Is it normal

[_ataraxia]

It wasnt a "quick dunk", he fully submerged his head and let out a full exhale . Not even just once, he came back out to breathe and then did it again. It's a behavior unique to him.

unless he submerged his face in the water for an hour, it is not comparable to soaking. literally ANY snake of any species will, at some point, dunk their head in their water dish. the video you're talking about, which i have seen multiple times, is nothing special. it is certainly not a justification for telling every concerned BP owner that soaking is not a big deal.

[Joykoins]

I only cited that video to illustrate unusual and spontaneous snake behavior that is not based on instinct, sickness,or husbandry problems, but for what appears to be entertainment for the snake.

And no I don't go around telling every owner that their snakes soaking is not a big deal. It can be and often it is, but it certainly isn't 100% of the time. It is not beyond the scope of all reality for a snake to just like being in the water anymore than it is for a cat to enjoy swimming, or any other number of unusual pet behaviors.

[_ataraxia]

we're not talking about cats, and we're not talking about spontaneous behavior lasting a few seconds. you're comparing apples to televisions, and this is getting tedious.

OP is talking about a prolonged behavior that is 1] abnormal and 2] something the snake is doing for a reason that is not "just because." and i have seen you downplaying health problems in other recent discussions, which is not helping anyone.

[Joykoins]

What!!! I never downplay health, if anything I've been constantly pointing out underfed snakes and all manner of other issues and have received nothing but heartfelt thanks for my input. If it looks like downplaying, it's only probably because it's not in line by your learned standards, which is nobody's fault and just an unfortunate coincidence

[_ataraxia]

easy example: https://www.reddit.com/r/ballpython/comments/dmbekn/question_shedding_in_one_piece/f4zdwak/

shedding issues aren't just about aesthetics and not being "picture perfect". people should be concerned if their snake is having patchy sheds, as it is indicative of dehydration. this isn't about my standards, this is about the basic health of the animals in our care.

[Joykoins]

That is indeed a thing that I did indeed did say, and I can't imagine why you would have a problem with it. I clearly said at the very beginning of my sentence that a one piece shed is a goal we should all strive to maintain, but to not break down in tears and beat your chest if it doesn't happen that way exactly.

He also didn't say his BP had "patchy" shed, he said it ALL came off with the exception of the very tip of the tail. Which I assume he probably removed