scale rot?

[alexrls]

i think monty has some scale rot on the bottom of his head (underside) some of the scales are brown and peeling off it looks kinda like freckles not one big patch what should i do? is a vet visit neccessary?

[Blizzarddude]

I would think so.

[tigerlily]

If you think it's scale rot, then yes you need to see a vet. Even if you're not sure, it may be a good idea to have it checked out by a vet anyway.

[Lady Python]

Definitely take your snake to the vet. What's the humidity in his viv set at?

[alexrls]

his humidity was a bit off the last week or so im gonna scedule an appointment thanks

[Lady Python]

My BPs humidity is usually 50%. BPs don't need a lot of humidity. When they're in shed I put an extra water bowl on the warm side and put a humid box in (easy to make for nothing) and give the viv a misting morning and night. My BPs use the humid box all the time. As soon as they've shed, I take the humid box and extra water bowl out again. I also use paper towel as substrate (cheap and easy to clean).

Here's the humid hide I use. I made it out of an old strawberry box (they tasted good btw), cut a hole in the side and lined it with damp paper towel. Although it's clear, it gets hidden under the plastic leaves I have in the viv.

This way, the viv doesn't get too humid and lessens the chance of scale rot or respiritory infections, and my BPs love it

[Adam_Wysocki]

BPs don't need a lot of humidity.

Relative to what?

-adam

[new2BP]

i am courious to know how high the humdity level would have to be for a BP to get scale rot and for how. also, how long would it take, a couple weeks, month or a few days.

[Lady Python]

Adam relative to, say a Brazilian Rainbow Boa which needs high humidity.


50-55% is more than adequate for a BP. Increase to 55% - 60% as soon as they're eyes turn blue when they're in shed. As soon as they've shed, bring the humidity back down to 50-55%. My original BP, Byron has had perfect sheds every time. My new rescue BP, I'm hoping will shed perfectly when he comes into shed (hopefully soon). It is a good idea to have a humidity gauge and there are many good ones on the market.

New2BP I have never encountered scale rot or respiratory problems (and intend to keep it that way) so I couldn't say how long it would take. I'm sure someone else on the forum will be able to answer that question for you.

Good husbandry is so important. I use paper towel for substrate, and as soon as I see that the snakes have soiled it, I clean it out immediately. Good husbandry will lessen the risks of problems, keep the snakes comfortable and help reduce vet bills.

[Adam_Wysocki]

Adam relative to, say a Brazilian Rainbow Boa which needs high humidity.

But not relative to an average homes relative humidity. Homes running electric heat sources in the winter or central A/C sytems in the summer can have RTH levels far lower than what a ball python needs on a daily basis to be healthy.

-adam