Belly scales flaky

He's giving you good comprehensive advice and covering a lot of slip ups some owners make with their snakes. Whether or not you like the tone the advice is sound.

With the brown edges I would be most concerned about belly burns. Do you have an under tank heater? If so is there a thermostat on it? UTH's must be connected to a thermostat otherwise belly burns are pretty much inevitable.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by earthwormjim

It is annoying how the dude is being about it. I asked for some advice, he is touching on subject matter that I didn't even ask about. If my question bothers him, why is he even responding.

---

I advise putting me on "ignore"....or you can follow my advice and see if it helps.

...or you can continue to call me names....

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Asherah

He's giving you good comprehensive advice and covering a lot of slip ups some owners make with their snakes. Whether or not you like the tone the advice is sound.

With the brown edges I would be most concerned about belly burns. Do you have an under tank heater? If so is there a thermostat on it? UTH's must be connected to a thermostat otherwise belly burns are pretty much inevitable.

---

I think he has a rheostat on it.

Between bathing the snake and using a loosely regulated heat source, he could be looking at several potential issues....if there is an issue at all...

Without pics, it's hard to tell...

You say the temps are fine but how are you measuring the temperatures in your cage?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Skiploder

I think he has a rheostat on it.

Between bathing the snake and using a loosely regulated heat source, he could be looking at several potential issues....if there is an issue at all...

Without pics, it's hard to tell...

---

Ah, I missed that part. Agree pic's would be best, hopefully OP will post some soon.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Asherah

Ah, I missed that part. Agree pic's would be best, hopefully OP will post some soon.

---

Sometimes, depending on substrate, the edge of the scales can take on a tattered look. This becomes worse if the animal is new and is acclimating to it's surroundings and is therefore roaming and moving more than normal.

However, if you take into account the potential for a heating issue (burn) or an issue associated with bathing, the description could run the gamut from a burn, light rot, or pre-shed with some expected scale damage.

That's why it's always better to reduce stress, make sure all heat sources are properly regulated, avoid bathing, misting and other things that could induce rot and see if the snake doesn't go into blue.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Skiploder

Sometimes, depending on substrate, the edge of the scales can take on a tattered look. This becomes worse if the animal is new and is acclimating to it's surroundings and is therefore roaming and moving more than normal.

However, if you take into account the potential for a heating issue (burn) or an issue associated with bathing, the description could run the gamut from a burn, light rot, or pre-shed with some expected scale damage.

That's why it's always better to reduce stress, make sure all heat sources are properly regulated, avoid bathing, misting and other things that could induce rot and see if the snake doesn't go into blue.

---

Indeed, totally agree with your suggestions on determining what is wrong with the animal. - off topic but very much enjoying reading your blog.

For what it's worth, there's a lot of supposed experts on here. But Skiploder really knows his stuff. Wish others would not try so hard, and let the points he brings forth set precedent. He might not always put it the way you want to hear it, but I got to give credit where it's due.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by earthwormjim

I don't appreciate you and your condescending advice.

---

You meant to say thank you right? :rolleyes:

This is an excellent advice that you should take, you ask for advice and got one that is RIGHT on the money so maybe you should try before dismissing it.

Or

You can put Skiploder on ignore, and wait for the answer you want to hear instead even if it will not help with your issue, it's your choice!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by earthwormjim

I don't appreciate you and your condescending advice.

---

His advice is sound.
Many of us will give you advise for a reason and its not to sugar coat it for your liking.
The truth is easier given blunt.

How are you measuring your temperatures?
If you changed this much stuff you are interrupting your snakes normal activities and adding even more stress during an already stressful time.
FYI, did you notice an iridescent shimmer on the water when soaking your snake? That is an oil they produce to assist in the shed process, if you wash it away it makes things harder.