bathing?

[jimmyg]

can and should you wash your snake?
if so, when and how?
[addsig]

[RevMojo]

can? yes

should? yes

when? schools of thought differ, depending on snake....but the times when they "need" it, you'll know..swimming in there own poo for instance

how? bathtub with slightly warm water, mild AB soap...oh, and it's a lot easier if they're used to it...start them when they're young. I didn't, and mine hates it. Eddie says his love it, if I remember right. Just dont let them get tangled up on the faucet...you're in for a fight to get them off if you do
[addsig]

[Reticu-Lady]

Here's another option for you. I fill my feed tub about 1/3 with tepid water. Add a little bit of Nolvasan solution (NOT scrub, solution). Novalsan is safe for birds, we used to put a tiny amount in their drinking water while in quaratine. It won't hurt your snakie and it smells nicely. If the water turns blue, you put in too much. Just a dab'll do ya! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img] I only bathe my guys if they smell funny or if their cage was gross when I get home from work. Kym gets a bath everytime she soaks in her water bowl, she poos in it then soaks in it. It's gross.
[addsig]

Like they said..I also only bathe my snakes if there is a specific reason to be doing such to them...ie... they defacated and then sat in it..gross.. they did the same in their water and then sat in it...after feeding a "juicy/bloody" meal [ rabbits that have been dethawed always leave my snakes smelly YUCK] etc..
I also usually use the feeding totes for giving baths [ have had my share of snakes that love to grab onto and not let go of such things as the water spout or shower head [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img] ]. Also make sure when you bathe them that you also take the time to dry them off after their bath too. ]My snakes have their own towel supply hehe DIAMOND has three HUGE beach towels all her own

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[Constrictor_BO]

I try to soak my snakes at least twice a month at the minimum(more often if they need cleaned from thier mess). This helps keep them clean and soaking keeps their skin hydrated. When you put them in watch them, you'll more than likelt have to change the water soon because they will take a poo in there. Never fails with mine. If anyway possible let it stay in there at least 30 minutes.


[addsig]

[Constrictor_BO]

Oh yeah... Dont forget to put their shower cap on.
[addsig]

[jimmyg]

should the soaks be in warm water, any type of soap or solution suggested?
if soap or solution is to be used do you rinse by just soaking in clean water?
[addsig]

[impermanentrage]

I would suggest that if you were to bath your snake, that you determine that snakes temp prior to exposure to water that may be either too hot, or too cool, at least by their standards. A snake who is at a comfortable, but likely cool temp. will not appreciate being placed into a "warm" bathtub. Being that we [bi-pedal , semi-aquatic apes] are endo-thermic, a "warm to the touch" [90-100F] bath can be quite uncomfortable to a snake that has spent the day at 75-80F. Alternately, a snake that was recently basking at 90F isn't going to appreciate tepid water as much as warm water.
Sorry for ramblin'. Just speaking from personal experience with improper bathing techniques. I generally don't have to bath my snakes too often. And when it comes to arboreals? They seem to hate it, regardless of tempature.

Entropy,
Alex

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