King Snake Health Problem - Need advice

[jji92]

Hello people,

so I have had a king snake (california kingsnake - lampropeltis getulus californiae) for over a year now with no problems.

I have recently noticed that my snake has some yellow color tone scales on its belly (instead of bright black and white as usual). This is the first time this has ever happened in over a year and I am pretty sure it is due to the fact that I have had less time to clean his cage regularly and throw away poo regularly etcetera.

So I am rather concerned for him, but have started a treatment this past week. Basically what I am doing is regularly bath the snake with water and soap and clean the entire vivarium on a daily basis (so there is no risk for mites too if that is the problem). When I clean a vivarium I move him to another one I have and viceversa, so he is always in a clean one. I noticed the vivariums smell much more compared to the past so I am pretty sure the yellow scales are a hygien problem due to dirty living areas.

I just wanted to ask you will this treatment evetually sort the problem? Clearly I will be more careful in the future so no need to attack me, I take full blame and responsability for what happened and will be sure to avoid this in the future, I just need help for the fixing the issue now.

I would really like some perosnal opinions especially from people that have had similar issues.!

Thank you,

Kindest Regards

[EL Ziggy]

I'm not quite sure what the issue could be. Can you post pictures of your snake?

[franks]

I would not use soap to wash the snake. Pictures would help alot. I think you should focus on giving him proper heat, and keeping his cage dry. Use paper towels for substrate for now.

[Tsubaki]

Don't wash the snake with soap again, that dries out the scales and only aggravates the problem. Don't soak the snake at all before you know what the problem is, try to take a clear picture.. And meanwhile keep the bedding clean and dry,