Re: Rescued BP - is it Pastel?
That's no rodent scar... either he was trapped under something and had to squeeze himself into cutting his back to get out, something had a hold of him (bigger than a rodent), or sustained another form of injury.
I have seen a similiaur scar on a friends Ball python that was also found (he found it in his barn actually), that had crawled through some old chainlink fence wrapped up in the barn to hide, and had cut itself... the scars resemble those almost down to a T. He resucicated the poor fella, just as you have, and its still kickin' strong 8 years later =)
good job on the rescue, btw... in those temps, your new friend wouldnt have lasted likely a day or two more, especially during night.
Re: Rescued BP - is it Pastel?
Most reptiles turn dark in color when temperatures are below optimal and they are stressed or ill. Light colors usually indicate good health, and higher external temps (they lighten to reflect more light and reduce internal heating). I haven't noticed my ball pythons changing color much, though, regardless of their condition--and I have taken in a couple of rescues that weren't in good shape. Females brighten up when they are gravid--that's about it.
This snake doesn't look like he's in that bad of condition--he could use a bit of weight, but he doesn't look emaciated in the photos.
Re: Rescued BP - is it Pastel?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
gerbster1
looks alot like a granite or possibly has some xanthic genetics
Perhaps someone's genetic experiment?
Re: Rescued BP - is it Pastel?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
revxus
This is very interesting, I did not know that this was caused by improper care and neglect. I thought this only applied to other high-maintenance reptiles like iguanas and bearded dragons.
You learn something every day! :)
It can be, yes.
There was another rescue that was very light on this forum. I don't know if anyone remembers it or not, but it was lacking in nutrition. When it was fed well and up to size it got it's normal browns back.
Because your snake is so skinny with such a viable backbone I suspect that this is indeed the case.
I do not see any axanthic in that snake. There is too much yellow coloration. The only reason it looks 'granite'-like is because the scales are lacking some color. I predict it will fill out and look more normal patterned when it eats. :/