Me again (soaking question)

[BP Tim]

So I fed the baby two fuzzies yesterday because she almost seemed to be looking for more food after the first was down, she took it without hesitation but took it ass first., idk if this has any affect on what im asking.

Since last night she has been soaking in her water dish, I saw maybe a brief sign of mites but haven't any since. she is almost completely underwater, everything but her head. when I try to check her for mites. she seems really jumpy and completely goes under the water, head and all.

Is this normal? I see a lot saying they almost only soak when they have mites.

[Rickys_Reptiles]

Well, firstly I would pick her up and no matter how much she dislikes it, check for mites.

Then, if there are none, she could just be soaking because she had a large meal.

[BP Tim]

Yeah, I just grabbed her, I don't wanna stress her out a lot because of the fact she just had a big meal less then 24 hours ago so.

I sprayed her with some mite off even though some people say it's not the best, but I'm just not seeing any more signs other then what I thought I first saw. and she has been soaking a good.. 12 hours now

[Rickys_Reptiles]

I'm not sure what "mite off" is, so I can't speak on that or how you use it. I hope you followed the instructions though because I dont like the idea of spraying a snake directly, and then have it soak in the water its drinking. sounds wrong to me :

As far as signs, the only signs for mites are little moving spots. They can be in between the scales, in/near the yes, heat pits and mouth. They also can live under the snakes mouth, in it's err.. chin?

If you didn't see any, then it's probably just because it is very full, or even going into shed. I'm sure its fine (assuming you are 100% there are no mites)

[BP Tim]

I'm not sure what "mite off" is, so I can't speak on that or how you use it. I hope you followed the instructions though because I dont like the idea of spraying a snake directly, and then have it soak in the water its drinking. sounds wrong to me :

As far as signs, the only signs for mites are little moving spots. They can be in between the scales, in/near the yes, heat pits and mouth. They also can live under the snakes mouth, in it's err.. chin?

If you didn't see any, then it's probably just because it is very full, or even going into shed. I'm sure its fine (assuming you are 100% there are no mites)

Yeah it is something you can spray directly onto the snake or even the water etc, I looked really hard around the eyes and I'm not seeing anything, how exactly do I look between scales? and I really don't wanna try and open her mouth atm after her eating.

[satomi325]

Snakes can soak for either mite relief or because your temps are too warm and it is trying to cool off.
If it's not mites, I would check your temps.

how exactly do I look between scales?

When mites bury under the scales, the scales are raised a bit. Looks like they got poppy seeds wedged between the scales. You can usually see them without touching the scales.

[bcr229]

My vet suggested that instead of directly spraying products like Reptile Relief, Mite Off, etc.on the snake, spray a white paper towel and use that to wipe down the snake. It's less stressful to the animal as you're not chasing it around the enclosure with the spray, you end up using much less of the product so you save money, it's easier to apply the product to the vent and the cleft under the snake's chin where mites love to hide, and you can check the paper towel easily for mites.

[BP Tim]

temps are 91 hot side.. 83 cool side.. humidity 53%