Quote Originally Posted by seabiscuit245 View Post
Hello Ball Python Owners! I just brought Severus (a ball python) from my friend. I've know him for a year and he needed a new home so I took him. She said he was having trouble shedding, but once I got him I found the his belly was super red, dry and tough. He seems to be in pain. In one area he has a rip in the dry skin and the skin underneath in bloody. He's not bleeding but the skin under the dry skin is very new and have blood on it. I'm worried. Should I bring him to the vet? If not, what do I do? I've heard that this happens to ball pythons that are rough when they shed. Is that true?
It sounds like you have multiple issues going on. First, bleeding is never a result of shedding. Second, it sounds like he has possibly suffered a belly burn. Third, what do you mean a rip in the dry skin? Lastly, a bad shed is typically a sign of humidity levels that are too low.

I would have to say it seems as if the snake was a victim of bad husbandry. What does your friend say about it's condition?

I would get him to a vet asap. Also, begin reading on how to properly care for a ball python. There are a lot of people and threads here that will chime in to help you.

Good luck on taking over his care!