Cleaning your snake

[BFT12890]

Other then if your snake decides to move around in their own poop, does anybody clean their snake on a somewhat regular basis? if so how frequently, where do you do it (sink, tub) what do you use (water warmth, cleaning agent) ?? thanks!

[ReptilesK2]

Interested to hear the answer to this also. I usually just wipe them off with a damp paper towel but I need to find a better way to clean them.

[BFT12890]

Interested to hear the answer to this also. I usually just wipe them off with a damp paper towel but I need to find a better way to clean them.

Haha, i just got out of the shower and it had me thinking. I understand they soak and all but since we own and care for them, Im sure some assisted bathing wouldn't hurt anything (If done properly at least)

[Inknsteel]

The only time I clean my snakes is when they decide to make art with their poo. Then it's just a quick two minute dip in a luke-warm bath and a slither through a paper towel...

[BFT12890]

The only time I clean my snakes is when they decide to make art with their poo. Then it's just a quick two minute dip in a luke-warm bath and a slither through a paper towel...

Makes sense, i guess the bigger question is, can anyone think of cleaning products that should NOT be used to clean a snake?

[rabernet]

Nope, cleaning my snakes is not part of my husbandry routine, unless they're covered in feces.

Shedding is their way of cleaning themselves.

[rabernet]

Makes sense, i guess the bigger question is, can anyone think of cleaning products that should NOT be used to clean a snake?

I take my previous answer back - I also clean my females after they've laid a clutch with mild soapy water, like with a few drops of Dawn dish detergent. I wouldn't use anything else.

[Inknsteel]

Haha, i just got out of the shower and it had me thinking. I understand they soak and all but since we own and care for them, Im sure some assisted bathing wouldn't hurt anything (If done properly at least)

You want to be careful with that. An occasional soak probably won't hurt the bp, but you want to be sure you're not soaking or bathing the bp when it's going into shed. During the shed process, bathing the snake could wash away the natural oils that lubricate the old skin to ready it for shed...

[gofrwrd]

Does a snake ever have soap to clean with in the wild? No. A rinse with tepid water if they are covered in poop is all they will really need. Giving them a bath is just easing ones own conscience. I have 80+ animals and never give them anything more than a rinse in the shower once in a while.

[BFT12890]

Nope, cleaning my snakes is not part of my husbandry routine, unless they're covered in feces.

Shedding is their way of cleaning themselves.

thats one way to think about it!

and as far as hatchlings and the mother ill take your word on that I have zero experience with that.

You want to be careful with that. An occasional soak probably won't hurt the bp, but you want to be sure you're not soaking or bathing the bp when it's going into shed. During the shed process, bathing the snake could wash away the natural oils that lubricate the old skin to ready it for shed...

I didnt think about that one, thats a good call though.

Does a snake ever have soap to clean with in the wild? No. A rinse with tepid water if they are covered in poop is all they will really need. Giving them a bath is just easing ones own conscience. I have 80+ animals and never give them anything more than a rinse in the shower once in a while.

I agree with that, and I guess your right with the peace of mind part, i was just not sure because there are other things that dont happen in the wild that we as owners do anyway, so i just wanted to make sure! better safe then sorry, expecially since I'm a new BP owner