Should I be concerned

[lewis13]

For the past two mornings I have checked in on Jezebel and have found her soaking in her water bowl. She hangs out there for several hours then goes up and basks underneath the RHP. I have checked the humidity levels and they never drop below 40% and the ambient cage temp is in the 80's with a hot spot close to 90 below the RHP. I have also checked both her and the water bowl closely for mites and haven't seen any. Should I be worried or is she maybe just enjoying a good soak in the mornings? I mean who doesn't like that? :) Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

[Starbuck]

My kings soak when it is hot out, and sometimes as they approach a shed. I've never seen my carpet soaking...
How are you measuring your temps? Some snakes just like to soak I think.

[lewis13]

My kings soak when it is hot out, and sometimes as they approach a shed. I've never seen my carpet soaking...
How are you measuring your temps? Some snakes just like to soak I think.


I have a digital thermometer and hydrometer and also I use a infared temp gun to spot check.

[kelzerman]

If it has only been the last two mornings I wouldn't worry about it. Just keep an eye on her. Like starbuck said she could be close to a shed.

[dbank999]

My coastal carpet spends a decent amount of time in the water dish. Usually in the water during the day, out and about at night. The only time he stays out of the water for a while, that I notice, is for about a week or two after a fresh shed.

[lewis13]

My coastal carpet spends a decent amount of time in the water dish. Usually in the water during the day, out and about at night. The only time he stays out of the water for a while, that I notice, is for about a week or two after a fresh shed.


Thats good to know. Thanks. She just shed about 2 weeks ago and one morning last week she was in the water bowl and then nothing except for the past two days. I might be worrying over nothing, but I like to get the opinions of people who know alot more about carpets then I do.

[Derek Roddy]

Time frame Sounds like mites....I know you said have you checked but, they can be hard to detect at certain times.

D

[lewis13]

Time frame Sounds like mites....I know you said have you checked but, they can be hard to detect at certain times.

D


Crap! How could she have gotten them? she doesn't co-mingle with any of my other snakes? could they have been in her substrate?

[Derek Roddy]

Well, don't jump to conclusions yet.... you maybe fine.

If you said you had an IJ and it was soaking....I wouldn't have thought anything was off but, "coastals" rarely soak (this is based of the 20+ years I've keep them...are you sure it's a coastal?) If the snake just started soaking that would mean that the mites would be in the larvae stage and very hard to detect.

They are only going to be where reptiles are (they don't "live" in substrate nor will they lay eggs where the young would not have access to a food source). If you did get them....they most likely hitched a ride home with you from somewhere.
I don't even go to pet stores for this reason anymore and I'm real careful at shows not to handle anything.

Mites are an easy fix but, as I said....just wait it out a couple days. If the snake did get them....you'll see em in a couple days and will be easy to treat.

D

[Derek Roddy]

Also, how old is the snake?

Sometimes when females mature... they will seek the cool side of the cage in prep for breeding and egg making. If they can't get cool enough they will sometimes sit in their water.

D

[lewis13]

Also, how old is the snake?

Sometimes when females mature... they will seek the cool side of the cage in prep for breeding and egg making. If they can't get cool enough they will sometimes sit in their water.

D

Just checked out your website and you have some stellar looking animals. Thanks for all the great advice and I appreciate you taking the time to actually get on a forum and share your knowledge!! She is actually a diamond X jungle carpet not a coastal or an IJ. She is about two years old. I will try looking again for them in her water bowl and on her as best as I can. If I find any what is your solution to get rid of them? I know there are chemicals and sprays available, I have heard people using olive oil and even nix for people lice.

[Derek Roddy]

Thanks for the nice words about my collection. Sure do love em.

I'd start with just a good soak in soapy water. Soap seals the texture of the skin and makes it hard for the larvae/mites to breathe...and, is harmless to the snake.

If you do eventually see mites, a quick fix is nix or other similar product.

A good rule of thumb when dealing with those chemicals is to use HALF of what is suggested on the bottle. Still high enough potency to kill mites.

Cheers,
D

[MizCandice]

Thanks for the nice words about my collection. Sure do love em.

