Ball Python with Pink Belly?

[RR - Mackenzie]

I just got out my ball python to hold (he's around my shoulder ), and after checking his scales (they got a little damaged after he escaped, they should be better after he sheds), and after checking him out, I noticed his belly is pink! I've never seen this on him before, and I was wondering what could have caused this? He hasn't eaten since November, and I will be getting some ASFR this June at the Columbus reptile expo...

I was wondering why is his belly pink? What could have caused it?

* He's a normal ball python, three years old, and a little over 1,600 grams... we are not sure of his sex... but I call him a boy

[Boanerges]

Sounds like he is going into shed but post some pics if you can to be sure

[jimbo4382]

I'd also say shed or possibly a burn. Pics required for a full answer

Jim

[RR - Mackenzie]

Sorry, I don't have a camera on me right now. But it's not a burn, it's just a light pink... it is all the way up and down his body, so I doubt it's a burn. Besides, he isn't in pain... He's wrapped around my neck. It's just a light pink.

And he hasn't eaten since November... How can he possibly shed? If he hasn't gained any weight or gotten larger?

[coldblooded]

He's going into shed

[musicalKeyes]

I think normally with a burn, only the parts touching the heat will be red, and dark red. So if his entire belly is light pink and even, it's a shed. Nothing to worry about!

[sarahlovesmiike]

(they got a little damaged after he escaped, they should be better after he sheds)

Ball pythons go into rapid shed cycles when they have damaged scales, they heal quicker this way.

[RR - Mackenzie]

Ball pythons go into rapid shed cycles when they have damaged scales, they heal quicker this way.

That's good to know! Thanks

[MarkS]

Like others have said, he's getting ready to shed. I've never seen a burn that was an even pink all the way down the belly.

[David802]

For some more confirmation that it is in shed check this link out.

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=28794

or go back to the general section and find it there. I actually just had to read through it again because I got my girl out and her eyes are REALLY grey/blue. It was a great help in identifying which stage she was in so I could figure out what to expect and how long to wait before bothering her.