albino BP is stinky

[NoodleOwner]

Hi, haven't posted here in a while, but I have a question and figured this was the best place to ask.

I have an adult female regular BP who is my pride and joy, and got an albino little girl about 6 months ago who is now a juvenile. The regular BP doesn't stink at all, no musky smell or anything, even when she pees. The albino, however, has a very strong musky odor when she pees/passes urate, and her vent sometimes smells very musky too. Her vent isn't swollen or red, I don't think it's an infection, but am just wondering if any of your BPs stink? Do albinos stink more than regulars? Just looking for some anecdotal insight.

Of note, it's mostly her vent, not her body or anything, and I keep her enclosure very clean. I use reptile carpet, not substrate.

Thanks!

[Luvyna]

Sounds unusual, possibly indicative of some kind of problem but I'm not sure what. My albino BP doesn't stink at all.

[Bogertophis]

Has she always had this smell? Some snakes are more nervous (& prone to musking) than others, & I could see it when she was newly-arrived (especially assuming she
had been probed prior to arrival at your place?) but 6 mos. is a long time for it to be normal & stress-related, IMO. I think it's very possibly an infection...some ppl aren't
as careful when probing snakes as they should be...I think a vet visit might be a good idea. It's not normal, albino or otherwise.

[dr del]

Is there a difference in meals between the two?

[NoodleOwner]

Sounds unusual, possibly indicative of some kind of problem but I'm not sure what. My albino BP doesn't stink at all.

thank you! Maybe I’ll take her to the vet soon, it’s time for a well visit anyway.

[NoodleOwner]

Has she always had this smell? Some snakes are more nervous (& prone to musking) than others, & I could see it when she was newly-arrived (especially assuming she
had been probed prior to arrival at your place?) but 6 mos. is a long time for it to be normal & stress-related, IMO. I think it's very possibly an infection...some ppl aren't
as careful when probing snakes as they should be...I think a vet visit might be a good idea. It's not normal, albino or otherwise.

that’s a good point about the probing- it’s not a constant smell which makes me question if it’s an infection, but better safe than sorry, thanks. Also I will say, she’s a little more skittish than my adult. I have to approach her very slowly, so maybe that’s part of it. Better to confirm with a vet though.

- - - Updated - - -

Is there a difference in meals between the two?

there is actually. My adult eats F/T gerbils and my juvenile eats live small ASF rats

[Bogertophis]

Don't wait too long...infections can spread, IF that's what it is.