Is there something wrong with my BP's scales?
I purchased this BP around the end of February (and let me say this is only my first time owning a BP). She's a sweetie and I love her to death. Her humidity isn't very high, it only stays around 30-40 - the cage I have for her right now is glass with a screen lid. I'm planning on getting a tub for her instead soon (since I'd like her to stay 100% healthy). Her last shed was in a lot of pieces, and when it seemed she was done, she still had a few grey-like scales and grey patches? Only the scales didn't look like they were from the shed. I have been bathing her so many times each week thinking that it will eventually come off, but it just won't! I'm considering buying a shed remover (I forget the exact name of it), I've read a lot of reviews and it's supposed to work amazingly - however, I'd just like to be sure that this IS shed and not some kind of bad skin condition. Any help would be appreciated! :) I've taken some pictures here:
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1367010949
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1367010935
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1367010940
Re: Is there something wrong with my BP's scales?
When was the last time he shed? Looks like stuck shed to me.
If so, you can wait until the next shed cycle and they should come off. Remember, humidity needs to be maintained 50%-60% non-shed times and 70% during shed.I usually bump the humidity to 70% plus after their eyes go from blue to clear again.
Re: Is there something wrong with my BP's scales?
She shed at least a month ago.
Re: Is there something wrong with my BP's scales?
Did he shed in one rolled up piece like a sock or did it come off in pieces?
Re: Is there something wrong with my BP's scales?
Here's another thread from 2012 with the exact same as yours:
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...looking-scales
I wouldn't try peeling them off. Just make sure that when you see his eyes go blue get ready to up the humidity in his enclosure to 70%+ until he is done shedding.
Re: Is there something wrong with my BP's scales?
Actually, it looks to me like she's been scratching herself on something in her enclosure...can you tell us more about her setup? If she has a rough hide or water bowl, she may be rubbing against that...also, try and work on getting that humidity up! They really need a good 50% in order to shed properly.
Re: Is there something wrong with my BP's scales?
Her enclosure only has one rough thing, and that's her water bowl. If that's the problem, I'll be sure to replace it with a smoother one. I actually just purchased a humidity dial and I've gotten a automatic spray bottle so it's easier to get everywhere in her enclosure. Her humidity is already at 60 right now. And yeah, the last shed she had was in pieces... It's only recently that I've been misting her. If her next shed is in pieces and she still has the strange scales, I'll be sure to buy a humidifier so that I can be 100% sure she'll have perfect humidity. I'd say she'd still be considered a hatchling so I'm expecting her to begin to go into shed very soon. Hopefully I'll be super prepared. :)
Re: Is there something wrong with my BP's scales?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mara
It's only recently that I've been misting her.
You mean her substrate?
Re: Is there something wrong with my BP's scales?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mara
Her humidity isn't very high, it only stays around 30-40 - the cage I have for her right now is glass with a screen lid.
Get some GLAD Press N Seal (not plain plastic wrap) and stick it to the screen, leave opposite corners open for ventilation. You should have a UTH so an overhead light isn't needed to keep the temperature at the appropriate levels.
What kind of substrate are you using? We've found that cypress mulch is ideal for maintaining humidity. Make sure you get the stuff designed for reptile enclosures, the mulch from garden centers may be a mix of different woods, or it may contain pesticides.