Missing scales?

During tonight's feedings I noticed that one of my 5 month old snakes may be missing some scales under its chin, so to speak. Anyways I am just curious if anyone has seen this type of thing before. It doesn't seam to effect her at all so I'm not concerned on a medical level. Also, this is the only snake that I have seen this on.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j4...ps2rfehmnd.jpg

Wow! What type of enclosure is he in? What are your husbandry numbers like? It does look like a injury of some type. Are you feeding live prey? Maybe a scratch from the claws of the rat or mouse while it was struggling? Well, after looking more closely I think that is the normal extra flap of skin that is on all pythons. It becomes visible during swallowing when the jaws expand and move to accept the prey item.

I think what you are actually seeing is where the scales naturally split apart so the skin can stretch. Once the mouse is swallowed does the spot of 'missing scales' disappear?

I'm not 100% on that idea, but I think I've noticed a 'line' on the underside of my snakes mouths that could be a natural stretch point.

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Originally Posted by piedlover79

I think what you are actually seeing is where the scales naturally split apart so the skin can stretch. Once the mouse is swallowed does the spot of 'missing scales' disappear?

I'm not 100% on that idea, but I think I've noticed a 'line' on the underside of my snakes mouths that could be a natural stretch point.

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Thats what I was thinking also. I just think most people don't see that part of the mouth when they are eating

I just checked one of my guys, and yes, there is a slit right there that easily spreads open and exposes skin. So no worries, your snake is normal, just hungry! Heehee

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Originally Posted by Albert Clark

Wow! What type of enclosure is he in? What are your husbandry numbers like? It does look like a injury of some type. Are you feeding live prey? Maybe a scratch from the claws of the rat

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:rofl::rofl::rofl:

I see what you did there...

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Originally Posted by Albert Clark

What type of enclosure is he in?

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It's a 6Qt tub in a Boaphile rack. the picture shows just a small bit of the left side, the water dish off to the right, and the underside of the snakes head.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by piedlover79

I think what you are actually seeing is where the scales naturally split apart so the skin can stretch. Once the mouse is swallowed does the spot of 'missing scales' disappear?

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Yes it does, I have seen the "natural split" on a few of my other BP's while swallowing. I was just asking cause this BP's seams bigger. At the time of the photo the mouse wasn't even on its way down yet.

If you look at the scales around the area I don't see any inconsistent pattern which leads me to believe that is just how he is, but that's just my opinion.

It is a blurry picture, but this is the setup the babies are in.

https://www.facebook.com/EsScalesAndTails/photos/

I think everything is just fine. There are going to be natural variation in how much skin is inside that slit, and it could also be how the jaw is turned while swallowing that makes it look bigger.

It is always good to be vigilant about these things and to ask when uncertain, but it's looking like you've got a good set up and a healthy hungry baby.