Not using water bowl

[mmlprsh]

Hey, this is my first post, I've been lurking here ever since I got my first ball. I usually search a lot before I post something, but I can't seem to find anything on balls and water bowls.

I've had my ball about 1.5 months now, and I noticed how he barely ever uses the water bowl I provided. In fact, I've never seen him use the water bowl. Is that normal? Or did I just miss it? And he hides in his hide all day, I don't see him out, except when he craps and pees. Is it okay if I take him out of his hide and handle him? Because I read that frequent intrusions can cause stress (I usually handle him at night, 10~60mins, almost everyday except 48hrs after feeding).

Thanks guys!

[rabernet]

Define not using water bowl? You aren't seeing him drink out of it, or you aren't seeing him soak in it?

A healthy ball python with a good thermal gradiant, that is mite free and not overfed is not likely to soak (there are always some who are exceptions to the rule, of course).

None of mine soak, and if any of them started to - I'd begin to look at it as a symptom of some problem and try to figure out what it was.

As far as drinking - it's easy to miss seeing them drink - I have enough that I can usually catch some of them drinking each day - but with just one - it could be drinking while you're sleeping.

And yes - it's ok to take him out of his hide to handle him - sounds like he's behaving like a normal ball python should!

[darkbloodwyvern]

mine sometimes drink after eating or when i freshen up the water, but consider that they come from Africa where it is often dry! they don't usually have such immediate access to water and as such, don't always need it. I recently read that they can retain their urine to absorb all the water from it if they are lacking water, which is why sometimes their poop has white chalky stuff in it, that is the urates without way less water in it. I am geeking out to how cool that is. i wish i could do some of the stuff my snakes do! XD

oh and just because they can go without water doesn't mean it's ok to let them go without fresh drinking water! Just in case anyone thinks that's a good idea-it isn't!

[mmlprsh]

whew
Thanks, it's good to know that he's normal.

[DSGB]

i have had my ball since august last year and have never seen him soak or take one sip. he is super healthy so im sure he takes a drink when im not around . post some pics!!!!!