What happens if a BP tries to breathe underwater?

Thanks for all the help and info. I'll do the damp papper towel next time. I check because i have a tortoise outside and i was afraid that if the tortoise had mites then maybe my ball would too. None of them have it though. I also do wash my hands before and after handling each pet reptile.

I wouldn't worry unduly - if there were bubbles they were breathing out not in and I doubt ball pythons are dumb enough to drown themselves when raising their heads would bring them back into air.

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Originally Posted by Hector108

I was soaking Athena in the bath tub in shallow water. Everything was going fine until she went into the slightly deeper end (about 1' - 1 1/2' inches deep) and put her head underwater and then bubbles appeared at her nose. She then seemed uncomfortable and I quickly got her out of the water and put her back in her cage. It's like the second time I've soaked her thoughout the time I've had her.

Do you think she tried to breathe underwater because she didn't know? If not and she was just expelling air, then tell me anyways what could happen if they inhale water. Could it result in an RI or lung damage that I should be aware of.

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I've soaked snakes occasionally over the years and I noticed that especially Royals were very comfortable UNDER water - after an initial minute or so trying to find a way out of the tub .

I'm sure I read that they can hold their breath for about 30 minutes ... but cant confirm that's correct..


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Im sure he/she is fine. I sit there with mine and once they are done they crawl up my arm to my shoulder to come out. I give my Balls (hahaha) a swim every 2 weeks. I started them when they were young and only put water at the deepest end so they didn't have to be in it if they didn't want to. I now keep it so the shallowest part is only about a half an inch deep they usually swim and poke around for 10 minutes. Then they know to crawl right up the side onto my arm and over my shoulder when they're done. Pay attention to their behavior because I know a lot of people say that their ball don't like water at all and feel insecure.
I originally tried this for only a few min at a time and they got use to it and now will drink and relieve themselves before wanting to come out. I've had burms all my life who will spend hours in my tub and love the water.


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When I'm cleaning enclosure some of my BPs will hide underwater-I just move the entire water bowl with the snake in it.

For snakes that like to flood their cages: I will fill the water bowl with the snake in it and will just fill it up until the snake is completely submerged (so I know they are less likely to overflow it later).

I’ve always had bowls big enough for them to soak in, and some will and some won’t. I doubt very highly they would drown, unless they were intentionally put at disadvantage (like couldn’t get out of whatever their in). And they do soak, but very rarely. Maybe once, twice a year. But not all do, just some from my personal experience.

Very relieving to know. I assumed all of what you guys said, but wanted to be sure. Thanks to everone for the help.

I would think that the bubbles simply mean she's exhaling air, it doesn't necessarily mean she's inhaling water.
Lots of ball pythons will soak if they have the opportunity to. As long as they aren't forced to hold their head above the water for extended periods of time, or are unable to get out of the water, they'll be fine, especially if it was the snakes' choice to enter the water in the first place.