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I worry that my snakes aren't soaking. I've had two 04 BRBs for a couple months. They're eating well (a hopper mouse every 5-6 days), and have each shed once, but I've never seen either of them soak or drink. I know they must be drinking or they'd be dead, but I worry about them not soaking. The most recent shed came off in three pieces, although there were no scales or eye caps left on the snake.

Here's a photo of the enclosure. There's a RHP on the right side; it's partially over the large water dish to keep the humidity up. I put in the small black dish right at the start in case they were uncomfortable in such a transparent dish.

The hide boxes are terra cotta, soaked often, with spagnum moss inside. They spend most of their time on the cool side (73°). The warm side is 78°; the humidity is right near 80%. They have natural light, dark at night, with very little activity in the room.

Should I be worried? These are the first tropical snakes I've had, and I'm not sure what their usual behavior should be. Thanks.

I wouldn't worry about it, I can't recall any of my youngsters spending time in their water. I guess it's pretty much like humans we hated baths when we were kids . If they are spending all their time on the cool side I'd double check the temps just to be sure they are correct.

>>I worry that my snakes aren't soaking. I've had two 04 BRBs for a couple months. They're eating well (a hopper mouse every 5-6 days), and have each shed once, but I've never seen either of them soak or drink. I know they must be drinking or they'd be dead, but I worry about them not soaking. The most recent shed came off in three pieces, although there were no scales or eye caps left on the snake.
>>
>>Here's a photo of the enclosure. There's a RHP on the right side; it's partially over the large water dish to keep the humidity up. I put in the small black dish right at the start in case they were uncomfortable in such a transparent dish.
>>
>>The hide boxes are terra cotta, soaked often, with spagnum moss inside. They spend most of their time on the cool side (73°). The warm side is 78°; the humidity is right near 80%. They have natural light, dark at night, with very little activity in the room.
>>
>>Should I be worried? These are the first tropical snakes I've had, and I'm not sure what their usual behavior should be. Thanks.
>>
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I don't care if the glass is half full or half empty !
I just want the full glass I paid for !

Legless,
It sounds like you have everything set up right in your viv for your BRB. I just had to say I've had my BRB for a year and half and I've never seen her soaking in water. I have 3 water dishes in my 4ft x 2ft terrerium that keep the humdity up at 80% without misting or anything and even when she's out I haven't seen her soaking. I've never had any shedding problems either. It's nothing to worry about as long as your BRB is eating, shedding, temps/humidity are right..........it's all good. Enjoy your BRB, it only gets better as they grow.
Uncloudy

My adults soak on a regular basis but my young ones rarely soak if at all. There is never any evidence that they even touch their water. I don't know why because they humidity is maintained the same in both the adults and young'uns. Mine almost always shed in one piece. The only time they don't is when it appears the shed was stretched too far around their water bowl or a hide. I'm pretty sure it just breaks. Everything about the environment sounds okay to me too. Some people keep their's warmer, but I try to watch what the snake does and adjust accordingly.

Linda

I like your setup. No worries about the soaking. My adult's seem to like to soak after a meal but I rarely witnessed that with yearlings. Only one shed in a couple of months? With your feeding schedule I'd expect monthly shedding. It does surprise me that with your warm spot being 78 they spend most of their time in the cool spot. Looking at your picture both hides seem nice and secure especially if they are in a low traffic room. I think your pretty dialed in (OK, I'd bump up the temp. on the warm side a couple of degrees but if your snakes are eating, pooping and shedding nicely I'd not fret).
Good luck,
Paul

I just looked at your picture again and saw the thermomters in the cages. You might want to check the floor temp on the warm side just to make sure it's not too warm.
Paul

Thanks everyone for the replies. It was good information, and I feel relieved.