My daughter wants to take a bath with our ball python

[suzabella]

Hi! Now, before you call me crazy or irresponsible, remember - I am asking first before doing anything! My 6 yr. old daughter is begging me to take a bath with Lila, our 2 foot ball python that we got this March. She is very responsible when holding her so it's not my daughter's age that concerns me, it's whether being in the water with a person will freak the snake out. Lila is naturally cautious (and curious!) but not overly so and we try to hold her for a bit each night. My daughter loves to have her crawl on her legs and tummy - she just loves that snake! I've put the snake in the tub alone before for a swim and she seems ok with it - and I'm very vigilant about watching the whole time in case she seems distressed at all. I know I could call our vet and ask but I'd rather hear from people who are around snakes 24/7 and are better judges of their temperament. Thanks!

[Freakie_frog]

I would tend to avoid it. First ball pythons were not meant to swim they can but that doesn't mean that they should this may stress and tire your snake out leaving them more pron to problem after. Second the risk of injury to the animal due to water temps or the possibility of soaps or other bathing chemicals even accidentally being introduced into the water could be fatal.

[snakelady]

I would agree with Freakie_frog.

[Jerhart]

ya....i'd avoid it.

[Sputnik]

Bath toys.... not snakes!

[MiniJ83]

Yipe. Seriously?

[dr del]

Hi,

I agree with everyone else it not a good idea.

Maybe if you explain about it being too hot and she might be scared etc she will change her mind?


dr del

[Vomitore]

Rubber ball python tub toy? I'd buy one.

[suzabella]

Thanks for all the responses . I'll explain your answers to her; she's usually good about understanding an animal's 'boundaries.'

This is good news for rubber duckie!

[kc261]

Another thing to consider, and which may help convince your daughter, is that snakes are rather lacking in manners about when & where it is ok to relieve themselves.

If you really want to read more on the subject, there is a long thread about it. I haven't read the entire thing, but what I did read was mostly more of what you've been told here: not a good idea.
http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=55752