Dry scales

Mamaroad · 01-12-12, 11:00 PM

Hello everyone - just wondering if anyone might know what would cause really dry belly scales?

We have a 3ft ball and the last few days I've been noticing that her belly scales are really dry - is this at all normal?

Thanks for your input!

ZARADOZIA · 01-13-12, 03:16 AM

What are the temps and humidity levels? Balls tend to be (at least mine is) sensitive to low humidity and this winter has been very dry so I am actually having trouble keeping it at teh right level for her.

jaleely · 01-13-12, 03:22 AM

Has the snake shed in a while? Agreed, what kind of substrate and what are the temps, and humidity levels

Just go through the list from a care sheet online and check to see that everything is in order...if not, that's probably your problem! And if it is...well come back and let us know and we will help you work through it!

Mamaroad · 01-13-12, 11:33 PM

I think it is the humidity - it has been really dry - misting regularly but have to get a reader - the temps are perfect in the tanks.

I think I might get a humidifier this weekend and keep it by their tanks to help counter the dryness in the house.

SpOoKy · 01-13-12, 11:53 PM

What type of substrate is in the tank?

Mamaroad · 01-14-12, 10:31 PM

Aspen chip for the substrate but we are switching to Aspen & Moss Matt very soon. Got it figured out though - she is definately getting ready to shed. We soaked her tonight for about 20 minutes in Shed-Ease and her skin felt much better.

I did check at the pet store today and apparently this time of year it is quite common to get dry scale due to the fluctuation in the tempers and the dry winter air.

Thanks for all the input!

SpOoKy · 01-15-12, 11:24 AM

i would change the substrate to coco husk or something like that. I found that my bp didn't do too well on aspen. Once I switched over he perked right up, didn't have dry scales at ate more regularly.

Lankyrob · 01-15-12, 01:15 PM

You can have issues with mold using aspen with a BP as the humidity needs to be higher than for some snakes. I personally use reptibark for all my snakes.

Gungirl · 01-15-12, 01:17 PM

I use aspen mixed 50/50 with cypress. It keeps the humidity perfect and no mold issues ever....

DavethePython · 01-15-12, 05:32 PM

We have switched out totally to a moss mat . allowing us to keep damp and dry areas . I have been using this in Dave's viv for a couple weeks and it seems to be doing great . BTW Mamaroad is my wife .