Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Last night my subadult cal king was sitting in its water dish, just sort of hanging out. Earlier it had eaten and was rubbing its nose on different parts of the cage. He's not shedding and i saw no mites on him, in the cage, or in the water. its probably nothing, but any reassurance is appreciated.

Thanks!

Behavioral changes like that often are responses to a change in the snake's environment - one that the snake doesn't like. Soaking in the water dish is not unusual in itself, but if (s)he normally doesn't spend time in there but does now, it can indicate either a) the beginning of a shedding cycle, or b) the interior of the enclosure is too warm and/or too dry. The nostral damage suggests to me that it's the latter. Set up a thermal gradient within the enclosure (using a heat pad or other heating device - not a hot rock), and this will allow the snake to more or less pick his/her optimal climate. I also might place water containers in both ends, to see which one (s)he prefers. Monitor the temperature/humidity inside the cage, preferably at both the warmer and cooler ends.

Hope these ideas help. Keep us posted... michaelb

thanks very much
i have a thermal gradient in the cage, and your mention of putting another water container at the other end reminded me that i had moved the water dish over somewhat when i put it back in after refilling it (so as not to smash him, and i think this must be the cause, because there is really no other reason(he just recently shed, so i doubt thats it)

thanks again for your help