Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just curious.

Back in the 1980s I would frequent Hank Molt's reptile shop in Horsham, PA. He used lidded trash cans to soak his animals as he cleaned their cages. My cages are not set up for soaking water bowls, so I was curious what peoples experiences were with soaking their Retics in trash cans when cleaning cages or just as an activity. My big female really seemed to enjoy her first soak this weekend, and when I opened the lid she seemed not to want to come out.

Raelly helps with incomplete sheds as you can gently rub well as they crawl back into their cages.

Winslow

I'm trying to find a secure-ish trash can to try it with. I need one like we used to use back up north to keep raccoons out, with the screw down lid. harder to find here than I thought they'd be.
-----
We wouldn't have 6 and a half billion people if you had to be beautiful to get laid.

I use big rubbermaids to soak my retics in. They have a snap latch on each end and holds em in well. They seem to do just fine with the soaking. I don't know if I'd say they "enjoy" it, but they certainly don't dislike it. I put the water up almost to their backs and they then have plenty of room to go for air.

For soaking, I also use the "giant" rubbermaids with air holes toward the top. They work great for adult males or dwarfs (15' not so much!). I like them better then trash cans b/c they have more room to move. I let mine soak for 24 hrs or so.

Besides alleviating the dry shed, I think the water provides a positive stimulus for animals that are caged 24 hrs a day. They do seem to enjoy a swim. Not unlike taking them outside to get some sun. Not necessary- but beneficial to their overall health.
Link

keep in mind, that if you provide the proper humidity in their cages, there is no need to soak. I have NEVER had a retic not shed in a complete shed, but I provide the proper humidity. I think a lot of people that keep retics don't provide proper humidity for their animals.