How long without water?

I was just wondering how long can BP's go without water safely. I am planning a trip and the person staying at my house is willing to check on the snakes, but doesn't want to touch them. So I am worried about them dumping their water, which they seem to love to do, and sitting in a wet and nasty tub while I am gone. I will be gone 1 week. Is it safe to take the water away for that time, or better to risk the wet cage? Just wondering. Thanks. Oh and normally I wouldn't dream of leaving them without water for that long, just wondering about the trip, I rarely travel and this is the first major trip in 4 years.

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Originally Posted by Lana's_mom

I was just wondering how long can BP's go without water safely. I am planning a trip and the person staying at my house is willing to check on the snakes, but doesn't want to touch them. So I am worried about them dumping their water, which they seem to love to do, and sitting in a wet and nasty tub while I am gone. I will be gone 1 week. Is it safe to take the water away for that time, or better to risk the wet cage? Just wondering. Thanks. Oh and normally I wouldn't dream of leaving them without water for that long, just wondering about the trip, I rarely travel and this is the first major trip in 4 years.

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Hot glue your water dish to the tub before leaving :P

As long as they eat regularly, snakes technically don't need water and can go a long time without it regardless. They get all their liquids from their food. Water in a dish is a luxury of captivity.

1 week is nothing. They'll be fine without a water bowl while you're gone. Its better than sitting in a soggy enclosure and risking scale rot.

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I just put a small amount of water in when I leave. That way if they spill the water it will dry in a couple days.

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I second the hot glue suggestion. Or find a better friend who isn't such a wuss. What's the point of "checking on them" if the person won't do anything to correct a problem?

If you make sure they have water and alot of water before you leave, I'd say a week is about where I feel comfortable not having someone check on my animals. If you're worried about them tipping over the water bowl I'd suggest getting a couple of those really heavy crocks as water bowls. and for a week they should be fine.

I would just skip the water while your gone. And in my experience it's better to not have them checked at all than having someone that doesn't know what they are doing try to take care of them. I've had it result in more harm than good when thing go wrong.

I'll add in my 2 cents that if you ensure they have water up until the day they leave, leave them with a full dish, then refill the dishes as soon as you get back, they should be fine.

While they may dump the bowls, you will probably find that they're going to still have water left in their dishes by the time you get back. Definitely make sure you check them as soon as you get back, though.

-Jen

They should be fine for a week without water. You could also use all natural rubber caulk and use that to "glue" your water bowl to the tub. Good luck

Is there a local herper who could stop in mid-week to check on the snakes, clean tubs, replace or top off water bowls, etc. since your housesitter is scared to mess with them?