I have had to do this but i used non flavored pedialyte or similar product. The generic brand costs around $2.50 for a large bottle. You can also mix it with the drinking water and they will get rehydrated when they drink or soak. Lots of times when you soak a ball python they will also drink. I have used a half and half mixture of water and pedialyte. And be warned that they will often pee in the water too.