First, only water should be used – without any type of cleanser or soap. Second, reptiles often defecate in their water dishes after soaking, so it is important that the water in these dishes be freshened regularly. Third, lukewarm or tepid water, comfortable to the touch, is best.
The complete shedding process can take between one to two weeks. Whilst it can be tempting to intervene and help snakes shed, the best thing you can do is leave them be. Snakes become easily stressed when shedding, so avoid handling during this time and just visually check their progress.
A lot of tap water contains chlorine and ammonia. Snakes can be incredibly sensitive to both of these chemicals. While a little chlorine won't kill your snake, you might notice their skin becoming drier and them looking less healthy overall. Continued exposure to chlorine could lead to a serious allergy or reaction!
Fill a large bucket or container with lukewarm water, enough for the reptile to fully submerge without drowning. Add one part betadine for every ten parts of water, place your reptile inside, and then cover with a lid you've poked holes in. Let them soak for half an hour, then dry them off with a towel.
Snakes aren't playful in the way dogs and cats are, but they do like some toys. Your pet will appreciate having some different things to explore. Some good examples of this would be cork rounds, log decorations, and rock caves. Driftwood pieces and accessories can also be fun for your serpentine buddy to climb.
Never try to pick up a snake, even if it is dead. A snake's reflexes can still cause the snake to strike up to an hour after it has died. If you have an encounter with a snake, give it the right-of-way. Do not attempt to kill the snake, just move out of the snake's way.
Soak the snake skin in water first, this will help moisten it to a malleable form. Then use a solution of 50% glycerin and 50% alcohol. If the hide is fleshed already, let it sit in the solution anywhere from 3 - 7 days. Thanks!
Reptiles and amphibians may carry Salmonella on their bodies, even when they appear healthy and look clean. Anything they touch can be contaminated. The germs can get on cages, aquariums, terrariums and the water reptiles and amphibians live or swim in. People become infected with Salmonella by hand to mouth contact.
Betadine can be used to treat and clean minor wounds, blisters and burns on reptiles!
One part Betadine is to be added for every ten parts of water. Let your reptile soak for 30 mins and then dry them off with paper towel.
Adults, the elderly and children over 6 years of age: Use undiluted with an equal volume of warm water. Gargle or rinse with up to 10 ml of Betadine Gargle and Mouthwash for up to 30 seconds without swallowing. Repeat up to four times daily, for up to 14 days in a row, or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
The ideal time to bathe a snake is at the start of their shedding cycle. However, since they enjoy their baths so much then it is okay to do it at other times as well. Keep the water temperature between 100 and 108 Fahrenheit. Do not use chlorinated water.
Hot water at this temperature increases the pressure inside the snake, leading to an increase in pressure throughout its body. This increased pressure causes vital organs to fail, ultimately resulting in death.
Reverse-Osmosis Water
It's considered to be 99% pure. RO water is safe to use for reptiles and amphibians to drink without being treated for chlorine or chloramines. It can also be used for watering plants, misting, and fogging.
Key Point. Snakes can generally last around two months without food, however, wild snakes can go without fresh water for months or even weeks.
Thus, if they soak in water, it should neither be too hot nor too cold. Fourth, a 10-minute soak is adequate for most reptiles, regardless of species. Longer than that may lead to wrinkly, excessively soft skin like we get when we stay in the tub too long.
The blue phase of shedding lasts for 2 – 4 days and leads to the skin shed itself which takes around 10 minutes. The greyish blue color of your snake and the milky appearance of its eyes are caused by a lubricant that builds up between the top layer of skin and the new skin underneath.