's just my snake! Advice, anyone?

marionsclan · 07-06-11, 11:42 PM

Well, I've had mine for about a month and she is still adjusting (It's a BP). I am trying to be as routine as possible with my behavior towards her as well as when the lights go on and off and misting and feeding, etc. She has been very sweet and patient with me so I'm thinking that your plumbeous just needs to find its rhythm still. If you have the basics covered, as it says in the care sheets, then the rest will take time. Right now you're being watched at a safe distance.

annarawrr · 07-07-11, 01:14 AM

It had crossed my mind that he was just going through an adjustment stage, but I was just a bit concerned in case it could have been something I was doing wrong. Thank you!

youngster · 07-07-11, 06:59 AM

I agree with marionsclan. My little corn never comes out of his hide because I just got him yesterday, and I know the temps are perfect.

annarawrr · 07-07-11, 07:12 AM

Well that's a relief then! Ahah I'm flooding the forums cos this is my first snake, and no matter how much research I do I still worry about him! Thank you!