Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi folks,

I'm a tad confused & haven't been able to find much info on the subject so I thought I'd ask here.

I know humidity is essential for shedding, general comfort, etc. Around here (northern MA, almost NH) winters are dry dry dry. Especially with the ol' woodburning stove in full effect. So I generally go to great lengths to keep up the humidity. It's frustrating as heck but I've been keeping it up there.

Now.. I've never actually *seen* my BP (3 years) eliminate before. He's kind of a shy eliminator, his feces & urates tend to be hidden behind/under things when I clean his cage, & evidence of urination is usually a small soiled spot on the paper. Yesterday I found a GIANT (half the cage) puddle of urine on the paper when I cleaned. & today when I had him out to stretch, he got all comfy in my lap & took a big pee on me. It had to be around 4-6 ounces. For a little guy that seems like a lot to me, especially 2 days in a row.. Right?

I guess my real question here is.. Can it be the humidity increasing his hydration & making him urinate more frequently? I haven't noticed him drinking more than usual. Now I've scared myself that he may be overhydrated (which can be potentially dangerous in mammals.. is it so in reptiles?) or perhaps even having renal failure (*fingers x'd* I pray not!) Either way it seems odd to me..

I may just be paranoid (it wouldn't be the first time) but I'm just wondering if anyone has any info on the topic. Thanks so much in advance!

-Tami*

I don't know if this will help you any but i will try.

When I give my snakes fresh water- no matter if they got fresh water 2 days ago, or 5 minutes ago. They go investigate the water, drink a bit, will sometimes poo in it (thus the 5 minutes ago) and a few days later- there is a giant puddle where they've urinated. the paper is soaked.
When i have them out- i get peed on- never fails- every time.

I have recently had some humidity issues. At our old house, which was a rental, we had humidifiers set up in the snake room that kept all of our screen top cages humid. it was also a risk for mold. This house we own and i'm not about to start growing mold for thier benifit so we've had some humidity problems- and i have noticed that they drink more here than they did before.
They still shed well- they can all fully soak in thier water dishes. When they go into shed, they are misted with warm water every nite.

anyway- hope that gives you some help...

Beth
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