Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My Columbian Boa is always soaking in the water dish. I mean hours, even days without getting out. I spray it down to keep humidity up and I keep the temperture right too. He just shed in his water dish. Just curious of why this is. Thanks.

As I can't presume your level of experience or knowledge regarding boas, please don't think I'm stating the obvious here, but I would check for mites first. It's possible that your boa is attempting to alleviate the annoying aggravation, itching, and biting of external parasites such as mites. Although I've thankfully never had an animal affected, it's been my understanding that PAM-(Provent-A-Mite) or an equivalent treatment for mites is quite effective in both eradication and preventative applications! I'm sure someone with more experience will be by soon to offer other possibilities or suggestions. Hope you find the cause and remedy for your boa ASAP!

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GG! That didn't cross my mind. I am sad to say that I have spotted a mite. Therefore, there must be more. Have you heard of a substance by the name of "Black Knight"? My local herp store only carries that and he swears by it. It's $30-40 if I can remember right. Thank you for your help...Sorry for the bad news

if youve seen "a" mite then almost assuredly youve got many mites, and if youre certain that Black Knight is what your local store sells, buy at least 2-3 cans(wont need that much now but from what i hear that stuffs gold) 1 for now which should take care of your problem and some for future uses as this stuff isnt supposed to be on the market due to being sued by another company...i personally shook a bad case of with liberal doses of Reptile Relief spray, only thing i could find in stores around my area at the time and i have also seen an "article" proclaiming the virtues of Nix lice treatment cream(found in your local pharmacy section of supermarkets), properly deconcentrated of course as applying the full concentrate cream is NOT a good idea
hope any of this helps out, nasty buggers mites are
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Brad Hamlin
"...when im a good snake, they sometimes throw me a rat..."
B&P Constrictors