To Poop your snake...

[MichaelBoyko]

I've heard some breeders (and pet store owners) like to "poop" their snakes by running them a luke warm bath. Back when Nippy was still alive I attempted this on a few occasions. Partially out of curiosity, and partly because I wanted to do a photo session and at the time she had a running streak of pooping as soon as she got out of her cage.

I would have to describe her reaction as frantic. I tested the water several times, not too hot, nor too cold. Very much in line with temperature. But still she would thrash about and find the quickest way out of the bath tub. I even tried very shallow (barely enough to cover the body of the snake) to deep, a foot of water.

BTW, snakes can really zoom when swimming!

The petstore owner told me she poops all of their corns, not only does it help with sheds but she believes it to be relaxing for the snake. The two I watched her poop had the same violent reaction as nippy always did. She said it doesn't usually cause such a fuss over a bath.

Just curious!

Any ideas.

 

[Joolz68]

***Graphic Details Warning***

I always try to 'poop' my snake. Makes it easier to keep the Viv clean. Nibblet does move rapidly at first, then stops all movement, poops, and continues to swim.
I wouldn't call the movements 'thrashing about' or 'frantic'. I liken it more to that rocking movement we make when we strain during bowel movements (you know, when there more, but can't quite get it all out). When she's done swimming, she climbs on my arm (which I keep over her at all times, so she determines how long she stays).
I usually wait 'til the 4th day after feeding, when she begins to be active again (before this, she's inside one of her hides digesting). So you need to know your snake's schedule, and I wouldn't recommend trying until you do! Otherwise you will risk a regurge. Also the water needs to be lukewarm (not warm, not cool).

 

[Bobo's Mama]

I've done this on occasion. I put a very small amount of water in the end of the tub near the drain. Not even enough to cover the snake, but just wet, kind of like a small puddle. Then the corn can go from the dry end of the tub to the wet end and back and forth. Its a good way to exercise them. I do have a large garden tub though. Its wider and longer than most apartment tubs. But at the end of the exercise, they usually do poop. I've only done this with my 2 larger corns though. I think a hatchling would be too afraid in a tub and I may use the sink for them. Its very convenient, because you just wash the poop down the drain.

 

[MegF.]

I never do it except with my Green tree pythons and they like the water. My corns seem to hate it and it just stresses them out. I let them poop on their own or take them out and let them crawl around for a while. It always gets them to go.