how long have you had him in that cage? composite is also called melamine board. It has a chemical called formaldehyde in it. I'm pretty sure that California has stopped the use of particle board melamine use because of that reason. I'm not saying that that is the problem with your snake But it is something that you should know! I hope your little guy gets better! I know what it is like to have a sick pet! My 14 year old malamute is very sick right now and its breaking my heart![]()