Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I have kept and bred dumerils for six years, but am seeing behavior from one of my two year old females that has me a little worried. For the last two to three weeks she has been spending too much time in her water dish. She shows no sign of mite infestation and the temps in her cages should be fine. The cool side is seventy eight and the warm side is 88. There are hide boxes on both ends of the container. I thought she may be using her water dish as a hide so I put additional layers of crumpled newspaper to provide extra security. This has seemed to help a little and she is spending less time in her water dish, but still is in it frequently. She has developed two small irritated areas (from her time in the water) that I am treating with neosporin and should heal fine. She refused her meal last feeding attempt, but has fed within the last four weeks, which is not abnormal for her this time of year. What other causes of dehydration exist for boas. Her container is in a rack system, which should keep humidity levels well, none of the other boas or pythons in the rack are showing any signs of distress. Has anyone else had experience with this behavior. I removed her original water dish and replaced it with a smaller dish and am misting the cage now twice daily. Thanks in advance for your replies and help.

Erin

just kidding!

Mites of course are the first thing that will always pop into mind when a snake is soaking too much. Of course it could be very early in the infestation that the mites are not that easy to see on large snakes as they can hide under the scales out of view, but if mites are not the problem here are a few other thoughts…..
The snake could be constipated. Many herps defecate in their water bowls to help ease the passing of large bowl movements. A warm soaking bath in a big area like a shower or bath tub might help. I always add a bit of Benadine to the water when I do that too.
The area on the snake that you mentioned may not be from the soaking, but what is causing the soaking. If it is a bacterial or fungal infection it may be causing the snake discomfort and could be why it is soaking, not the result of the soaking itself.
Ovulation shed, although she sounds a bit young to ovulate, if she has and she is going through a Post Ovulation Shed, this is a more prolonged shed then normal, sometimes taking several weeks to fully cycle and she may be trying to take in more water to help this difficult shed.
The only other thoughts that I would have would be on husbandry practices. An aggressive cage mate, too high of temps, too low of humidity, too much waste under the hide box can all chase the snake to seek refuge under the water. Your post showed that you had your temps in good order and that you are not new to keeping these snakes, so I would be more inclined to believe it to be a medical issue more then a husbandry one.
Good luck
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Jim Hopkins "Hoppy"
Hopkins Holesale Herps
Hopfam1@aol.com

thank you very much for the reply....I will keep my eyes open for mites. I have never had mites in any snake in my collection before and haven't brought in any new animals for a couple of years, but I guess that's probably what everyone says before mites show up on one of their animals. I will also try the soak in benadine and see if that helps. I will keep a look out for signs of infection (bacterial/fungal)and will keep you posted. Thanks again for your help, I really appreciate it.

h
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Jim Hopkins "Hoppy"
Hopkins Holesale Herps
Hopfam1@aol.com