Brumation question

[Stefan-A]

My question is, is it normal for them to spend a lot of time in their water bowls? You would think they were getting ready to shedd. I've seen them do that if the room was too warm, but at 50 degrees? I just figured they used the water to help regulate their body temperatures. But why now? Is it likely to make them sick?

As far as I can tell, it is normal among wild snakes as well. It has been suggested that it improves their chances for surviving the winter. I don't remember why that was, but if I had to guess, it would have something to do with keeping the body temperature as stable as possible. But like I said, I don't remember what the possible explanation was.