can ball pythons swim?

I took a bath with my ball python today and he liked the water but it seemed like he was having trouble keeping his head above the water. Are they good swimmers or should i not do this again with him
thanks in advance for the advice

They probably don't like it much, but they can....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpOxZMmUxdw

Ball pythons don't typically swim on a daily basis, but yes, they can swim.

I would hazard a guess and say the ability of a ball python is an emergency skill and not something they enjoy doing, you could always make a shallow end and a deeper end, but dont force the ball swim when he cant keep his head up and out of the water, in that video it looked like all the snake wanted was to escape, that is probably a good hint...

Omg the video looked really cute XD

Yes, they can! And how.

They float, too, because they're so chubby. So if he's not keeping his head above water, it's either because he likes it (I have one that likes to blow bubbles under water) or because he's not all there in the smarts department.

As for whether or not he LIKES being in the water... it depends partly on water temps? They like it strictly room temp, and I'd 2 out of 3 seem to be mostly concerned with GETTING OUT.

But be warned: most of them take water at any temperature as an invitation to have a bowel movemetn.

They can swim well but they are not what you would consider a water snake that lives in water part of the day, hunts from the water etc. I allow mine in tub for 5 minute swim when some stuck shed, but the water is no deeper then 50% their body height.

ok thanks alot guys:snake::)

Taking a bath with a bp is kinda gross. You are lucky you didn't end up with a tub full of poop. :D

I'm not going to try it. My BP has enough time in the water in her water bowl.
Also not that they are similar my corn snake acts like I'm killing her when I put her in water.
I agree too that the BP mentioned above look more like she was in stress trying to escape!:snake:

All snakes can swim - their natural moment facilitates swimming, of course some are much better at it than others, just unless panicked they don't typically drown if they can get out of the water easily. That said, terrestrial species like ball pythons don't often naturally seek out swimmable water so may be stressed / fearful / panic / or at least not enjoy it. Some may.

I wouldn't just toss one in a tub just to see what happens. mine for instance won't even soak in his water bowl