New bp owner, question about its scales

[daxter325]

Hello All,


Long time lurker here. Proud owner of a high contrast albino ball python for the past month. However (as with any first timer) I wanted to ask a question about something I realized about my little guy's scales. I tried searching the forums if anyone asked anything similar and Google images for a similar picture. It doesn't look like mites to me and its definitely not a burn. Could it be something he'll out grow/shed? Or something normal?

Any help please, and any advice as well.

Set up: 15 gal tank with stable humidity levels at around 60%, "warm" side is 84 degrees "cool" side is 70 degrees, eats f/t large mice and weighs approximately 170 grams he's about 3 months old

[Daybreaker]

Is there anything in the tank that he's been squished up next to (a textured hide, water bowl, etc)? Looks like indents from being pressed up against something to me

[Velrys]

Looks like maybe some previous damage that is healing. Take a look at it again after his next shed and see if gets any better, keep an eye on it to make sure it isn't spreading in the mean time.

On a side note your temps are low. The hotspot should be at 88 to 90 and the cool side should be down around 80. What do you use for a heating element? How is the temperature controlled?

[barbie.dragon]

It looks like the scales are like bent. Noticed this on my albino as well. Nothing to worry about!

Hot side should be at 90 and the cool side should be a bit higher than 70.

[daxter325]

Ah thank you all for the replies

He just had his first shed and it was a perfect shed. And those marks still stayed just got a little more noticeable after the shed. I'll definitely keep an eye on it but I wanted to ask experienced owners before I start getting worried. I'll give an update in about a month to see everyone thoughts about it again.

He doesn't really lay on anything, just in his hide then he comes out a night and hangs on a vine a few times and comes back down and lays there until the morning time and then goes back in his hide

For heating I have an under tank heater and a 40w red light.

Also another question, what's the general consensus regarding rats vs mice as feeders. Is there a definite nutritional difference between the two? I would like to start him on rats - he shows interest but doesn't budge probably because it's still a little big I'm guessing. So for now he just has large mice.

[Izzys Keeper]

My albino has that too

[CORBIN911]

All my babies have had that on the lighter colors, almost looks like missing scales, come 400+grams it all goes away.