Hi all, I observed my new ATB for a couple days and I noticed that she soaked herself everynight after lights off. Do you think this behaviour is normal? Thank you
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ATB soaking
jcpcrbtx
Sep 24, 2008 07:33 PM
Replies (2)
JSI11
Sep 25, 2008 09:16 AM
Does she have a hide?
A new snake is probably nervous and if she can't find a good place to hide she will just use a water dish. I've had this happen with new snakes and once they settle in that behaviour stops.
Jeremy
Mike H.
Sep 25, 2008 10:24 AM
ATBs will rarely go to the cage floor if given the proper set-up. They need certain types of perching, not just straight branches like you see in ETB or GTP cages. They also like some over head cover, like fake plants, hanging above the perches. if they don't feel secure up on the branch (or just don't like the branch), they'll go to the cage floor. Some will coil up behind the water dish to feel secure, others will coil in the water dish. It's all about feeling safe from predators.
Another reason for soaking is mites. They soak to try to drown the mites and relieve the discomfort of all the mite bites. When the snake gets out of the water dish, check the bottom for drowned mites. They'll look like little flecks of black pepper, but if you look closely, you'll see tiny legs on them.
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Mike Heinrich,
Mike@amazontreeboa.org
www.amazontreeboa.org
