Snake not drinking

[-MARWOLAETH-]

I havn't noticed my new marcianus drinking.I had him since last Tuesday should I be worried?

[guidofatherof5]

You can always place your snake in its water dish for a swim.
If it starts drinking immediately you know it hasn't been drinking. Otherwise it's drinking when you aren't watching.
They can be very sneaky.

[Invisible Snake]

Yeah that's what I always do, once a week I put my garters in their water bowls just in case.

[chris-uk]

Chances are he's drinking when you aren't there. I don't see most of ours drink, but it's always nice to watch them when you do catch them at the bowl, one of our big girls really glugs it down. I'd say I only actually any of the 9 drinking once or twice a week.

[thamneil]

I usually see mine take a drink after I have changed the water. I wouldn't worry about him not drinking. Sometimes, they just don't do it while you are watching.

[Steveo]

Snakes get a good amount of water from their food, especially if they're eating worms or fish. I'd make sure to check on him every day but otherwise not worry too much about it.

I've had a kingsnake for almost a year now and I've only seen her drink a handful of times. I just make sure she has access to water and she'll get it when she needs it.

[EasternGirl]

I agree with the other members...it's rare that I catch most of my snakes taking a drink. The shy ones...like my albinos, I have probably only seen them drink once or twice and I have had one since November and one since March. I rarely catch my babies drinking but I have seen them do it at least once, so I know they know where the water dish is. I pretty much do the same thing that others have mentioned...if I am concerned that one of my snakes isn't going to the water...I will just plop him or her in the water dish from time to time.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Thanks guys.Just wondering if their are any signs that would show a dehydrated snake?

[gregmonsta]

Loose, sagging skin and lethargy are the most definite signs.

[EasternGirl]

William...just go into the tank and pop him into his water dish once a day. Or maybe even take him out and put him into a bigger bowl of water for a little swim time. Just make sure he can't get away...some garters like to swim and others jump right out of the bowl. Make sure you supervise carefully if he is going to swim. Also, misting plants several times a day can help...some garters will lick the water off of the plants.

[kibakiba]

A sunken in stomach is also a sign, I believe.