BP won't go near water bowl, worried about dehydration!

Hey guys, I bought a new ball python 4 days ago and noticed that I haven't seen it go anywhere near its water bowl. Temps are 88 on left side and 80 on right side, and humidity is 40-50% depending on how long since I last misted the tank. Any reason why my BP won't use it's water dish at all? He was scheduled for a feed last night, so I fed him a small mouse and he ate it without looking back. Any info is appreciated! Im concerned he will be dehydrated...

He's okay, as long as he has water. Balls don't usually drink that much, and whenever they do, it's never when we're looking. I have five, and I've only seen them drink once or twice.

Basically, as long as you have (fresh)water in the enclosure, they won't get dehydrated.

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Originally Posted by ShamelessAardvark

He's okay, as long as he has water. Balls don't usually drink that much, and whenever they do, it's never when we're looking. I have five, and I've only seen them drink once or twice.

Basically, as long as you have (fresh)water in the enclosure, they won't get dehydrated.

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Thanks, I just got concerned because I read another thread about someone ball getting dehydrated and dying... :(

Do you think I should sort of "introduce" him to his water bowl since it's a new enclosure and i've only ever seen him outside of his hot side hide once. He also likes to burrow in his aspen which is strange (because my temps are correct), but i've been told that it's fairly normal for them to burrow.

No. If he needs water he will find it. Sticking him in/ next to it will only stress him out. Just change the water every 2-4 days and he'll be fine.

You are fine, you are just a concerned new snake parent. :) We've all been there, and actually, most of us never grow out of it. ;) He knows his water is there and he will use it when he needs it, no need to worry. Burrowing is nothing to worry about either. BPs love to feel secure and they will do anything to feel like they can't be seen. Mine manages to burrow in the moss in her humid hide, she loves it.

You are doing everything right, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking questions. :) You care and want what is best for your snake and that is the most important thing.

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Originally Posted by Emily Hubbard

You are fine, you are just a concerned new snake parent. :) We've all been there, and actually, most of us never grow out of it. ;) He knows his water is there and he will use it when he needs it, no need to worry. Burrowing is nothing to worry about either. BPs love to feel secure and they will do anything to feel like they can't be seen. Mine manages to burrow in the moss in her humid hide, she loves it.

You are doing everything right, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking questions. :) You care and want what is best for your snake and that is the most important thing.

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Thanks for the reassurance. This is my third BP (my dad has my other two because I couldn't take them to college with me, but I got an appartment so I went and bought another:)) and just am concerned because I want whats best.

i wouldnt worry balls move mostly all night and early morning ,but if ur worried soak him in a ten gallon bucket with a 1 1/2 of warm water

No need to Bother him with a soak at all. They don't drink like we do daily. I rarely see mine drinking at all. Plus they get alot of fluids from their food. Don't worry your ball knows how to survive.


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If you'll activate your 24/7 BP Surveillance Snake Cam System, you'll notice that your critter is, indeed, visiting the water bowl for a drink. It just does it when you're not around.

Give it a bowl of fresh water while it's eating and you'll usually see it take a drink after its meal.

From everything I have read, Balls need a basking spot of 95 degrees, as well as humidity between 50-60. Where did you get 88 and 40-50 for humidity? Just curious. :)

Our Ball loves to drink, and I can usually catch him hanging out around the water bowl.
All snakes are different however, and I doubt your Ball will die from lack of water. :)

My BPs will take sips almost every time I change their water bowls. It's like they know it's fresh. Lol

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Originally Posted by Kamille Kirkendoll

From everything I have read, Balls need a basking spot of 95 degrees, as well as humidity between 50-60. Where did you get 88 and 40-50 for humidity? Just curious. :)

Our Ball loves to drink, and I can usually catch him hanging out around the water bowl.
All snakes are different however, and I doubt your Ball will die from lack of water. :)

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95 is a little too high for a bp. The generally recommended temp range for a hot side is 90-92, but 88 is just fine... Plus or minus two degrees from ideal range isn't going to hurt. 40-50% for ambient humidity is also fine, but you probably want to bump the humidity up a bit during shed.

To the OP, as has been stated by others, don't worry about it. I've been keeping ball pythons for over 4 years and have only witnessed them drinking a couple times.

Sorry to kinda jack your thread but I feel how u do I have a female cinny that I produced and shes about 3 months old now she still wont eat on her own and she will not drink on her own people ask me how do I know? Well I checked on her and she looked all dried out I gave her water through a syringe thing I use to feed baby rats that the moms won't take care of and the next day she looked fine so idk what her deal is anyone have and ideas??

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kamille Kirkendoll

From everything I have read, Balls need a basking spot of 95 degrees, as well as humidity between 50-60. Where did you get 88 and 40-50 for humidity? Just curious. :)

Our Ball loves to drink, and I can usually catch him hanging out around the water bowl.
All snakes are different however, and I doubt your Ball will die from lack of water. :)

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I was having humidity problems (40 gallon tank) but now I am able to keep it between 50%to 60% at all times. And its funny because Ive watched him at night and seem him at his water bowl 4 or 5 times now haha.

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Originally Posted by naturesbeautybreeder

Sorry to kinda jack your thread but I feel how u do I have a female cinny that I produced and shes about 3 months old now she still wont eat on her own and she will not drink on her own people ask me how do I know? Well I checked on her and she looked all dried out I gave her water through a syringe thing I use to feed baby rats that the moms won't take care of and the next day she looked fine so idk what her deal is anyone have and ideas??

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I'd create your own thread in the BP husbandry section. You will get more replies that way. When/if you do make your own post I would strongly advise that you post some pictures. Pictures will help us help you.