Soaking boas

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

I've never soaked any of my snakes. I don't really see the point and believe it could be stressful for some snakes. I also can't see it causing any long term damage and some snakes may even enjoy it. I guess that puts me on the fence. :)
I have heard of sugar water being used on paper towels as a treatment for prolapses in snakes but not for soaking them.

---

El-Ziggy, I think you nailed it.

If done in moderation, it cannot hurt.

However, if humidity is met properly in your husbandry, there is never a NEED to soak a snake, IMO.

My vet had argued that it helped them stay hydrated, stimulated them, etc.

However, a lot easier to soak a male BP than a female Boa or a large carpet python :P.

I would rather not have a snake relieve themselves in my tub. However, as I pointed out, my preference, and I think proper technique, is not to have them swimming. I like the water to keep humidity up in the container. I use something like this https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-25...6131/303099674 for the larger snakes and this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 for the corns and BP. With the latter, I cover the top with a towel to keep the humidity in.

I've also found that some coconut fiber and/or sphagnum moss works well too for stuck sheds. It gives them something to rub against in the container and holds all the moisture as well.

I soak from time to time only as needed, especially when I lived in Las Vegas and now here in UT, even with humidifiers and misting, it dries out fast.
Only time I've heard of sugar water is making a paste to help reduce swelling in tissue for a prolapse. I have heard of pedialyte water soaks for rescues but have never done it myself.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DandD

We did just have an emergency rescue Great Dane slice her pad open (deep open) on a slab of stone, it was the weekend and the vet recommended packing it full of sugar and wrapping it till normal office hours. They also use to use sugar for bed sores so it must have some healing properties.

---

Just to play devil's advocate: they USED to prescribe cocaine and heroin....just because they USED to do it doesn't prove it is a wise idea.

...As for soaking, I don't see the benefit, so I never soak mine...unless...there's the exception to the rule and sausage butt develops. I've done this twice and both times the snake "relieved" itself in the tub.

But as for soaking to aid in shedding, I've never once needed to.
And I certainly don't see the point of soaking just to soak. I provide large enough water bowls that they have the option to soak if they want to, but rarely ever do. Soooo...what would make me think they want me to soak them?????

All that said, like Ziggy said, I can't imagine it causes much harm. I just don't see the point. There's no benefit that I'm aware of. It would seem equally arbitrary to rub them down with a slice of bread once in a while....