I'd start with just a good soak in soapy water. Soap seals the texture of the skin and makes it hard for the larvae/mites to breathe...and, is harmless to the snake.

If you do eventually see mites, a quick fix is nix or other similar product.

A good rule of thumb when dealing with those chemicals is to use HALF of what is suggested on the bottle. Still high enough potency to kill mites.

Cheers,
D

Yes I second the nix solution .. I use it as a preventative on my entire collection when we clean as well as part of our new acquisition routine.

[lewis13]

quick question on washing my snake in soapy water...do I rinse her off in clean water before putting her back in her enclosure?

[Mikoh4792]

My coastal carpet spends a decent amount of time in the water dish. Usually in the water during the day, out and about at night. The only time he stays out of the water for a while, that I notice, is for about a week or two after a fresh shed.

Are your humidity levels and temperatures in check? Can't see why a coastal would spend so much time in the water bowl.

[lewis13]

Are your humidity levels and temperatures in check? Can't see why a coastal would spend so much time in the water bowl.


This isn't my coastal it is my diamond X Jungle. I washed her and looked at her as close as she would let me and didn't see any creepy crawleys. She ate like a champ today and is now back on her perch basking. I guess I will take the wait and see approach.

[Derek Roddy]

quick question on washing my snake in soapy water...do I rinse her off in clean water before putting her back in her enclosure?


No, leave her for a couple days then give her a rinse. Maybe do it again in a weeks time.

Cheers,
D

[Derek Roddy]

I think you're ok if you haven't seen anything though. It's winter time and she could simply be trying to get more moisture or cool herself for the winter season.

D

[lewis13]

I think you're ok if you haven't seen anything though. It's winter time and she could simply be trying to get more moisture or cool herself for the winter season.

D


Again many thanks!!! She is back in here favorite basking spot under the RHP this morning. She pounded two small rats yesterday so what ever it is it hasn't affected her appetite.

[dbank999]

Are your humidity levels and temperatures in check? Can't see why a coastal would spend so much time in the water bowl.

Took some readings with a secondary probe before I went to bed last night to make sure the temps are correct.

Hot spot: 89*F
Cool end:77*F
Ambient: ~80*F

Humidity is usually around 40%-50%, but it is winter here and the heat will constantly be on for the next few months so things will dry out. I do run a humidifier in my room, which is where my coastal is located.

Also I have the water bowl (or tupperware container lol) on the hot side.

No visible signs of mites but I did just order a combo of PAM and Reptile Relief because I plan on getting an addition to my collection soon, so if anything shows up I'll be prepared.

NOTE - Hasn't been soaking in the water bowl (that I have seen, I'm gone for 12 hours a day for work) for about two weeks now.

[lewis13]

Okay I am at my wits end with Jezabell. She is soaking again for the past several days. I have tried experimenting with the temp and humidity (high temp/high humidity, low temp/high humidity) to no avail. I think I am going to go the mite removal method. That is the only thing I can think of to do. So with that said what are your thoughts on mite medicine? I have heard reptile spray is good, I have also heard people using NIX, and even using just straight undiluted dish soap. I know this type of question is probably played out, but I really appreciate everyone's knowledge and opinions.

[Lankyrob]

Unless you can find mites in the water i wouldnt medicate any animal for no reason

[lewis13]

Unless you can find mites in the water i wouldnt medicate any animal for no reason


That is a good point and I agree, but just because I don't see them doesn't mean that they aren't there. And she appears to be exhibiting the tell tale symptom of mites......the soaking. Isn't it better to be safe and treat her?

[Pirarucu]

I wouldn't either, no reason to treat if you can't find any mites... They can be hard to see right away but if they're there, it shouldn't be hard to tell... Just look at the chin. If there are any mites, there will be some there.

My coastal soaks himself every so often too, as long as nothing's wrong with the temps/humidity and she doesn't have mites, it's nothing to worry about.

[lewis13]

I wouldn't either, no reason to treat if you can't find any mites... They can be hard to see right away but if they're there, it shouldn't be hard to tell... Just look at the chin. If there are any mites, there will be some there.

My coastal soaks himself every so often too, as long as nothing's wrong with the temps/humidity and she doesn't have mites, it's nothing to worry about.


