How long without water?

[Brandy]

My bp got out of her tank either last night or early this morning. The house has been searched but we haven't found her yet. If we can't find her I'm wondering how long she can go without water? Will thirst be something that would encourage her to come out?

[daniel1983]

Look in warm tight places.....near electronics, heaters, lights, etc.....A reptile's #1 & #2 priority under most conditions are thermoregulation and safety.

...food and water are only #3 & #4 on the list So try looking in the darkest places in about a 3 ft. circle around the enclosure....that is usually where they can be found when they first go missing.

Good luck.

[Brandy]

Thanks. She started out on the fireplace mantle (no fire) since that's about the level of the top of her tank. I found picture frames knocked off onto the floor and broken glass. I didn't find blood, thank god. Still searching. If she doesn't come out.... how long will she live without water?

[recycling goddess]

i'm not sure brandy - sorry to hear about your escapee

[daniel1983]

how long will she live without water?

I have never tested to see how long they can live without water before, so I could only guess. I have heard of people loosing their smaller snakes in their homes for 6-7 weeks before finding them tucked aways somewhere, so that could be an indication of the time. Snakes are very resourceful and will try to seek out the conditions they need to survive. If you are concerned about the water, place a few small water bowls around the house

[Brandy]

Thanks you guys I will let you know what happens.

[Uncle Festae]

I wouldnt fret about that..about 10 years ago when I still lived at home and kept snakes in glass viv's, my mom left my BP's screen top unlocked while giving it water, and of course it got out....it was loose in the house for 9 months, found it on x-mas morning, wrapped around the x-mas tree, looking perfectly healthy.... but good luck with finding yours

[Brandy]

OMG! 9 MONTHS! I hope I don't have to wait THAT long (or that our very large dog doesn't find her first). You must have had a very nice X-mas that year.

[Uncle Festae]

I had 2 American Pitbull Terriers, and 2 Staffordshire Bull Terriers in the house at this time, they didnt seem to bother it LOL... and no x-mas was not nice that year...it was my "not so nice" ex-wife, that hated snakes, that found the snake there while getting gifts

[Evan Jamison]

I had a 600 gram male BP escape a few years ago that was missing for over six months. I had fed and weighed him the night he got out (human error ). When he finally showed up, he weighed in at around 450 grams. One mouse and A LOT of water later, he was back up above the 600 gram mark, so almost all of that weight loss was water weight. I live in a very dry climate, so that had a lot to do with how much water he lost. I would guess in good conditions and in a more humid climate (or at least micro-climate) a BP could go over a year without water if it needed to. Hope you find you her soon though!


-Evan