Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a large gravid female at day 119 now that will not leave her water bowl. I have never seen this before and I'm curious if I should take the bowl out? Hot spot is around 92 and the cool side down to 84 or so. The bowl is on the cool end and she will lay in it for 3 or 4 days then go to the hot side for a day. Then straight back to the bowl This has been going on for the last 2 weeks....Any Thoughts?

Dehydration or humidity is to low. Even after the humidity is rasied your boa my still soak and this can be because she is deyhdrated.
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True Redtails

Do not start trying to raise your humidity, to much is bad. There is a good reason that she is frequenting the water bowl. I do not know if you are a kid or a man or if you have any children of your own, but ask a woman that has had children, how relaxing it is and how much pressure that they loose when they are in water. My wife can tell you, along with many others or if your a kid, ask your momma. It is the same scenario with Boas and most peoples Boas would do the same thing if they had a water bowl big enough to coil in. It is PERFECTLY NORMAL and you should not worry or go and start changing all your husbandry.Chill out, and wait for the big day and pray for no slugs.......GOD BLESS......Johnson Herp

Funny, I probably should have thought of that. (My wife is prego right now)

I think it is dumb to just assume that the humidity levels are ok. You may be right and I might be wrong but but guessing things are ok with out checking is not a smart idea. Low humidity and dehydration will cause a boa to soak for long periods of time. Befor you say I'm wrong he should at least check the humidity levels and or gauge to make sure.
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True Redtails

By the size of the water dish, I would not believe that the humidity levels are too low. I would, however be concerned of her using the container as a place to have her babies - I don't know if they would do that, but it would make me nervous.
I used to use large dishes, and would downsize during this time.
I have since downsized all together because my humidity levels stay at 50-70% with small bowls in my cages, besides I hate it when they poop in the water.
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--aka DMOG68

There is nothing worse than emptying a large water bowl that has be pooped in. Well I guess all I have to say is "splash back" LOL
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True Redtails

Best I can tell from this crappy gauge is around 75% humidity. I was also concerned about her dropping them in the bowl.

I have had problems in the past with crapy gauges (they get stuck)Someone stated that a large water bowl will keep the humidity higher and this is correct but some cages it will not work as well and misting is neccesary but in some of the plactice cages I have never needed to mist. Johnson herps is probably right but it never hurts to check your equipment and make sure the levels are correct. Good luck with her and keep us posted.

-Dylan
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True Redtails

The animal may have become infested with mites. It's very common for them to soak for extended lengths of time to relieve themselves of these pests. Before you say no way I'd thoroughly check the water to see if you notice any. I'm not saying you have a problem but if you do it's good to find out early.

No mites, I looked....