Ball Python Not Using Water Bowl

Hi there,

I recently acquired a ball python from a less-than-stellar owner who didn't want it anymore. The setup she was in had a rock dish that was basically a plate the snake would come out and soak in, but it was very small, very shallow, and perpetually drying up.

I've moved her into a new tank with hides, the right temps and humidity, etc. but she refuses to touch the water bowl I've provided. It's about 8" in diameter, porcelain, and about 3/4 full of lukewarm water which I changed on a daily basis. I've had her for about a month now and aside from lying against the bowl, she won't touch it or soak in it (despite an awful shed she just went through).

Is there any way to encourage her to use it? I'm planning on avoiding the "throw her into the pool to teach her what it is" approach used on me when learning to swim. I keep the humidity up with misting and tank covers but I have a feeling soaking would help with the sheds.

Any thoughts or advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Ball Pythons only need water to drink. Not to swim, soak or frolic in. Get your humidity right in the tank and she will start shedding properly. Hope this helps!

Jamie

With correct husbandry, temp/humidity/security, you won't normally see a BP "using" the water dish.
You may occasionally catch it taking a drink.
Normally, a BP that likes to soak a bunch may be suffering from low humidity or mites.

"Using" the water dish is usually an indication that the snake is in poor conditions: Low humidity, inadequate hides, mites.

The snake only needs the water to drink. Make sure you provide humidity of 50%-60% and 70% during shed.

Thanks for the answers, I'll do that. Hopefully her next shed will be easier.