How long do they normally soak?

We have had Zipper for a month or so now, and this morning I woke up to find him soaking in his water bowl. I was just wondering how long do they normally soak? He's been in there over an hour. Thereason for my concern is I just yesterday bought and sprayed him with Vita-Mist. I'm thinking maybe he didn't like it and wants it off.Also should I put fresh water when he does decide to get out?

I would check for mites to be certain this isn't the reason for his extended soak, but some do like the water more than others. I have never seen mine soak, but my friends loves to lounge in her water bowl and has never had mites or a bad shed. It could be the vitamist I usually stay away from that stuff all together because with vitamins you never know how much is too much and really if they are fed properly fed mice they shouldn't need it- maybe it was sticky to him?

Snakes (or some snakes) will soak for different lengths of time. Some for just a little while and others could soak for hours... some once in awhile, and others, daily or near daily.
If the temps are not too high, and there are no mites, and your snake appears, otherwise, healthy ... I wouldnt worry about the soaking.
If all else is well, he could be soaking just because he likes to, or could be because he is going to shed soon, or ... I suppose it could be because he does not like the spray on him.
I always change out the water, in bowls, where a snake has been soaking that day.
If they had a topical spray, I am sure I would change the water out, in that case, as well.

Thank you, he is still in there! I don't see any buggies on him but I am going to look again if he ever gets out of there.

Ok so I have to get to work and I didn't want to worry all day, I took him out and gave him a good head to tail look over. ( he wasn't pleased) No signs of mites, but looks like his eyes are clouding up so I guess he will shed soon. He went right back into his water bowl the second I put in back in the viv. I misted with some plain water to up humidity. Here's to a good shed. It will be his first since he is with us.

I don't think you have anything to worry about.
A little off topic but a couple of my corns will have their head under water (for what seems like forever) when they are soaking in their water bowls. I don't catch them doing it often, only every great once and a while. I just wanted to mention that so you aren't freaked out if you catch him looking like he's trying to drown himself.

Eli173 said:

I don't think you have anything to worry about.
A little off topic but a couple of my corns will have their head under water (for what seems like forever) when they are soaking in their water bowls. I don't catch them doing it often, only every great once and a while. I just wanted to mention that so you aren't freaked out if you catch him looking like he's trying to drown himself.

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that is exactly what he was doing whne I walked up this morning!

Have you checked the temps in the snake's viv to make sure it's not too hot in there? Chances are that the snake is just going to shed soon, but it would be a good idea to check the temps just to be safe.

I'd also check the water for floating mites, they'll drown and then float to the surface. Sounds like a shed deal, but its one more thing to check on just in case ^_^

Sometimes they just like to soak. Sounds more like the little one is getting ready for a shed. I have one that does that, every time, just before she goes into the blue.

Also, this is just me and it's up to you, what you want to do. Be careful with some of the spritzes and sprays out their for reptiles. Sometimes these things are nothing but scent and water and they have little benefit to reptiles, but cost a lot. Pet products are not controlled by the FDA and don't always accurately explain what their products contain.

I only mention this, because when I first got into snakes, I had one that had this god awful shed. So I shot Don Soderberg an email and that is what he told me. He is very well respected in the corn snake community, so I usually heed any advice he gives me. I just thought I would share it with you.

Good Luck,

Wayne

I have not sprayed him with the spray again and there hasn't been another soak. He does seem a little less active and is staying more stretched out than coiled. His viv temp is 78-80 during the day probably a little lower at night because I turn off his light and only use and under tank heater. I did check his water when I changed it and didn't see anything, except it was a bit yellowed. Thanks for all the responses. My daughter stalking this shed, she wants the skin for show and tell at school. Hopefully it will be a good shed.

cajunmomof4 said:

His viv temp is 78-80 during the day probably a little lower at night because I turn off his light and only use and under tank heater.

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You use a heating lamp. That may be the culprit here. I am not saying that they are bad, I have used them. They do tend to suck the moisture out of the air, making it dry. I noticed when I was using one, my snake was soaking a little more than usual.

Just a thought

Wayne

medusacoils said:

You use a heating lamp. That may be the culprit here. I am not saying that they are bad, I have used them. They do tend to suck the moisture out of the air, making it dry. I noticed when I was using one, my snake was soaking a little more than usual.

Just a thought

Wayne

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I think I am going to get a humidity meter. (sorry IDK what they are called) My UTH is smaller than what I need for a 20 gallon, that is why I have been alternating the two night and day. I am getting a new UTH that is listed for a 20 gallon as soon as funds allow. I really dont like the lamp because I worries me when its on all day...fire hazard.