Do BPs need baths?

[Sonny1318]

For every instance where someone states a bath us needed I can provide a less stressful solution. Bad sheds, crawling through poop....anything.

Please elaborate

[Skiploder]

Poop on snake : spray rag with f10 solution and wipe down snake.

Bad sheds: provide correct husbandry. If bad shed has already occurred, utilize a humid hide to help the snake shed on its own.

The physiological process of shedding can be seriously impeded by soaks, especially pre shed soaks.

Dehydration is minimally affected by soaks. The skin is impervious and fluid uptake is mainly through the cloaca. This type of absorption is inefficient and there are quicker more effective way to address dehydration.

[BPSnakeLady]

To wipe off poop; I use a warm, damp paper towel and let the snake crawl through it.
A sidenote; I was under the understanding that atm f10 isn't available in the states (where I am). The last time I looked online for it (about a month ago) I was unable to find any in stock.

To answer the OP's question, my personal opinion is I don't believe that bps would enjoy having a bath just for the heck of it, as previously stated, it stresses them out and there are other methods to handle bad sheds and your snake getting dirty. I don't think it's worth the health risks. FWIW.

[dek593]

I only give my balls bath when they have shedding problem or when they covered themselves with poop.

[albinos_rule]

No they dont need baths or soaking.

[Zincubus]

Quote . " ball pythons do not need baths. They do not benefit from it and it can lead to other health issues " .

Incidentally ... I'd seriously be interested in the other health issues as regards soaking Ball pythons as its certainly not common knowledge and maybe should be ...

[DVirginiana]

Incidentally ... I'd seriously be interested in the other health issues as regards soaking Ball pythons as its certainly not common knowledge and maybe should be ...

My biggest concern about giving one a bath (like, letting it hang out in the bathtub) would be chemicals and worrying about the snake drinking un-treated water with chlorine and chloramines in it.
I think soaking in a container would be safer in the short term, but it can cause stress, and stress can cause a whole host of health issues.

[Zincubus]

I think we all realise that if the humidity levels are adequate there's usually no problems with shedding but things don't always go to plan especially for novices . That's when this method is useful and effective. It should never be done before shedding or even during the blue period and only be done after the 'blue' phase when the snake is looking normal again .

The way I've seen it suggested in this forum and the way I do it - is by using room temp water in a secure plastic tub . I have a few air holes in it and leave an inch of air or so at the top so it can keep it's head above water should it want to .... they usually don't . Let them soak for about 25 minutes . In my experience they aren't even that keen to get out afterwards either and have to be coaxed out ...and then let the snake slide through a wet / damp rough textured towel , just applying gentle pressure , when it's head appears out of the towel you just cover it carefully with the towel and let it slide through again , repeat for a few minutes . .

This method has proven 100% successful for myself and many , many others .

[DVirginiana]

You asked what potential health risks were, so I gave you some... The thread wasn't about retained shed though, it was about giving them baths in a bathtub for no medical reason and whether or not there were any benefits to that.

[Zincubus]

It's all about opinions and experiences I guess . The thing is in this thread the idea of bathing and soaking seemed to blend into one and the same thing ....