BP rubbed belly too hard, scale rot?! naw...

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Originally Posted by logan77

ok guys, thanks again. no online fighting from me...
let's stay on point and be there for each other. :)

Oh, to clarify. Fermina died last summer due to, what I think: mites that led to scale rot. I kept her on newspaper and I don't think that was a good idea.
I also made it too humid once and I think that did the trick :(
my old gf was also caring for her and let her crawl on her bed a few times, perhaps Fermina picked up something that way.
I took her to the vet, and she received a shot for the rot and it cleared up in like 3 days! BUT, somehow it eventually came back and attacked her aggresively.

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scale rot is not caused by mites! its caused by bacterial infection of the skin or a fungus. this would be cause by high humidity and/or dirty unkept cage. what mites will do is add to stress which would compound the problem, but surely getting too humid once isnt enough to cause it. mites could of also passed something to the snake.

Did you say HOW you are measuring temps, or did I miss it?

can you provide us with any pictures?

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Originally Posted by logan77

ok guys, thanks again. no online fighting from me...
let's stay on point and be there for each other. :)

Oh, to clarify. Fermina died last summer due to, what I think: mites that led to scale rot. I kept her on newspaper and I don't think that was a good idea.
I also made it too humid once and I think that did the trick :(
my old gf was also caring for her and let her crawl on her bed a few times, perhaps Fermina picked up something that way.
I took her to the vet, and she received a shot for the rot and it cleared up in like 3 days! BUT, somehow it eventually came back and attacked her aggresively.

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Newspaper absolutely did not cause any harm to the snake unless it was drenched it urine or feces. Many people use newspaper successfully for their snakes.

But lets not dwell on old mistakes. I am glad you have made some changes to your setup. Trust the people here. They give really great information and will lead to your snake having a great life.

Does she have two proper hides? one on the cool side one on the hot side? Are they both tight fitting?

I would highly recommend getting a UTH and a thermostat for maintaining a hot side belly temp and just using the light on a dimmer for supplemental heat. As you already noticed, the light cooks the inside of the one hide box. And yes, a light can cause burns. Have you ever gotten a sun burn?

All of these suggestions, if done correctly, will help make your snake more comfortable and more likely to eat for you without having to do a bunch of crazy voodoo magic to the mouse to make it "appealing" to the snake.

Wait a week before offering food again. During the next few days, make the necessary changes and make sure your temps are correct and stable. :)

Good luck!

im not sure, but i believe i read somewhere that newspaper CAN be detrimental to ball pythons if used as a substrate, because of the ink being so transferrable (have you ever washed a window with newspaper and vinegar water? the ink gets all over your hands. it cleans windows great though...) so im not saying its bad, just thought i'd put it out there. i use paper towels myself...:D
with the feeding problem, what i did, was take a prekilled rat (i had a HOG that would not eat at all) and put it half in, half out of his hide, right before lights out. i checked a couple hours later, fully expecting the rat to still be there, and all i saw was a tail hanging out of his mouth. :D i haven't heard of the chicken broth idea though, i will have to write that down...does anyone know if there are any adverse effects when using the chicken broth?

good luck!!!

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Originally Posted by m0esgirl

im not sure, but i believe i read somewhere that newspaper CAN be detrimental to ball pythons if used as a substrate, because of the ink being so transferrable (have you ever washed a window with newspaper and vinegar water? the ink gets all over your hands. it cleans windows great though...) so im not saying its bad, just thought i'd put it out there. i use paper towels myself...:D

good luck!!!

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i use nespaper, and wondered why a lot of people use unprinted paper and towels. but no vinegar oil is around my tubs, so maybe its ok.

where are the pictures?

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Originally Posted by azpythons

i use nespaper, and wondered why a lot of people use unprinted paper and towels. but no vinegar oil is around my tubs, so maybe its ok.

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lol i was just using it as an example that when newspaper gets wet, the ink, very easily, transfers to another surface. like if you have an old newspaper on your counter, and you accidentally get it wet, or splash it, ink gets on your counter. it just makes sense to me, and i was just mentioning that i read that, actually on this site, i believe. :D

hey all,

good news! I got a great deal on a 20 gallon long tank, so I caved ;)
Logan now has more temperature options!
I'm gettin' rid of that black plastic hide box, it radiates heat too much.
coolest thus far is 95.7. seems too hot to me. I could also get rid of the 75 watt heating bulb and go a little lower in wattage.

remember all, the hide box is right on top of the UTH. so I measure hide box temp INSIDE the black box, while the heating lamp is still on. just to clarify.
the tank is raised on furniture sliders, and the UTH is not stuck directly on the glass. I did a test of it that way once, and the temp shoots up to over 110 degrees!

for those who asked: chicken broth has no adverse effects, buy organic kind without any additives.

newspaper is a bad idea, cuz I learned the hard way. ink runs etc.

I also don't let Logan crawl on carpets or blankets. change the paper towels every day, regardless of potties, and water is changed twice daily!

c'mon, I'm doing my part :)

thanks all, will keep you posted...

Please realize newspaper is not bad.

Many experienced breeders use it without problem.