Why Is My Ball Python Soaking in the Water Bowl?

As a ball python owner, you may be concerned when you see your pet soaking in its water bowl. This unusual behavior can raise questions about whether something is wrong with your snake. In this article, we’ll explore the top reasons a ball python may soak in its water bowl and how to address them.

An Overview of Ball Pythons

Ball pythons, also known as royal pythons, are a popular pet snake originating from Africa. These snakes get their name from their tendency to curl up into a tight ball when threatened.

In the wild, ball pythons live in grasslands and open forests. They are terrestrial snakes that spend most of their time on the ground, hiding in burrows and termite mounds. Ball pythons are not aquatic and do not require soaking.

As pets, ball pythons are typically docile, move slowly, and only grow 3-5 feet long This manageable size and calm temperament helps make them one of the most popular pet snakes Their basic care requirements include

• Enclosure glass tank or plastic tub minimum 30-40 gallons

• Temperature: 88-92°F on warm side, 75-80°F on cool side

• Humidity: 50-60%

• Substrate: aspen shavings, coconut fiber, cypress mulch

• Hiding places: minimum of 2 snug hides per enclosure

• Water bowl: sturdy bowl big enough for snake to soak if needed

Why Is My Ball Python Soaking in the Water Bowl?

Ball pythons don’t normally soak in their water bowls. Therefore, frequent or prolonged soaking may indicate an underlying issue. Here are some potential reasons your ball python is soaking and how to address them:

Mites

Mites are a common reason for soakings. They irritate the snake’s skin, so the ball python may soak trying to relieve discomfort. Look closely at its skin for signs of mites like red dots or black larvae. Stroke the snake to see if any dots transfer to your hand. Treat for mites if found.

Overheating

Ball pythons soak to cool down if their enclosure is too hot. Check temperatures – basking area should be 88-92°F and the cool side 75-80°F. Adjust heat sources if needed. Soaking stops once temperatures are right.

Shedding

Shedding snakes need extra hydration. With low humidity, they soak to prevent dehydration. Add a humid hide box or spray enclosure to boost humidity during sheds. This provides moisture without needing to soak.

Egg Laying

A gravid female may soak in preparation for laying eggs. Provide a nesting box with moist sphagnum moss to encourage her to lay in a better spot than her water bowl.

Individual Preference

Some ball pythons just enjoy soaking though it’s uncommon. If husbandry is correct and the snake seems healthy otherwise, it may simply be a quirky behavior for that individual. Monitor for signs of stress but otherwise enjoy your unique soak-loving snake!

Tips for Proper Ball Python Hydration

While occasional soaking is normal, you can take some steps to encourage proper hydration for your ball python without the need for excessive water bowl use:

• Provide a water bowl large enough for soaking. This allows them to soak if they need to without taking up all their space.

• Mist the enclosure 1-2 times per day. This boosts humidity while providing drinking opportunities as droplets collect on surfaces.

• Offer a humid hide box. A sealed plastic container with a hole cut out and moist moss inside gives them a humid retreat.

• Check temperatures and humidity. Fix any husbandry errors forcing them to soak for relief.

• Try different water bowls. Some snakes prefer heavy ceramic bowls that don’t tip easily when soaked in.

When to Worry About Water Bowl Soaking

Occasional water bowl soaking is not necessarily a concern. However, contact your exotic vet if:

• Your ball python spends hours soaking daily
• Soaking is accompanied by unusual behaviors like wheezing or lethargy
• You cannot identify the reason for soaking based on husbandry or health checks
• Other signs of illness are present like regurgitation, wheezing, or weight loss

Frequent water bowl soaking without explanation may indicate an underlying health issue requiring veterinary attention. But in most cases, minor husbandry adjustments will curb excessive soaking.

While not typical behavior, ball pythons may occasionally soak in their water bowls. Ruling out causes like overheating, low humidity, mites, and egg laying can often explain soakings. With the proper temperature, humidity, and hydration access, ball pythons will spend little time in the water bowl. But an occasional dip is nothing to worry about as long as your snake seems healthy otherwise. Reach out to your exotic vet if excessive soaking persists so they can check for underlying issues. With some simple monitoring and husbandry tweaks, you can encourage your ball python to hydrate using other methods besides its water bowl.