Ball Python smell?

I have noticed that since we moved our 3 BPs to the new Animal Plastic Rack (which we love!) that our room now has a very distinctive bad smell that was not present when the animals were in tanks.

I have been cleaning their tubs daily and the smell never goes away. Is this normal? Do you think it is possible I am smelling the plastic from either the rack or the tubs getting hot from the flex tape? We are currently using a Virarium Electronice VE3000 Thermostat. News print paper sub-strait. (sames as before) and I do currently have a hide in each tub with Sphagnum moss. (same as before) Could it the sphagnum moss? It does have a musty smell.

I am still learning to post pictures but I may post some of my set up later.

What does it smell like?
New plastic smell maybe?

No, kind of musty. but weird. Not exactly like the sphagnum moss, maybe it is a cross of the moss and plastic. but the rack is right next to the enterance to my room and the smell hits you soon as you open the door. So far everyone that goes in there comments on the smell. And cleaning doesn't seem to be effecting it.

Could the humidity be doing it?

It could be the humidity, I had the same issue when I first started (and I keep my tubs SPOTLESS) and they still had an odd smell. I keep a plug in air freshener in their room, and clean their tubs as usual and I haven't had any problems since. Maybe give your snakes a "bath", just warm water with a tiny bit a dawn, because sometimes they roll around in their own poo and that smell just doesn't go away on it's own. Good luck!

Ball python smell is generally pleasing.if it stinks something is wrong, maybe not enough ventilation in the tubs. moist news print? start sniffing around you will find it.:)

The only smells ive noticed with mine is when I get a poop or 20-30. Ya that's a smell to wake up to. The rack is new so it could just be new smells settling. But you may want to do a little digging around.

If you have a bunch of carnivores there is going to be a slight odor. The reptile house at the zoo never smells good...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Drumsinthenight.

Ball python smell is generally pleasing.if it stinks something is wrong, maybe not enough ventilation in the tubs. moist news print? start sniffing around you will find it.:)

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How many holes do you need in the side of a 32 qt tub? That might be the problem. So far humidity is a bit high.

You sure its not the new plastic smell???

Because whenever you get new like plastic cages and racks that have JUST BEEN MADE and shipped shortly after they smell.

For example i bought a big 32 gallon trash can. Soon as i put it in my room, it stunk. The entire room smelled like the plastic... Shorty after it went away.

Hi,

As a quick test can't you remove the moss and put it in an airtight container, air the place out, change the snakes substrate and check back in 24 hours?

If the smell remains its either the snakes or the tubs. If it's gone simply stop using the moss. :)


dr del

I put 4 sodered holes on the long sides. Keep my humidity perfect so I only have to spray 1x daily. That may be different in your case/natural area humidity. But 4 on 2 sides is a good number to start with.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Homegrownscales

I put 4 sodered holes on the long sides. Keep my humidity perfect so I only have to spray 1x daily. That may be different in your case/natural area humidity. But 4 on 2 sides is a good number to start with.

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I have 9 in each of the long sides in a 32 gallon.

I burned in holes every inch along the long side. I also have a solid sided rack, so my humidity isn't a problem.

I have also thought our snakes have a sour smell if they don't get a soaking every week. Pull out each snake and take a whiff. If it's the snakes, you will notice it. If not, smell each tub, until you smell the offending tub.

Good Luck!
Jim Smith

I have seen some people only have a few holes in their tubs, but I have a ton in mine -- it all just depends on your area, and the seasons.

Do you have a hygrometer so you know what the humidity is? Also, there is a good chance that you don't even need to use moss with the tubs.

Good luck!

We found the smell!!! It was a combination of the moss and the rock we had in the tub. We put into two tubs a large flat sandstone. They were also in the 75 gallon tank and since the snakes seemed to love them, and they provided a rough surface to rub on for shedding. I was so sure it wasn't the rock that I didn't even think to mention them. :oops:

But when my husband was cleaning out the tubs he picked up the rock and smelled it. :gj: Bingo we have a winner! Thanks to everyone for all the help.

Lol,

Glad you found out what it was and the poor snakes are in the clear. :D

I have a similar problem with the unglazed terracotta drip trays I am using as hides in the corn snake tanks.

They make it easy to raise humidity ( I soak them for thirty minutes and then put them back still wet ) but they sure keep the smell of snake poop well. :taz:

I may give up and put in a non-porus hide and just spray lightly at shed time. :rolleyes:


dr del