Soaking

[m1lkhoney]

Does anyone else "bathe" their BPs from time to time? I do it during the shedding process (with Shed Ease, just because I randomly have it, although his last shed was flawless lemme tell ya) in either very shallow water in the bathtub (lukewarm!) or in a 2.5 gallon tank under his heat lamp. He seems to enjoy it enough (actually seems to get kinda annoyed when I pull him back out) and it keeps his digestion "regular". Sometimes he goes a bit in the tub; otherwise he can be a bit stopped up which bothers me even though I know he's probably fine.

Do you do this? How often? Am I weird? Is he weird? This is usually his "soak" night but after he nearly choked to death today (long story), I think I'm just gonna leave him alone. Except he really seems to like his baths. Maybe it would soothe him. I have no freaking idea; do I look like a python?!

I hope so, actually.

[Eric Alan]

Believe it or not, BPs have been shedding and pooping on their own for quite some time now. Although it may seem to make sense on the surface, there's basically no reason to soak a healthy BP. And, doing so can actually cause them stress and do more harm than good.

During, or leading up to, the shedding process, they produce their own lubrication between the new and old skin. Soaking in water can counteract this process and actually cause shedding problems. Water is a pretty terrible lubricant when there are other natural fluids involved.

You also say that it helps "keep him regular" and he seems to enjoy his baths. How do you know? What exactly is regular for a BP? When I read that, I can only think that he is likely "stress eliminating" from trying to escape the bath.

If I were you, I'd put the time you're spending giving him a bath to better use.

[m1lkhoney]

Better use? Can I knit him little sweaters? I just learned how, so.

[PitOnTheProwl]

Someone seems to have enjoyed their 4th a little too much??

There is no need to soak/bathe id husbandry is spot on.
Most of the time you are doing more harm than good by washing away oils they use to shed.

[Hannahshissyfix]

Sounds like you are unnecessarily hands on and have some anthropomorphism going on. Though it's coming from a good place, you're probably really stressing that snake out and could dial it back and let him do what he's made to do on his own.

[m1lkhoney]

Thank you. I'll stop doing that, then. I didn't know.

And no, I wasn't drunk...?

[Slim]

I think I'm just gonna leave him alone.

OUTSTANDING idea!

[JodanOrNoDan]

The only time mine get a bath is when they have managed to roll around in their own crap. I have more than a couple white snakes and I don't like my white snakes chocolate covered. This "bath" consists of running the animals under a faucet and quickly rubbing the poop off. A 15 second process. I do not have bad sheds nor have to keep them "regular". I actually wish they were not so regular.

I think you may need to modify your thinking a little. If it is not broke, don't fix it.

[m1lkhoney]

Yes. I know. *writes in notebook* "soaking unnecessary". got it.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Not only necessary, but it can also be detrimental to a good shed if soaking prior to a shed, and combined with improper husbandry and or additional stress could jeopardize the health of your animal.