Ball python flaky scales... HELP

[bowman1710]

Hi Guys,

I'm new to this forum I thought I'd ask people with some experience before taking her to the vets. Her temp levels are 29c hot side 25c cold side. Her humidity is around 70%. At the moment I have noticed that her scales underneath are flaky almost like the top layer is coming off, some of her other scales seem like they are coming away from her body a bit. She did her usual going grey and pale so she is due very soon for a shed. I have read it can be because of a previous bad shed but was concerned it was something more sinister then that. I have uploaded some pics of her and her vivarium. Any help would be appreciated.

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[Snizards]

Hmm.. I've only seen this happen when there is a low humidity issue. Are you sure your humidity is around 70%? I notice you are using a red heat bulb, bulbs can really dry out the air and that's why a UTH is recommended instead for Ball Pythons.

It can also be in indication of a shed about to start, usually a bad one when the scales are flaky like that. Make sure you provide a clean water bowl and change it out every other day. I've known snakes that wouldn't drink water unless it was kept fresh.

[bowman1710]

Thanks snizards for your reply. I wasn't sure that my digital hygrometer was that accurate (have been doubting the readings that last few months) so went to the shop and just bought an analogue one. My digital one seems to be reading 15% higher then it actually is. So I've adjusted the vivarium that now it's sitting at 60-65%. All if fine now, she shed and it was an awful one at that. Checked her eyes etc because I was surprised she managed to get the caps off. I've used bulbs with no issue so hesitant to change to anything else, she seems to kick up the substrate a lot so always worried she will burn herself on it. I think I will just stick to analogue hygrometers for now lol.

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