question

[boa_kid]

Alot of boa keepers are saying it isent normal for a boa to wade in a water bowl,my boa loves to bathe in his water bowl.Is it just possible that some boas like water more then others,or does something have to be wrong.

[Stigma]

ummm...whoever said they dont like water was mistaken...some times boas like to soak..its normal behavior

[boa_kid]

ok
i was just curious,because ive heard alot of people say that it wasent normal,and it had me worried because my boa soaks often in his bowl.he is in there as we speak.

[florida 87]

Soaking could be a sign of mites, especially if he's constantly in his water dish. Pull him out and check the bottom of the bowl to make sure theres no little black dots in the bottom of the dish.

	Mites Mites, close relatives of fleas and ticks

[boidfanatic]

It may be that your boa likes water more than others. What kind of humidity level are you keeping its cage at? I have heard that they will do this because they are slightly dehydrated and/or just about to shed.

[RevMojo]

Keep in mind, boas are not generally aquatic. They'll soak as needed, but excessive time in the dish could be signs of something else (mites, dehydration), or could lead to something else (blisters). Double check your temps and humids.

[Ranger]

It can be a sign of mites (as mentioned) or a sign of excessive heat. Perhaps the boa is trying to cool off.

If you look at the top breeders Gus, Jeff, Rich Ihle, etc. they don't use water dishes that are big enough to soak in because excessive soaking can bring an entire new set of health problems with it (skin conditions, fungus, respiratory issues).

Yes, some boas may like it, but my kids like sugar ALOT. As a parent, I control what they get.

If the boa soaks a lot, there's a reason. Find out why.

	Mites Mites, close relatives of fleas and ticks

[mpgt]

Great post, Ranger. My boas have never soaked unless they had mites.

	Mites Mites, close relatives of fleas and ticks