scale rot.

ilovemysnake · 12-16-13, 04:47 PM

the other day someone mentioned that if substrate is too damp is can give a snake scale rot. that i know, but i was wondering, both my snake's hides have moss in them that is damp, so they have a humid hide. They both seem to enjoy it, never coming out. Is it possible that by them staying in there so much would cause scale rot? if possible, is it likely?

If the answers to these are yes, what should i do because they love it in there, theyre always under the moss, in the moss, or on it. I dont want to stress them out by taking the moss out, though i dont want to put the snakes health in danger.

**Aaron_S** · 12-16-13, 05:07 PM

I don't see a problem as in general it's a constant wetness mixed with poop and the like that causes scale rot. If you notice any discolouration towards pink or red of the bellies then I would remove it. It SHOULDN'T be a problem but just keep an eye on them.

Why would taking it away stress them?

ilovemysnake · 12-16-13, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

I don't see a problem as in general it's a constant wetness mixed with poop and the like that causes scale rot. If you notice any discolouration towards pink or red of the bellies then I would remove it. It SHOULDN'T be a problem but just keep an eye on them.

Why would taking it away stress them?

i just thought it would because they use it for cover and comfort.

KORBIN5895 · 12-16-13, 06:31 PM

It was me that mentioned scale rot. What I was referring to was the idea of using to substrates that hold a lot of water as your main substrate would lead to scale rot. If they are in their humid hides all the time the humidity in your enclosure is probably too low.

**Aaron_S** · 12-16-13, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KORBIN5895

It was me that mentioned scale rot. What I was referring to was the idea of using to substrates that hold a lot of water as your main substrate would lead to scale rot. If they are in their humid hides all the time the humidity in your enclosure is probably too low.

It's quite possible that it's not humid enough but there's also the chance that they don't feel secure anywhere else.

**Aaron_S** · 12-16-13, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovemysnake

i just thought it would because they use it for cover and comfort.

Snakes don't operate that way. If you offered paper towel or newspaper they would find a way to be comfortable and covered with that too.

KORBIN5895 · 12-16-13, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

It's quite possible that it's not humid enough but there's also the chance that they don't feel secure anywhere else.

True but we are talking about an aquarium with a screen lid.

ilovemysnake · 12-16-13, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KORBIN5895

True but we are talking about an aquarium with a screen lid.

i keep humidity at 50% and they have plenty of fake plants to hide in and everything. and hides, and the wood they can hide in too. i keep a wet towel on the top of the lid, 2/3 of it is covered.

**Aaron_S** · 12-16-13, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KORBIN5895

True but we are talking about an aquarium with a screen lid.

Good point.

Could be a mix of the two. Depends how snug the other hides are.

Meh. Doesn't seem to be an issue as of yet.

ilovemysnake · 12-16-13, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

Good point.

Could be a mix of the two. Depends how snug the other hides are.

Meh. Doesn't seem to be an issue as of yet.

one small hides each side, a the humid hide is in the middle, it could fit an adult ball python. i got it so they can grow into it as well. also have a ton of foliage around. idk. i guess they just really like it.

**Aaron_S** · 12-17-13, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovemysnake

one small hides each side, a the humid hide is in the middle, it could fit an adult ball python. i got it so they can grow into it as well. also have a ton of foliage around. idk. i guess they just really like it.

If the moss is under the large hide then they go in it because the burrowing makes them feel secure. If you took that out I doubt they'd use it often. Snakes like to be super snug.

ilovemysnake · 12-17-13, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

If the moss is under the large hide then they go in it because the burrowing makes them feel secure. If you took that out I doubt they'd use it often. Snakes like to be super snug.

What about when i put substrate in? think theyll use that instead of the hide?

**Aaron_S** · 12-17-13, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovemysnake

What about when i put substrate in? think theyll use that instead of the hide?

I dunno. Depends on the individual snake and what makes them comfortable. My guess would be yes. They may burrow in the substrate under the hide.

ilovemysnake · 12-17-13, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

I dunno. Depends on the individual snake and what makes them comfortable. My guess would be yes. They may burrow in the substrate under the hide.

alright thanks!