Quote Originally Posted by pineapplepancake View Post
I ended up taking in a friend's BP on about Feb. 3rd spur of the moment-I felt really bad because he needed to get rid of his snake FAST and he didn't know what else to do. I have a 24 yr old Cali king snake of my own, so I helped out. But I'm kind of anxious because there are things with this snake that are making me uncomfortable...

The BP is still a baby. The first two weeks he didn't eat at all-I was switching from live to f/t, but finally managed to do so. Ate for the first time on 2/16, fed again on 2/19 because he looked really skinny-loose skin and spine was showing-and again on 2/24. Adult f/t mouse all 3 times. Snake hasn't pooped since 2/7 though and is due to eat tomorrow. He feels better as far as weight/hydration go though.

I'm not sure when the last shed was though. Lately, he's started to look more dull, and I noticed lots of random small dark spots on the snake-though I'm not sure if they're just markings or something else? Also, when I handle him, I've noticed that there are some "scratchy" patches on his belly-but when I check him, his belly looks completely normal.

Temps are difficult to say. Cool side is usually about 75-77, warm side goes from about 86-91. I use a UTH and a lamp to raise ambient temps, so that screws with humidity-which is anywhere from 50-80 (I have to spray A LOT to maintain it, so it goes up and down pretty fast). It's usually around 60 though. I've got a custom order in for a non-glass tank, but unfortunately that's what I'm stuck with for now.

I'm just nervous because I'm doing what I can for now-but something feels off. Am I being crazy or can someone give me tips?

These are the spots I'm talking about.

First off, holy smokes a 24 year old king snake?? Sweet!

Sounds like you're trying though!! I strongly recommend looking at the tank sticky thread. Covering the screen top with some foil will help keep in the humidity. Also, make sure you are using a good thermometer/hygrometer (no sticky or dial ones, they don't work great).

The acurite multi one is a cheap easy one to use from walmart.

Make sure the UTH is on a thermostat or the snake can burn itself. The scratchy patches could be dehydration, a shed coming on or a popped blister if the UTH isn't regulated.

Make sure there is plenty of fresh water, if he/she looks dehydrated on the body you can soak him/her for a little bit (not in too deep of water though) and they will soak up some water. ^^if the body is showing the spine a little and there are wrinkle spots when he/she makes the "S" shape then that's a sign of dehydration.