What is it?

[damzookeeper]

Hi, I was playing with my ball pythons the other day and noticed they had kind of like little spirs or something (not sure what they are called) on each side of their vents. What are these things and what are they used for? Thanks. Deb.

[lostwithin]

Hi the spurs are vestigial limbs. In simpler words they are what is left of the legs that once would have been found on the species that snakes evolved from.

Devon

[damzookeeper]

So, if my 4.5 year old male has lost one (apparently before I got him) there is no danger to him? It looks all healed and all. He also has a bad scale on his forhead that looks like a scab, from before I got him. Will this go away when he sheds? Or will I have to watch it and do anything for him to help that area shed? Thanks for the info, now that you said that I think I remember hearing it somewhere before. lol. Just kind of scared me, at first I thought he had some kind of parasite till I looked closer. lol.

[Jeff_Favelle]

So, if my 4.5 year old male has lost one (apparently before I got him) there is no danger to him?

No, its bad. He'll never be able to walk again.

[mykee]

LOL!!

[CHACHI]

Jeff and his antics Good stuff Jeff!!!

[Stockwell]

LOL, nice one Jeff!!
Deb, most Regius spurs or claws in older animals are not actually as big as they seem. The outer coating tends to not shed every time, and they therfore build size with age. Occasionally the built up outer husk fall off revealing a clean smaller white spur.
In several months they will again be long and dark.
Those spurs are only used by males to scratch females.. It's part of their courting ritual.
Many pythons and boas have these claws or spurs.

The scar on the head should heal rapidly and shed perfectly after a few sheds. It will probably never look perfect but it won't impair shedding once it's healed.

[damzookeeper]

Thanks Roy. Much appriciated!

And Jeff, don't quite your day job. lol, but it was funny, maybe you could have a part time job as a comedian.

[Jeff_Favelle]