Red Belly on Ball Python

[Bob212]

My ball python's belly has been looking a little more red lately. I know it's normal around shed time and it is probably close to time for him but his belly is a lot darker than last time. Temps are good and there are no indications of burns. Is a deeper red normal and does the redness of the belly change between sheds? Thank you!

[Bogertophis]

The pinkish belly associated with shedding should be pretty much the same each time. It would help if we could actually SEE your snake, and also, we don't know & cannot assume what you mean by "temps are good"-

Be specific, because burns sometimes happen when you think they couldn't POSSIBLY have happened. Also, if your measurement device isn't accurate, that's another way to fail & end up with a burned snake. Burns are serious injuries & your snake cannot tell you how much they hurt- so it's important to KNOW for sure if that's what's going on with your snake. The fact that "it's a lot darker than last time" is enough to make me concerned, & it should make you concerned too.

And if you need to find a qualified herp vet (ie. -if you don't feel comfortable with what we can tell you here), this site may help: https://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661

[Bob212]

I came back the next day and it was not nearly as red as I thought it was. I think it was just weird lighting, than do much for the help though!