If your snake has scale rot, you can help them by gently cleaning the affected area. You can use a chlorhexidine solution or a trusted reptile wound solution to gently clean the affected scales twice each day.
To make the betadine solution, mix one part betadine to three parts water. After each soaking, gently dry the scales with paper towels. After drying the affected area, apply an over-the-counter triple antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin. Do not purchase any antibiotic ointment with a pain-relieving agent. Check the temperature and humidity levels in the enclosure at least once a day, and make adjustments if necessary. This health issue is no joke, and can lead to a world of complications for your poor pet.
Fortunately, preventing it is actually fairly simple. As long as you know what to watch out for and provide consistent and high-quality care, your snake should be just fine. We always enjoy hearing from our readers! Hunter Briggs is an experienced reptile breeder who has been keeping and raising various species over the past seven years. What initially started as curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion for herpetology, and a connection with the reptile community as a whole.
Reptile Direct. R Resources. Scale Rot Causes 1. Elevated Humidity 2. Insufficient Temperature In Their Habitat 3. A Filthy Enclosure 4. Hunter Briggs Hunter Briggs is an experienced reptile breeder who has been keeping and raising various species over the past seven years. You May Also Like. Read More 7 minute read. Figuring out how to sex a snake is something that many owners struggle with.
There are many different…. Sand can get on the food and into the mouth of your snake. It is also difficult to clean. If you prefer sand as a substrate, you might want to try out Reptile Sciences Terrarium Sand for Aquarium.
This is a cheap novel idea snake owners are adopting. Check out the best prices of astroturf here. These are a great option if you are not concerned about aesthetics. They are cheap, comfortable for your pet, absorbent and easily changeable when it gets soiled. This is a great and inexpensive substrate option. It is aesthetically pleasing, breaks down odor and holds humidity well.
It is also readily available in a pet store. However, it is also a good place for mites to hide in and thrive. Coconut chips take the cake when it comes to snake beddings. A great example is Retichip Coconut Substrate. It is made from natural coconut chips, pet-friendly and non-toxic.
It has become one of the most sought after substrate because it holds humidity and moisture well, and is mold resistant.
It is comfortable for snakes and great for them to burrow in. They are aesthetically pleasing, break down odor, great for living plants in the tank and are affordable. They are known to expand and are long-lasting. When you are done using the chips in your snake tank, you can easily throw it in your garden as they are not acidic and break down easily. Alternatively, you can get also try out Exo Terra Coco Husk for a similar yet affordable option.
Unlike substrate, getting the right humidity and moisture content is quite tedious. It is even more so for tropical snakes which your ball python falls into.
They usually require a temperature that exceeds room temperature as it strengthens their immune system, improves their appearance and color vision.
The first step to regulating humidity is to understand the needs of your snake. While some snakes can withstand moist areas others come down with scale rot just after spending a few hours in a humid environment. One way to know if your cage has the right humid temperature is to pay attention to how your snake sheds. Two factors necessary for humidity in your snake tanks are airflow and heat.
If you can get these two under control, your snake will be more comfortable and you will be happier. Heat lamps are available in pet stores and online. Some great choices are the Zilla premium reflector domes , Fluker sun dome , and Hoke flexible clamp lamp. You are going to need a thermometer or hygrometer that can track humidity so you keep both temperature and humidity balanced for your pet at all times. You also need to create a cool area where your snake can go to when it has had enough heat.
Living in an unsanitary condition increases the chances of your snake contacting scale rot. To keep diseases away, pick up after your snake as you would a child.
Look out for food remnants and feces all the time and take them out of the enclosure whenever you find something. Make sure you use the best substrate you can find for your pet. The production material of the cage is important. Plastic cages are more popular among Breeders while hobbyist use glass so they can see the snake and enjoy it as it moves.
It is advisable to have a backup cage for your snake that will be kept far apart from the primary cage. Apply a disinfectant to the tank and all its accessories and allow to sit for at least 10 minutes. If you have Rocks and hides they should be cleaned and treated.
For 30 minutes boil the rock while the hide should be incinerated in an oven. Rinse all items in warm water paying special attention to wooden or porous items which can retain disinfectant. It is imperative to never wash the snake cage and items in the same sink you use for cooking or bathing.
Use a sturdy water bowl that is difficult for the snake to knock over and not big enough for the snake to soak in. You would want a substrate that is comfortable for your snake, easy to clean, can absorb water, is mold resistant, breaks down odor and holds humidity well. A malnourished snake is not well-armed to fight off diseases.
Ensure you study the dietary needs and feeding patterns of your snake. You also need a water bowl for small snakes that look like this or bigger bowls like this for larger snakes in your snake tank all the time. Again, study your pet to know if it requires a big bowl or a small one as some snakes drink more than others.
However, do not use a bowl your snake can soak in. You should feed your adult ball python a defrosted or live mouse once or twice a week and juveniles should be fed more frequently as they are growing fast. A healthy and well-nourished snake will shed regularly, have clear and attentive eyes, have consistent behavior and regular feeding habits. Ball pythons are one of the best snake pets as they are not venomous, do not get too big and are low in maintenance. They are the ideal choice for individuals who want unconventional pets.
Learning the most appropriate ways to handle them can keep scale rot away. A clean and healthy habitat, keen observation and quick detection is the answer to all health issues your pet may have. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Home Amphibians All Frogs Salamander. Axolotl Care: How to take care of an axolotl. Jumping Spider Care Are jumping spider good pets? What do jumping spiders look like? Jumping spider facts and lifespan. Are jumping spiders friendly or harmful to us? You could notice that the skin becomes blistered in a small area and have a yellow-white look, it will look like pus under the skin. This is a bacterial infection, so blisters are a the first or most popular indication that your pet has potential got scale rot starting.
This is why and where it gets tricky to check if it is scale rot or a burn. In patches you will notice that the skin will have a brownish discolouration. This can be difficult to see on darker colours snakes or lizards but is often found on the underbelly of the reptile. Also ensure that the snake is not going through a shedding cycle as this could be signs of old skin that has something underneath it.
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