Drinking

[2kdime]

I was just wondering about my blood recently. I've never caught her drinking water. Unlike my male who drinks copiously (sp). She just had a shed with me (her first with me). And it was terrible. Got her head done then was unable to get any further.

Her scales also look quite a bit drier than my males. Which is what concerns me. I understand I may just not be catching her drinking. But just wondered if there's any ideas out there.

Humidity 60 to 70%. Usually around 65%.
80 to 90% in shed.

Temps are 80 cool side.
88 to 89 hot side.
Ambient of 79 to 82.

Animal Plastics T-10 with a RHP and flex on the cool end just in case it gets too low.

She did come back positive for Giarrdia a week ago. And is on a 2 dose treatment of Panacur. Her scales looked dry before that though too.

I don't know if that changes anything. But I didn't wanna leave it out.

I'm sure its just late and I'm stressing. But it crossed my mind. And I thought I'd ask you guys.

Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks!!!

Trevor

[AndrewGeibel]

I don't personally own a blood but from what I have heard your hot side may be a little too warm. Maybe Kara can chime in here.

[littleindiangirl]

I would soak her in warm water periodically every week or so. It will stimulate her into drinking and keep her hydrated.

[Dvas_Romeo]

I would soak her in warm water periodically every week or so. It will stimulate her into drinking and keep her hydrated.

This is exactly what I do each week with my blood.

Like 2kdime, I never catch my blood drinking and his scales get "dry" as well. Often times when I take him out I notice his scales are marked from the position he was in for long periods of time. i.e. a vertical crease where a line of scales flick outwards from the body.

Once I soak him for the week, his scales go back to normal (no more "creases) and from what I can tell...he appears to be hydrated. As unlikely as it may be, I have a feeling my blood is too lazy to move...even for a drink!

[Kara]

They drink...you're just likely not catching them at it. Remember bloods are mostly sedentary, and very much nocturnal, so you may be asleep when they're actually out & about and doing their thing.

Soaking may help, especially if you're treating a snake with any sort of dewormer. Keeping the animal hydrated is essential during any type of medical treatment.

Keep in mind that bloods may occasionally be picky about water freshness, too...I change waters 2-3x a week for my gang, just to appease any of the divas in the group.

[SatanicIntention]

Last thing. Panacur won't get rid of Giardia, Flagyl will though.

[2kdime]

I knew it!!!!

I told the vet Panacur won't kill that crap. He insisted and said that a slightly higher dosage is all that is needed to kill it off. I'm scheduled to get the 2nd dose on friday. I'm gonna let him know I want Flagyl.

Thank you so much for confirming that!!!!

[SatanicIntention]

Not a prob! Tell your vet to use the Merck Veterinary Manual, it's not hard

And as much as I abhor the woman, Melissa Kaplan's site has good info on dosages for different medications.

For Flagyl, dosage says 25-50mg/kg once then treat again in 3-4 days or as needed.