Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I picked up a male adult cross at Daytona the other month - about 6.5' long. He's healthy and feeds well. He spends alot of time soaking in his water dish though. He comes out in the morning and basks, but spends the night in the water. He has a hide box and the ambient temp in the cage runs about 79, which for me rules out 'no place to hide' and 'cage is too hot'. No sign of opaque so I don't think its shed related either. Anyone else experienced this and/or encountered any health problems from this behavior?

Have him checked for mites. Since they're elusive little creatures, makes sure you check well around the eyes, because that's a favorite spot for mites. Ours did the same thing when we first bought him, and that's what it was. Once they were gone, no more soaking. Good luck.