Bathing?

So, I've heard that corn snakes can be bathed. I forget from where. But yeah. Anyway, so I've taken Arshess a bath twice, and she doesn't seem to like it much. Is it possibly because the water was too warm? It felt lukewarm to me. What do you guys think? Or is it just because snakes don't like to bathe?

Mine have a blast when I put them in the tub, I usually have the water around 85ish, should be fine for them.

I have not really given Rose a bath out of fear for her size, but I think our deffinition of "enjoyed" has to change depending on the animal. Some might, for example, think that a thrashing wild ferret in a tub was freaking out and being traumatised by the water. But mine just goes nuts in the water and is so youthful after wards. That is how he plays in the water. Was your snake trying frantically to get out of the water or was she just swimming all over? If it was her first bath maybe you had the water too deep and she got scared? Maybe try having it mroe shallow next time with a "dry" area so she can choose to go into the water?

A Corn's ideal maximum temperature is below human body temperature, so yes, it could have felt scalding to her. "Lukewarm" is subjective - you're best to check the water temp with a thermometer if in doubt.

Some Corns really don't like being bathed and get very stressed when you try it. With these, it outweighs any benefits, so just don't bother.

You don't actually NEED to bath Corn Snakes at all. Some folks do it to give exercise and improve muscle tone, and in some cases it can cure constipation (although I'm in two minds as to whether it's just the stress that loosens the bowels!). However, I've never bathed any of mine and they're all perfectly healthy.

If you're worried about a Corn being dirty (e.g. after sliding through a nice fresh pile of poop), then the best way to clean them is to make an old towel damp and let the snake run through it as you hold it. Again, no need for bathing.

bitsy said:

A Corn's ideal maximum temperature is below human body temperature, so yes, it could have felt scalding to her. "Lukewarm" is subjective - you're best to check the water temp with a thermometer if in doubt.

Some Corns really don't like being bathed and get very stressed when you try it. With these, it outweighs any benefits, so just don't bother.

You don't actually NEED to bath Corn Snakes at all. Some folks do it to give exercise and improve muscle tone, and in some cases it can cure constipation (although I'm in two minds as to whether it's just the stress that loosens the bowels!). However, I've never bathed any of mine and they're all perfectly healthy.

If you're worried about a Corn being dirty (e.g. after sliding through a nice fresh pile of poop), then the best way to clean them is to make an old towel damp and let the snake run through it as you hold it. Again, no need for bathing.

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Wow...I never thought of that. >.<;;; But yeah, the main reason why I took her a bath was cause I wanted to clean her after her bowel movements. I can't believe that I didn't think about the damp towel. *smacks forehead* That's a sooo much easier way to clean her.

The other reason why I took her a bath was because I took her outside and let her move around on one of the trees in my backyard. I was paranoid that she might have contacted some insect or something, so I bathed her right after.

Was your snake trying frantically to get out of the water or was she just swimming all over? If it was her first bath maybe you had the water too deep and she got scared? Maybe try having it mroe shallow next time with a "dry" area so she can choose to go into the water?

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Yeah, she was freaking out when I put her in the water. She kept trying to get out. I'm actually surprised and pleased that she didn't try to bite me. ^_^;;; I think some of the problems were that the water was most likely too hot/warm and the water was too deep. I'll try it one more time with shallower water, and see if she likes it. If she doesn't, I'll go with bitsy's suggestion.

Thanks so much guys for your information. I really appreciate all your help. =)

Oh, one more question guys. I took Arshess a bath last night and while she was squirming to get out, her head went under the water for a second. Is that ok? I'm kinda scared that she might have breathed in some water. But, she seemed to be fine right after.

her head went under the water for a second. Is that ok? I'm kinda scared that she might have breathed in some water.

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Corns seem very capable of keeping water out of their breathing tubes and can hold their breath for quite some time. I'm sure you don't have anything to worry about.

Occasionally mine will take very long drinks, immersing half of their head in the water bowl - they can stay like that for a couple of minutes and they're always fine. The worst that ever happens is that they sneeze afterwards to clear water from their nostrils. Which, incidentally, is one of the cutest things you've ever heard!