Question about snakes?

Question

I posted a few questions a week ago asking questions about my husband's snake that he felt the need to leave me in charge of its care while he's gone. I am deathly afraid of it. I have feed it once by chasing it around the cage with tongs into its "feeder box" but I have not changed the water. And APPARENTLY it likes to take its crap in water. This is the same large dish used for its drinking water. At times it just curls up in there and stays there hours at a time. Do I HAVE to change this water? my husband will be home on the 3rd could it just stay in there for now even though its takin a dump in it or do I have to somehow find courage reach in there and remove the dish in order to give in fresh water. I guess what I am asking is does it actually drink the water and will drinking it while it has poo in it make him sick {as if I'd care if it died} I mean out in the wild they drink water with poo in it all the time right?Its a very large Albino Pueblan Milksnake

oh lisa you sad pathic idiot. People have fears and its not like its a dog or a cat its a damn snake and I fear snakes to the point I can not breath around them. Would be like taking someone deathly afraid of drowning out to the middle of the lake and telling them "jump in grow up you wont die"
And such a lady you are to use that language I applaud you for your limited vocabulary skills

Idiot who the hell said it would eat its own waste it is in the drinking water. And a snake to me is has no purpose in life. We have many animals, dogs and horses all well taken care of and btw yes ppl that cant swim go out on boats now get your head out of your butt if you have nothing constructive to say as to how I can obtain its water dish without having a panic attack keep your mouth shut.

Ty cameron for your suggestions

Mystic I have tried to touch the snake.And I am so scared I shake, cry and have even vomited during the attempts.To someone so scared of snakes 34inchs is big. My nephew has a boa that he calls snuggles that he sleeps with and I think HIS snake is pretty to look at but I will not go near it.My husbands snake has this "musk" defense and if disturbed in any manner when it doesnt want to be shoots the musk out {looks like liquid stool} and that to is another reason I do not like the snake. I do not see any reason why people are being rude it was a serious question on how to or if I had to infact change the water since my husband did tell me when I spoke to him on the phone that I really did not have to feed her she could go months without eating.After I told him I chased her into the box w tongs and fed her.He knows I am scared of her I have begged him to get rid of her even offered to do it myself but for some odd reason he enjoys "looking at her" thank you though for your suggestions.

Answer 1

Hi again!

Unfortunately, the snake should have clean water - at least every other day. Besides drinking it and using it for the "bathroom", he'll lay in the water to soak. With the fecal material in the water, he'll be less likely to use the dish, which can lead to dehydration (or body sores if he does soak).

If you feed it again in a box (like you did before), use a box with a lid. Place the lid on while the snake's eating (use the tongs), then you can change the water while the snake is otherwise occupied. Put the water back, take lid off the box with the tongs, and the snake has fresh water. (And remember what I said before about making your husband take you to dinner for caring for his snake!)

Answer 2

There is a way to change the water without having to touch the snake or risk being touched.

First off, all living things work better with fresh, clean water...a snake is no exception. If it is left to drink its own wastes, it will develop a illness and cost you plenty in vet bills (I don't think your husband would let the snake die).

Second, the Pueblan Milksnake is a very, very harmless snake. They are purchased for their tame demeanor (which basically means it'll ignore you unless you have food). Even if it does decide to bite you, its bite is far from fatal and tends to resemble a rather bad scratch or cut---nothing more. Dogs and cats inflict more serious wounds than that snake will. Plus the milksnake will rarely be more than four feet full grown, with most stopping at about 3 feet. This makes for a snake that is about as wide as a nickel or smaller. It's not a very big snake full grown, and a far cry from an anaconda.

If you find that the fear is too much and rationality cannot help then this is what you do. Cut a piece of cardboard as tall as the cage and just as wide (short ways). Slide this piece into the cage so that the cage is split in half. One side will have the snake and the other side will have the water bowl. With your hand (gloved if you prefer) take the water bowl out, clean it with soap and water, and fill it up with fresh water. Use the cardboard to separate the cage when you put the water bowl back.

I'm sorry that the snake offends you, but it is unfair to ask your husband to dispose of him just because of how you feel. It is unfair for him to ask you to take care of him though. I commend you for loving your husband enough that you would face you fears so that his beloved pet wouldn't die or get sick.

Answer 3

If you have a feeder box chase the snake into the feeder box and trap it in there. That way you should have full access to the rest of the cage without having to worry about the snake. Change the water. It is very important for animals to have clean water available to them at all times. Yes the dirty water can make them sick. It would be like you drinking dirty water. I know that you don't think highly of snakes but they really are unique great animals.
It sucks that some of these other people are not reading the question and are passing judgement on someone that they do not know and about a situation that they are not familiar with. My mom has the same fear. I sympathise with you. It is great that you can even feed the snake, kudos to you...

Answer 4

First off Lisa is an idiot and should be reported for her offensive language as should the little boy above me. Secondly I agree with Cameron I dont like snakes either and also have panic attacks when I get near one or see one. Some people do have fears that can cause them to be paralized regardless of if its to snakes, water, or even dogs. Doesnt make them a cold hearted person makes them human. I read your other posts and have from that gathered that your husband knows your fear of this animal but since he is away I think you should change the water. Even if you have to chase it with tongs again into the feeder box just to get it out your site and its cage long enough to change the water. Good luck

Answer 5

I know how hard it is to deal with fears of any sort, but you definitely need to get the water changed in your snake's enclosure. Can you chase him back into his feeding box and keep him contained there while you change the water? He definitely will not fair well with the build-up of urates and bacteria in his water. He will most likely refuse to drink it, which can lead to dehydration. You can also try putting two water dishes in there... he may be inclined to use both of them, keeping you from having to change the water as frequently. It should be done on a daily basis, but you could probably get away with doing it today and then again, say, Wednesday. Snakes usually defecate in their water dishes. I do feel for you -- certain insects send me over the edge. Maybe your husband can get a petsitter the next time he goes out of town. Around here, we have three or four people in town that board reptiles. Ask at your local vet clinics. Many technicians offer this service.

Answer 6

Yes it drinks the water
yes you have to change it

try putting heavy garden gloves on to help with your fear any Way if its a constrictor its bite not that bad be brave for the man you love how upset would he be if the snake got sick from the bacteria in the water?


After thouhgt : get a spray bottle and spray the snake with water from the outside through the screen top spray the plant or wood or something the water will drop from so the snake will have something clean to drink for now can you get a friend to do it kids are usually great with that stuff ask a neighbourhood boy :)

Answer 7

i`m sorry but it shouldnt be you that they are attacking(just ignore the muppets)..its your husbands fault leaving you to care for an animal that you are obviously petrified of.....do you not know anybody that can come and do it for you...it really should be donethe other way is cut a piece of cardboard the width and hieght of the tank and try and section the snake off with it...that way you can change the water without fearing the snake can lunge at you...

Answer 8

1. trap the stupid snake somewhere
2. get the water
3. clean the water thang
4. trap the stupid snake again
5. put the water back
6. GET OVER THE FEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it's a stupid snake