Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just curious,

I recent article on the care and feeding of cornsnakes in a popular reptile magazine suggested that the water be changed out daily. I also have a book of reptile published in Germany that states changing intervals of "at least once a day" (implying that some people change it several times a day?)

That said, I have several of the popular manuals (ie: Soderberg, Love, etc) that seem to dictate more common sense practices such as "every few days, but always when it looks dirty".

Lets state up front that we assume everyone changes the water immediately that has been pooped in or is otherwise filled with debris.

How often do you change the water in your cages? How many cages do you maintain?

Varies.

Water should be changed every time it is soiled or noticed to be dirty. It should also be checked to make sure it hasn't been spilled, or drank or otherwise gone, daily. Position of the water bowl in the cage makes a difference to.

Kept over the hot spot causes water to warm up and evaporate..great for helping with humidity..unfortunately also great in encouraging bacterial to multiply like mad. Keeping it in the cool end cuts down evaporation and bacteria growth.

As a rule, change and wash the water bowl weekly or every time the cage is cleaned for any reason. Check daily to ensure there is still water in the bowl.
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PHLdyPayne

>>Just curious,
>>
>>I recent article on the care and feeding of cornsnakes in a popular reptile magazine suggested that the water be changed out daily. I also have a book of reptile published in Germany that states changing intervals of "at least once a day" (implying that some people change it several times a day?)
>>
>>That said, I have several of the popular manuals (ie: Soderberg, Love, etc) that seem to dictate more common sense practices such as "every few days, but always when it looks dirty".
>>
>>Lets state up front that we assume everyone changes the water immediately that has been pooped in or is otherwise filled with debris.
>>
>>How often do you change the water in your cages? How many cages do you maintain?

I check my enclosures every couple of days and change water as needed.
I do not change the water every day.
I keep extra water dishes of each size so I can switch them out as needed.
Switch them out, wash them and have them ready to go.
Tanks and/or tubs... around 70.

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Corn snakes and rat snakes..No one can have just one.
"Resistance is futile"
Jimmy Johnson
(Draybar)
Draybars Snakes

_____

I have 2 corns (One 2 yrs old, One 9 yrs old (had him since he was born)), and one 3 yr old Boa. I change the water in all 3 every 3 days, whether it needs it or not.