BP Keeps Soaking in His Water Bowl

[vivi]

Do you have any other reptiles? Mites can spread like a wildfire.

[Craiga 01453]

I am heating with a heat lamp and heat pad, and I take temps with a temp gun. Temps haven't changed in like 4 years as I have been running the same set up. I don't have it hooked up to a thermostat, but I take the temps several times a week just to make sure they are staying in the correct range.

A thermostat is literally the MOST IMPORTANT piece of equipment you can have. Not using one you are risking heat spikes that can cause serious burns, neurological issues and even death.

Your temps may be spiking without you even realizing it. A thermostat would eliminate that problem since it not only KEEPS YOUR ANIMAL SAFE, it also regulates temps so they don't fluctuate.

Not having a hygrometer also makes no sense, EVERY care sheet ever has humidity requirements on it. Why? Because humidity is IMPORTANT.

[Reptile$ 4 Life]

Right now I have some southern alligator lizards and western fence. They seem healthy to me and they live on the opposite side of the house. I was my hands between handling to prevent cross contamination.

[Reptile$ 4 Life]

Craiga you are totally right. I will purchase everything today. Totally my fault. I will fix this as soon as I can.

[vivi]

Props to you for taking the advice given.

I think I should note you should get a digital hygrometer, because the stick on analog ones are inaccurate most of the time.

[Bogertophis]

...I've never heard of aspen irritating a BPs scales? ...

Doesn't mean it doesn't happen...and just when was the last time your snakes TOLD you what they're feeling?

FYI- aspen is fairly soft wood fibers, but it's possible that all brands are not of the same quality, or that they contain contaminants. A similar & KNOWN situation happens with sand...it was found that sand has nearly-microscopic sharp edges that can cut into the snake's skin (between & UNDER their scales) causing infections. While sand is a common component outside, very few snakes evolved to live exclusively ON it, and I'm pretty sure BPs did not evolve living on aspen either. OK?

[Craiga 01453]

Craiga you are totally right. I will purchase everything today. Totally my fault. I will fix this as soon as I can.

Just looking out for you and your pet. Just because nothing horrible hasn't happened YET, doesn't mean it's not our responsibility to provide the safest environment we can for our pets. We get a choice, they do not.

I'm glad you're so receptive and willing to make the changes. Your snake appreciates it.

You may even notice that with the temps regulated your BP stop soaking. Time will tell. If not, we'll move on to troubleshooting steps 2.
Keep us updated, we're always happy to help and love hearing good news!

[Bogertophis]

Right now I have some southern alligator lizards and western fence. They seem healthy to me and they live on the opposite side of the house. I was my hands between handling to prevent cross contamination.

What substrate do you keep them on? Maybe they'd enjoy the aspen?

[vivi]

Doesn't mean it doesn't happen...and just when was the last time your snakes TOLD you what they're feeling?

Good to know. I was ultimately saying I've never heard of it happening, doesn't mean it's never happened.

[Reptile$ 4 Life]

What bedding would you suggest boger? I had him on coco fiber before, should I go back to that?