A question and some pics

[Chris F.]

My 8 month old has several rings comprised of bent scales running most of the length of his body with the exception of the neck and tail areas. The humidity in the cage is usually around 50% and I catch him drinking occasionally (I'm trying to break him of that habit) so I don't think dehydration is the problem. He stays curled in a ball most of the time when basking so I suspect this has something to do with it. Does anyone have any ideas? I tried to get some good pics of the affected areas. Check them out and shoot me back some info if you can. Thanks.....chris

notice the circled area


a more detailed shot


and a close up of his handsome mug

[zouleous]

I saw what looked to be exactly the same thing on a Peruvian Red Tail Boa about a month and a half ago. The guy said he thought it was from the tree in their house that the snake curls around and sits in all the time. Their snake is VERY friendly and he's out like all the time almost like a house pet hehe. Do you have anything he grips on to in his cage that could cause these?

Z

[Edwin]

I have seen that on my columbian bci, but they disappear after 10 minutes or so. I think they are simply creases from curling up, just like the creases on our fingers etc.

The only difference is that my bci does not have as many creases as yours does, she just has 1 or 2 at the most, and they are not as deep.

Are there any wires or cables in your terrarium that your snake is climbing or wrapping itself around?

[Zoe]

Yeah they look like "tight" marks to me too. Perhaps a plastic vine?

That is a GORGEOUS snake by the way!!!

[BoidKeeper]

Could you explain what you meant by this statement please

...I catch him drinking occasionally (I'm trying to break him of that habit)

What are the temps like, maybe he is in a heat conservation position all the time. What size is your cage? Can he stretch out by at least half? My ETB gets those same marks some times too but they go away when he uncoils and starts roaming.
Cheers,
Trevor

[jason h]

this happens to many snakes how big is the hole in its hide many times they get it if the hole is snug and the quikly reverse into it,(as if they were laying part way out then got startled) It can occure from many things but basically its just scaled thet get bent when they go backwards against something and enventually though it may take a very long time they will go back to normal with shedding(but dont expect it to happen in one or two sheds, shes a beauty though so i woundnt let it worry you to much.

[rethius]

I see those "bent" scales whenever my snakes are curled up on a branch for long periods of time!

[Chris F.]

Could you explain what you meant by this statement please Quote:
...I catch him drinking occasionally (I'm trying to break him of that habit)

that statement was just a joke, ie drinking alcohol ha ha.

his cage is plenty large with simple furnishings (two hide boxes and a water dish). He just enjoys curling up tightly no matter where he is. Thanks to everyone for the info and compliments

[BoidKeeper]

Maybe its time for some snake AA! lol Now keep your eyes open for smoke coming from one of his hides! lol I did forget to mention how nice he is, sorry. I love his colour, lots of pink!
Cheers,
Trevor