Roaming a lot, not eating much, light scales down spine?

So, my ball python has recently been trying his best to get out of his tank. I immediately assume he's hungry, as he normally seems more active when hungry. He wouldn't eat though, and for a long time too. Finally two nights ago I got him to eat a small mouse. He was fine all day yesterday but now today and all night last night he roamed and tried to get out. I figure the light colored scales are either from a coming shed or from rubbing against something when trying to get out. However, I don't want to let a skin problem go when it could be bad. I'd take him to a vet if that's your recommendations, but there are legitimately no reptile vets around where I live in indiana. I've searched and searched and can't find any vets that aren't a long way away... I'm just unsure of what to do.😣

Pretty sure this is the time when everyone is going to ask for pics and details about your husbandry.

Pics Please.

check your husbandry, he might not be roaming around because he is hungry, but because he is uncomfortable and wants to find a better spot.

How do you post pictures in these messages? I've been thinking about adding more clutter and plants and things in the back but the main area in the tank is pretty much filled with his water bowl, log hide thing, and two normal hides. He's got two fake plants in the back... he seemed really content after he ate and all day yesterday until the evening? His temps are right from what everyone on here has told me. Hot side is a constant 89-91, and cold side is a constant 78-80. I make sure his tank is always cleaned and he gets a fresh cleaning for his water bowl once a week. Recently he's been getting these light colored scales down his spine and a little on the sides? I hope the little guy is ok...

if your trying to add pictures this post should help with that .

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-Post-Pictures

more clutter might help, I went the easy route and added balled up / crumpled news paper its easy to find and replaceable.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...278b0b7c15.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...7d2c0cd5e6.jpg

So that's his tank and those light colored patches on his spine. I promise it's not just the lighting on those patches, he actually has them.


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The behavior is typical behavior of an animal with husbandry issue, stress, improper temps etc.

First 2 things is ditch the thermometers those are VERY inaccurate and could give you a false sense of security, you should use a digital thermometer, be a temp gun or digital thermometer in the enclosure, the temps should be taken right above the substrate.

Are there any digital thermometers that you'd recommend? Money is tight right now so I'm trying not to spend a lot. He seemed pretty content today until this evening he started roaming again. I got him out for awhile when I took that picture of his scales and he seemed extremely stressed.


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Originally Posted by Slytherin_python

Are there any digital thermometers that you'd recommend? Money is tight right now so I'm trying not to spend a lot. He seemed pretty content today until this evening he started roaming again. I got him out for awhile when I took that picture of his scales and he seemed extremely stressed.


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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use that one. Works pretty well for me. I drilled a hole in the bottom of the tub and the probe sits right on top of the hotspot. I also use a temp gun to get reading around different portions of the tub. Works pretty well for me.

Thanks! I'll probably purchase it in the morning since it's getting late. His UTH isn't usually on since my outlet is filled with other things like his heat lamp and light, should I get an extension cord and have the UTH on as well? The temp on the hot side (according to the thermometers I have now) is pretty much perfect with only the heat lamp. Does he still need the UTH? Also do you think the light scales are there because he's going to shed soon?


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Slytherin_python

Thanks! I'll probably purchase it in the morning since it's getting late. His UTH isn't usually on since my outlet is filled with other things like his heat lamp and light, should I get an extension cord and have the UTH on as well? The temp on the hot side (according to the thermometers I have now) is pretty much perfect with only the heat lamp. Does he still need the UTH? Also do you think the light scales are there because he's going to shed soon?


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Yeah I'd def keep UTH going constantly. They need the belly heat. Make sure to hook it up to a thermostat and keep it at 90 degrees. As far as the scales, there are others here with more experience that would be better able to answer that.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...With-Pictures! That's a pretty good guide for setting up your tank. Good luck!!

Thank you so much for your help! I hope more clutter and some more precise temps help the little guy! Thanks again! :)


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