Soaking... preparing for shed?

[Indigo]

So Levi, seemingly well adjusted and in shed mode, has been trying to get his fat butt into his little water dish to soak for the last 48 hours, on more than off. When he got to pink belly stage I was worried because it was -really- dark, but it wasn't uncomfortable for him that I could tell. I saw a couple of tiny red spots on his stomach scales, too, and I haven't been able to check for them since.

Is this soaking behaviour during the shed cycle normal, or is there something else I need to worry about? He's mite-free, I'm pretty sure, because I've handled him several times, and he's never soaked before this.

I'm such a paranoid snake mommy.

[FL0OD]

you might get several responses from this but i have several and two of them like to soak, the other do not. seems to just be the particular animals.

[Freakie_frog]

He is soaking because the humidity is to low for him to shed. Try raising his humidity up some and see where that gets ya.

[Indigo]

The meter says it's between 60 and 70 at any given point.. but I'll try and maintain 70. Thanks!

[Stewart_Reptiles]

has been trying to get his fat butt into his little water dish to soak for the last 48 hours, on more than off.

Check your humidity level and make sure it is between 50%-60% (which can be bump to 70% while in shed).

Prolonged stays in water can create problems so you might want to replace the water dish by a smaller one if your BP keeps soaking this way.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

The meter says it's between 60 and 70 at any given point.. but I'll try and maintain 70. Thanks!

Do you use a digital hygrometer, if not just know that dial and stick are not accurate!

[Indigo]

I've got a cheap one, and have been planning to get a digital one, but it's had to wait. My hours at work have been cut and I couldn't afford one right off. But today is ordering day.

I wish I could find a temp gun a little cheaper though. x_x

Edit: As for the size of his water dish, I really can't go too much smaller. I'll end up using a shot glass or something. :x

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Go to walmart and get this one, it will cost you $12 and it will give you an ACCURATE reading of your temps and humidity.

If you don't have a digital hygrometer your humidity level is likely off.

[starmom]

Go to walmart and get this one, it will cost you $12 and it will give you an ACCURATE reading of your temps and humidity.

If you don't have a digital hygrometer your humidity level is likely off.

Lowe's also carries this unit and for the same price!