Help~my ball python neck scale does not look right

[ReptileRant]

Thank you so much! So I don't need to worry about like parasite or some inner disease right? The cage makes the humidity always around 70%. I thought it may be kind of too high, but since they shed and eat well so I didn't lower it. Maybe I should drill more holes?

No definitely not, I guessing he’s either rubbing against something or the humidity might be a slight bit high. 70% really isn’t to much higher than it should be. 60% is the best for them, but a little higher or lower doesn’t hurt.


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[alice40604345]

Mine gets this sometimes when he starts to grow out of his hide. He starts lifting it with his head instead of exiting the hole a quick hide upgrade and shed solves the issue for me.

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Oh thank you! That's possible for mine too! ! This also happens too your snake's head/neck right? My hides have small entrance, I bought those black plastic hides, I always think the entrance is not big enough and the height is too low! May be when they squeeze their head/neck under the hide side out and pull back make those scales injured and peeled up? Thank you guys, I was so worried this morning and now I feel so relief!

[alice40604345]

No definitely not, I guessing he’s either rubbing against something or the humidity might be a slight bit high. 70% really isn’t to much higher than it should be. 60% is the best for them, but a little higher or lower doesn’t hurt.


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Thank you!!! I was so worried about what causes this and search around the whole morning but haven't seen people post symptoms like this. Now I'm so relieved. I'll make more holes and try to lower the humidity! His old glass tank was always around 50% but too low during shedding, and hard to keep humidity so I change to those cages, but then the humidity is hard to get lower

[Igotsmallballs]

I have a bp that has almost the same markings. She was in an terrestrial cage with a foam backing. She had climbed back there twice. Nudging her head between the plastic and the backing. I’m certain that’s we’re her scrape marks came from. She had outgrown her cool side hide and I didn’t realize it. I replaced her hide with a bigger one and removed the backing. Your snake may be trying to push through your lid if it’s a tub with latches. Also if you are concerned with sharp plastic hides. You can always take a lighter and smooth the rough edges.

[alice40604345]

I have a bp that has almost the same markings. She was in an terrestrial cage with a foam backing. She had climbed back there twice. Nudging her head between the plastic and the backing. I’m certain that’s we’re her scrape marks came from. She had outgrown her cool side hide and I didn’t realize it. I replaced her hide with a bigger one and removed the backing. Your snake may be trying to push through your lid if it’s a tub with latches. Also if you are concerned with sharp plastic hides. You can always take a lighter and smooth the rough edges.

Thank you!! I feel much relieved! I guess it might be the hide with small entrance!

[Bogertophis]

Looks to me like some scales are folded &/or scraped by something your snake slid under. Not a big deal...snake's equivalent of a skinned knee.

[dakski]

Looks like it could be a little scratch/rub.

Keep in eye on it and if it gets worse, put some neosporin on it. However, NEVER USE THE NEOSPORIN or any antibacterial cream that has PAINKILLER agent in it. JUST ANTIBIOTICS.

However, I bet that disappears next shed.

Shayna, my albino spider BP had something similar on her head from rubbing or hitting something - maybe the door of her hide when she struck a rat? Two days of neosporin and she was back to normal the next shed.

Good to be cautious and notice these things, but I wouldn't worry too much unless you see it getting worse or see your BP rubbing.

[Bogertophis]

...

Keep in eye on it and if it gets worse, put some neosporin on it. However, NEVER USE THE NEOSPORIN or any antibacterial cream that has PAINKILLER agent in it. JUST ANTIBIOTICS...

Agree except I think you meant to say "antiseptics", not "antibiotics"? And may I suggest using Vetericyn- it's a topical made for snakes...water-based, not petroleum-jelly-based like most ointments for humans, & fyi, if you use too much of them on snakes it can cause their scales to de-laminate, making for terrible sheds.

[dakski]

Agree except I think you meant to say "antiseptics", not "antibiotics"? And may I suggest using Vetericyn- it's a topical made for snakes...water-based, not petroleum-jelly-based like most ointments for humans, & fyi, if you use too much of them on snakes it can cause their scales to de-laminate, making for terrible sheds.

Thanks Bogertophis. I think you are correct.

Yeah, just stay away from the painkilling stuff.

[Bogertophis]

...Yeah, just stay away from the painkilling stuff.

I knew what you meant, lol, just don't want to confuse anyone.