Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just bought a CB pacific gopher (female) that is just under 3 feet. I bought her to donate to the local wilflife museum, which had their 26 year old female die.

She arrived FedEx about noon, box was definitely cool enough. However, this snake has been soaking in the water dish for six hours straight now. I took her out and checked her for mites, none visible. Put her back in on the dry side - and she headed straight for the waterdish.

Her eyes are clear, she is not in a shed cycle. The pacific gophers I had as a kid, I never remember this behaviour. They would occasionally soak, but never for that long, not that I remember.

Anyone know what this might be? Do some individuals just like to soak? She arrived looking healthy, no visible signs of dehydration.

I'll check for mites again in the morning, but I don't think that's it.
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3.0 WC; 0.2 CB L. getula californiae
0.1 WC; 10 eggs (7/11) Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata

Sometimes mine soak all day and night and I have no idea why. I wouldn't worry about it at all.

He was still in the water dish this morning - definitely abnormal.

I removed his hide (a flat piece of wood) and replaced it with a broken piece of a flower pot. Now - he's under the flower pot.

I'm guessing he just didn't like the hide for whatever reason, and used the water as a hide until a better hide was provided.
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3.0 WC; 0.2 CB L. getula californiae
0.1 WC; 10 eggs (7/11) Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata