Suddenly Loves Water

My ball python Sophia has never been interested in soaking in water until recently. I adopted her over 11 years ago, and suddenly she loves the water. For the past week or so, she is constantly soaking. I thought it could be mites, but i don't see any on her. Don't see any in the water either. Her tank-mate looks ok too. The temps are good. Should I be worried?

Tank mates?

Explain your set up.
Temperature.
Humidity.
What you're using to regulate heat
Etc

Warm end is 85 now, warmer during the day. I mist frequently but could use more humidity. Tank is 48"x16". 2 ball pythons, 1 hide, and a tub large enough for the larger snake, the one who is soaking much lately.

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Originally Posted by amypies

Warm end is 85 now, warmer during the day. I mist frequently but could use more humidity. Tank is 48"x16". 2 ball pythons, 1 hide, and a tub large enough for the larger snake, the one who is soaking much lately.

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Warm end should be 90ish. Cool side 80ish.

There should be TWO identical hides, one on each end so they can properly thermoregulate.

Judging by your questions I believe you're not experienced enough to consider cohabitation of ball pythons. I'd suggest you separate them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by amypies

Warm end is 85 now, warmer during the day. I mist frequently but could use more humidity. Tank is 48"x16". 2 ball pythons, 1 hide, and a tub large enough for the larger snake, the one who is soaking much lately.

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Yea, I would definitely raise those warm end temps and always try to keep identical hides, well it doesn't have to be identical, but something similar in space. You want one on the warm side and one on the cool side. I wouldn't keep BP's housed together, just it's one of those species that you don't house together IMO, unless trying to breed. Woma pythons would be a different story, but I would never keep Balls, Retics, Burms, Anacondas and so on two to a tank.

Also the main reason a snake will soak is either it has mites, which you state you don't see any on her or in the water bowl. That would tell me it's more likely to be a humidity issue, so what is your humidity at? Also what are you using for substrate?

She's soaking because she's feeling insecure only having one hide and also having to share it. Her water dish is likely the only place she feels she can go to feel secure. Separate your snakes into individual tubs or tanks, correct your husbandry, and give each snake two hides.