One of the incredible things you might see from a pet snake is his blowing bubbles in a pool of water. This is quite common, but what does it mean? Thankfully, this behavior is not a sign of an illness and, on the contrary, it can give you pointers on more of what your pet snake needs.
So, someone asks,
Why is my ball python blowing bubbles in water?
A ball python is usually blowing bubbles in the water because he is bored and needs a bit of fun. This behavior may be a sign that your pet snake can enjoy more entertainment stimulants in his environment. Some of these stimulants might include enriching the substrate in the snake’s vicinity and creating a creative outdoor area for the snake with toys such as bark, logs, an artificial cave structure, and artificial plants and foliage.
When does blowing bubbles become an issue?
The one case in which blowing bubbles becomes an issue to worry about is when the bubbles are coming from the nose and mouth outside of the water. This has been cited by vets as a symptom of bacterial or viral pneumonia.
In addition to the bubbles coming from the mouth, the snake tends to breathe through an open mouth.
If you notice these signs, it is prudent to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible – preferably, a vet with a specialization or knowledge in reptile illnesses.
Engaging more with your ball python.
Sometimes, having a pet snake requires more than merely providing food and suitable accommodations. Ball pythons are gentle and docile snakes but that does not mean they are lazy or don’t appreciate enrichment.
On the contrary, since ball pythons are constrictors and like to forage their surroundings, creating an enriching environment is one of the best ways to ensure your ball python gets a happy stay in his space.
The following are ways to achieve that:
1. Providing a creative substrate.
One option is to try and introduce items that mirror those in a ball python’s natural habitat, for instance, plants. Speaking of plants, artificial plants are often more manageable and sustainable as the snake will not usually damage them as they slither around.
An enclosure that mimics the ball python’s natural habitat helps the ball python realize behaviors and temperament as is the case when he’s in his natural habitat. For instance, having plants can help the ball python feel safe and secure hidden in the foliage.
However, not all items in nature are to be replicated. For instance, sand is bad for ball pythons as it can cause eye irritation, damage nasal passages, and stick between scales, hence, irritating.
Instead of sand or silica sand, ball python keepers use aspen shavings since it is relatively cheap and available and does not hold a lot of moisture.
Specific items to include in a ball python might be a large enough cage or enclosure (at least two times the length and width of your ball python), climbing branches for exercising, rocks for the snake to crawl on and relax, and hiding spots that pet supply stores may have on sale.
Embellishing enclosures requires experience and knowledge. Some ball python keepers like to have basic, useful items in an enclosure while others like to have an engrossing substrate in an enclosure. Neither is right or wrong if done with the safety of the ball python in mind.
Certainly, it can be a good idea to stand with a utilitarian enclosure and then add onto it depending on knowledge acquired and your ball python’s reactions to the items added.
In addition, you can do a bit of both – a deeper end on one side of the enclosure and a lighter end on the other side of the enclosure.
2. Condone off a suitable room for your snake’s exploration
Being cooped up in the cage may be stressing your ball python. Sometimes, it helps to give your ball python a chance to roam a wide space.
However, not every room works out well. For instance, the kitchen area is a no go zone because of the sharp objects and nooks and crannies where the ball python may hide. On the other hand, an empty room with four walls only may not cut it either.
Instead, the bathroom is a good option. Just be sure to close cupboards shut and cover the toilet and other openings where the ball python may crawl into.
Also, check the temperature to ensure that the humidity is not too high. A suitable humidity for a ball python is moderate humidity of about 50 percent and a temperature of about 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
The bonus of a bathroom if you have a bathtub is that you can include a controlled swimming opportunity in this environment.
A backyard, if you have one, is a good moderately natural habitat that might be good for your ball python to roam.
However, it is tough to recommend it because there are many things to watch out for in such an environment.
For instance, sand may harm the ball python, as might fertilizers and pesticides. Also, there might be many nooks and crannies for your ball python to escape to or hide in.
Therefore, an uncontrolled environment like this might be difficult to manage.
3. Switch things up in the enclosure
If you don’t have money to stock the perfect substrate in your ball python’s enclosure, there’s still something you can do.
You can change the orientation of the enclosure to provide a bit more excitement and nuance to the enclosure for your ball python.
As a bonus, it is easy to do this as you clean up the enclosure and sterilize the individual pieces in your pet’s enclosure – and why not do this while your ball python is relaxing over in the bathroom with a swim?
Experienced snake keepers may have unique ideas beyond the ones listed above. So, it helps to consult experienced snake keepers or join a community of snake keepers as good sources of intel when you need it.
Also, it is important to continually assess and reassess how your ball python is taking to the enrichment options you introduce.
This is essential because some of these options may generate stress or illness depending on the temperament of your ball python.
Conclusion
In short, a ball python blowing bubbles in water is a normal occurrence and is the ball python entertaining himself in the aquatic environment.
The only issue comes about when the ball python is blowing bubbles from his nose and mouth when he’s not in the water. In that case, a visit to the vet is highly recommended.
Related Questions
Why is my ball python soaking in water?
Your ball python is soaking in water because it needs to be hydrated. This often happens when the ball python has shed its skin as it requires to soak in the water to return water loss after shedding.
How do you know if a ball python is happy?
You can know if a ball python is happy when he has slow movements after being picked up, has a relaxed grip while held, has normal eating and hiding habits, sheds healthy, has good air tasting, and has a consistent temperament.
How long should a ball python soak in water?
Ball pythons should soak in water for a period of between 10 and 15 minutes. When placing the ball python in the water to soak, be gentle as you lower the ball python into the water so that he gets used to the aquatic environment and its temperature.
94% of pet owners say their animal pal makes them smile more than once a day. In 2007, I realized that I was made for saving Animals. My father is a Vet, and I think every pet deserves one. I started this blog, “InPetCare”, in 2019 with my father to enlighten a wider audience.