Why Is My Ball Python Blowing Bubbles In Its Water?

Ball Python Blowing Bubbles In Water

You may decide to place your ball python in water. You can do so when you want to clean him or help him dehydrate. Remember that your snake should be monitored at all times when he is floating in the water. Otherwise, he could potentially drown. Should you worry if your ball python blowing bubbles in water?

If you notice that your ball python is blowing bubbles, there is nothing to worry about. Unfortunately some pets, many snakes actually like being in the water. They play around in the water by blowing bubbles. You don’t have to worry about anything since the snake is just having fun.

It is common for snakes to blow bubbles in water just because they’re bored. Blowing bubbles is a good way for the snake to entertain itself.

You can add stimulants to the environment. For instance, you can place artificial caves, logs, and bark in the water to give the snake something to do while bathing.

Why Place A Snake In Water?

You should know that your snake can be placed in water for a handful of reasons. If you’re going to place your snake in the water, you should be ready to monitor him because anything could happen. However, it should be a harmless, fun experience.

Why should you place your snake in the water?

  • Placing a snake in water is a good way to bathe him
  • Putting a snake in water helps dehydrate the snake
  • You may enjoy watching your snake move through the water
  • You can even bathe with your snake to build a deeper bond

Again, make sure that you’re monitoring your snake to avoid potential problems. Snakes can drown so you cannot ignore this risk. If the snake is blowing bubbles, he is likely enjoying himself in the water.

Why Do Snakes Blow Bubbles?

You’ll be surprised to learn that many snakes prefer being in water. They enjoy soaking and swimming. Nevertheless, you may be shocked when you see your snake blowing bubbles. Is this something you should worry about? Thankfully, it is natural for snakes to blow bubbles in water.

When they’re bored, they may attempt to stimulate themselves. One way of doing this is to blow bubbles. Snakes may blow bubbles to entertain themselves and have fun. Ultimately, this could be a sign that your bathing experience is too boring for the snake.

You can add more excitement by placing toys in the water. For instance, you can purchase an artificial cave decoration that your snake can explore. You can also use bark, artificial plants, and logs. The possibilities are endless.

Keep Your Snake Engaged

Most people realize that snakes are docile. They do not move around or run around their tanks. Instead, they tend to stay put and bask in the hot light.

Ball pythons are unique because they like foraging and exploring their surroundings. If you have a ball python, you need to create an exciting environment.

Make sure that the snake is going to be happy in his cage. When you move the snake to water, you should create a fun, engaging environment as well. For instance, you can use unique substrates. Just make sure that you’re not using something that could harm or cut the snake.

Ball pythons prefer aspen shavings. You can also give the snake things to do in the cage. You can add branches for the snake to climb on. Alternatively, you can create a few hiding spots. Artificial caves can help because the snake will love exploring this area.

Whether you’re keeping the snake in his cage or bathing him, create a fun environment. Doing so will help keep the snake engaged throughout.

Soaking Your Ball Python Properly

When you decide to soak your python, make sure you do so properly. You don’t want to expose him to any serious risks, but you want him to have fun. You can let your snake swim around in your bathroom as long as you don’t add too much water.

Make sure the water is at the correct temperature. You may need to use a thermometer to test the temperature to ensure that everything is perfect for your friend. Test the water to ensure it isn’t too hot. Once you’ve done this, you can add toys so your ball python can have fun while bathing.

When placing your snake in the water, be sure to monitor it constantly. Snakes can drown in water. Therefore, you should never turn your back on your ball python. Doing so could be deadly. Don’t leave the room because anything could happen.

You can watch videos to learn how to safely bathe your snake.

You might be interested in Can Snakes Drown? (Everything You Need To Know!)

When Bubbles Become A Potential Problem

As a ball python owner, there isn’t much as pleasing as seeing your good buddy blowing away bubbles carefree. It’s a truly amazing thing to witness. That said, your ball python should only be blowing bubbles when he or she is in water. 

If your ball python is blowing bubbles, otherwise, it could be a sign of potential problems. Not just minor problems either, mucus bubbles around the snake’s nostrils could mean there is a serious respiratory infection.

If left untreated, this is something that could potentially lead to major health complications or even death.

Other Signs Of Respiratory Problems

It goes without saying that one wants to uncover potential problems with their pet as early as possible. This is especially true when those problems could be something as major as respiratory complications. A respiratory system is a system in which both humans and pets breathe.

When there are complications here, it could mean death. Learning to spot early warnings and how to properly react is best. Bubbles, as was already established, are one indication of potential future problems.

In addition to blowing mucus bubbles when out of the water, your ball python could make wheezing noises. When mucus blockage is at its worst, your snake will constantly tilt its head back in an attempt to make the mucus drain.

This is not to be confused with simple gazing, as snakes will oftentimes tilt their heads to gaze at the sky. You’ll likely be able to easily tell if the head tilting action is due to excessive mucus. Such action is usually accompanied by wheezing, mucus bubbles at the nose, drooling stringy saliva, and a lack of appetite.

After Bathing Your Snake

While ball pythons love water, they also love basking in the sun, in this case, a heat lamp. The ambient temperature inside the cage should be at least 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

Immediately after removing from the bathtub, the snake’s core temperature will decrease. It can take between 10 and 40 minutes for the snake to recover. In the meantime, the snake will regulate its core temperature to ward off the cold.

It is perfectly okay to regulate the temperature inside the cage, accordingly. However, it is vital to not increase the temperature above 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the temperature is increased after a bath, it should be decreased to what it was before within 40 minutes. This will help the snake to regulate its core temperature easier.  It is vital for the snake to keep its core temperature at least 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius).

The digestive system will not function properly if the snake gets extremely cold. Plus, there is always the risk of a respiratory infection.

Summary

Is your ball python blowing bubbles in water? You may be worried that something is wrong. Thankfully, it is not. The snake is just enjoying its bath and having a good time. You don’t have to worry about anything. However, you can prevent this from happening by adding stimulants to the snake’s environment.

If you want to prevent your snake from blowing bubbles, consider adding toys, bark, and decorations to explore. Regardless, you’ll find that ball pythons blow bubbles when they’re bored. They’re only having fun. Enjoy the sight and consider recording it so you can show your friends and family members.

Jennifer

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I'm Jennifer Mecham, worked for 7 years in an animal shelter in New York. I created this blog to educate people about these amazing creatures and to show them that reptiles can make great pets. Join me on this journey as we explore the world of reptiles.

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