Not a coastal, but a jungle carpet. also I wouldn't be worried if it was every now and then but it has been for the past several days. And like ALL day long not just a quick soak and out but in the bowl for 8+ hrs.

[Pirarucu]

I was referring to mine, which is a Coastal.
Yes, mine does that too sometimes.

[lewis13]

I was referring to mine, which is a Coastal.
Yes, mine does that too sometimes.


ok. Thank you very much for your input. I appreciate it!

[Kera]

My carpet used to soak all the time. Sometimes I had to take her out of her water because it was way too cold in there. I would just make sure the water isn't too cold, she should be fine. Keep an eye out :)

[shaunyboy]

i have found the best way to check for mites,is to wait until the snakes been soaking in its bowl for an hour or 2,then remove the snake from the water,and swab around the eyes and nostrils with white cotton wool,the mites gather around these area's to avoid drowning,and black mites are easy to see on the white background

i have known of a few Carpet hatchlings that liked to soak after a feed

it may also be shed related

but i have to admit,i always think mites when a snake soaks

cheers shaun

[lewis13]

i have found the best way to check for mites,is to wait until the snakes been soaking in its bowl for an hour or 2,then remove the snake from the water,and swab around the eyes and nostrils with white cotton wool,the mites gather around these area's to avoid drowning,and black mites are easy to see on the white background

i have known of a few Carpet hatchlings that liked to soak after a feed

it may also be shed related

but i have to admit,i always think mites when a snake soaks

cheers shaun


Thats a good idea. I will try that.

[Stewjoe]

Out of my 6 carpets I have never seen a single one soak for a significant length of time and my place is quite dry. I would only use nix if mites have been confirmed.

[vjdragonfly]

Crap! How could she have gotten them? she doesn't co-mingle with any of my other snakes? could they have been in her substrate? I wouldn't treat for mites if you don't have too. You will see black tine black spots in the water and if you fish it out and squeeze it between you fingers you will see blood. If she does have mites, I have used reptiles spray and it worked great. I took in a snake that was really infested and had it under control in 3 treatments (usually only takes 1 treatment for early infestations). Just remember you have to treat the entire enclosure or it will be futile.

My Jungle soaks at times too. He had extremely dry skin when I got him though. He was more then likely severely dehydrated at one time. He will eventually shed it off, but I have asked a professional and they said not to worry about the soaking as long as everything is where it should be. They absorb water through their skin, so they can use this as a means for hydration.

[lewis13]

I wouldn't treat for mites if you don't have too. You will see black tine black spots in the water and if you fish it out and squeeze it between you fingers you will see blood. If she does have mites, I have used reptiles spray and it worked great. I took in a snake that was really infested and had it under control in 3 treatments (usually only takes 1 treatment for early infestations). Just remember you have to treat the entire enclosure or it will be futile.

My Jungle soaks at times too. He had extremely dry skin when I got him though. He was more then likely severely dehydrated at one time. He will eventually shed it off, but I have asked a professional and they said not to worry about the soaking as long as everything is where it should be. They absorb water through their skin, so they can use this as a means for hydration.


Thanks for the info. She has actually been out of the water for the past few days and she left me a nice present as well. So maybe she was just soaking to get the plumbing working :D

[shaunyboy]

Time frame Sounds like mites....I know you said have you checked but, they can be hard to detect at certain times.

D

^^^^^
imo this

the best way to find mites is.....

after the snakes soaked in her bowl for a while,take her straight out,and swab her eyes and nostrils,with a white cotton wool bud.the mites tend to gather at the eyes and nostrils to stop from drowning,you will see the black mites on the white background fairly easily mate

cheers shaun

[vjdragonfly]

Thanks for the info. She has actually been out of the water for the past few days and she left me a nice present as well. So maybe she was just soaking to get the plumbing working :Dyour welcome, and now that you say something I was told to soak mine because it stopped eating and that it might be stopped up

[lewis13]

your welcome, and now that you say something I was told to soak mine because it stopped eating and that it might be stopped up


I honestly don't know if that was what it was or maybe the temp was too high because I lowered that also, but she hasn't been soaking for days. :D